1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Season the Flour: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until well combined.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip in the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press down lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
2. Cook the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; you may need to cook them in batches.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
3. Prepare the BBQ Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce with honey and apple cider vinegar (if using). Adjust the sweetness and tanginess to your taste.
- Heat the Sauce: For a warm BBQ sauce, you can heat it gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
4. Toss in BBQ Sauce and Serve
- Toss the Tenders: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the BBQ sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat them evenly.
- Garnish: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve the BBQ-coated chicken tenders with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. They pair well with sides like coleslaw, fries, or a simple green salad.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Avoid Overcrowding: Ensure the tenders are in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating helps to get a crispy exterior on the chicken tenders.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary depending on the size of the tenders and the model of your air fryer. Check for doneness with a meat thermometer.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces such as honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or ranch.
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with BBQ Sauce are a delicious and healthier alternative to fried chicken, delivering the same great flavor with less oil. Enjoy the crispy texture and tangy BBQ sauce for a tasty and satisfying meal!