Air fryer Chicken Tenders BBQ Sauce

1. Marinate the Chicken:

  • In a bowl, soak the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This step helps to tenderize the chicken and keep it moist during cooking.

2. Prepare the Coating:

  • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken:

  • Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer:

  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.

5. Arrange the Chicken Tenders:

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they do not touch so the air can circulate around them, ensuring even cooking. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

6. Cook:

  • Spray the top of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps achieve a golden color and crispy texture.
  • Cook for about 8-10 minutes, then flip the tenders over, spray the other side lightly, and cook for another 5-7 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is golden and crispy.

7. Serve with BBQ Sauce:

  • Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite BBQ sauce on the side for dipping.

Tips:

  • Marinating Time: For even juicier tenders, you can marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight in the refrigerator.
  • No Buttermilk? If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Crispiness: For extra crispiness, you can add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the flour mixture.
  • Internal Temperature: The safest way to ensure the chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Enjoy your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with BBQ Sauce, a simple yet delicious meal that’s perfect for any day of the week!

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