Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Tenders coated in a seasoned cornflake crust and tossed in a homemade honey BBQ sauce. This quick and easy recipe delivers juicy chicken with a perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory flavors, all cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a healthier twist.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1.5 lb uncooked chicken tenders
- 3½ tsp garlic powder (divided)
- 3 tsp smoked paprika (divided)
- 3½ tsp onion powder (divided)
- 1 tsp salt (divided)
- 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
Breading
- 2 cups cornflakes (crushed)
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour (divided: ½ cup + 1 cup)
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray
Honey BBQ Sauce
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (divided: ½ cup + ½ cup)
- ¼ cup honey (divided: 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons)
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper evenly to infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, combine ½ cup flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. In a second bowl, mix 1½ cups crushed cornflakes with 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder. In a third bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until smooth to create the egg wash.
- Bread the Chicken: One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, dip into the whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned crushed cornflakes. Ensure each piece is fully coated on all sides for maximum crispiness.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding which can affect crispiness. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the tenders for 5–6 minutes, then flip each tender and spray again with cooking oil. Continue cooking for an additional 7–10 minutes until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on chicken tender size.
- Make Honey BBQ Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine ½ cup BBQ sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon onion powder in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and flavorful.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the tenders are hot and cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and toss with the honey BBQ sauce until fully coated and glossy.
- Serve: Serve the honey BBQ chicken tenders warm, perfect as a snack or main dish with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by repeating the egg and cornflake step before air frying.
- Adjust seasoning levels in the breading and sauce to taste if you prefer more heat or spice.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the model and size of your air fryer, so check for internal temperature 165°F to ensure doneness.
- Can be served with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce for added flavor variety.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
