AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

These AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS are the perfect blend of sweet and spicy, making them an ideal choice for any occasion. Whether you’re gearing up for a game day snack, serving a family dinner, or preparing appetizers for a party, these crispy chicken tenders will impress everyone. The unique combination of honey and Sriracha adds a delightful kick, while the air fryer makes them healthier without sacrificing flavor. Get ready to satisfy your cravings with this irresistible dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up these tenders in no time.
• Flavor Packed: The blend of honey, Sriracha, and BBQ sauce creates a mouthwatering taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or main course – they fit any meal plan!
• Healthy Option: Air frying reduces oil usage while keeping the chicken crispy and delicious.
• Easy Cleanup: Minimal mess is involved with this recipe, making it perfect for busy cooks.

Tools and Preparation

Getting ready to make these air fryer chicken tenders is simple! Having the right tools on hand will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Three shallow bowls
• Whisk
• Cooking spray
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This tool cooks the chicken tenders evenly while giving them that perfect crispy texture.
• Three shallow bowls: These help create an easy breading station for coating the chicken.
• Whisk: Essential for mixing sauces smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Honey Sriracha BBQ Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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How to Make AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season each tender with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance their flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

Set up your breading station:
1. Place flour in one bowl.
2. Pour beaten eggs into the second bowl.
3. Fill the third bowl with panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in flour first, then dip into eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine honey, Sriracha sauce, BBQ sauce, and olive oil. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.

Step 6: Glaze the Chicken

In the last two minutes of cooking time, generously brush the chicken tenders with your prepared honey Sriracha BBQ sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked through, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Drizzle with any remaining sauce for added flavor. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides or dipping sauces!

How to Serve AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

These crispy honey Sriracha BBQ chicken tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delightful ways. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a meal, or something to impress guests, these tenders will fit the bill.

As a Main Dish

• Pair with rice or quinoa for a filling meal.
• Serve with a fresh salad for a healthy balance.

In a Wrap

• Use tortillas to create delicious wraps filled with chicken tenders, lettuce, and your favorite sauces.
• Add some avocado for extra creaminess.

As an Appetizer

• Serve them on skewers with dipping sauce on the side for easy snacking during gatherings.
• Perfect for game day or family movie night!

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer a variety of sauces such as ranch, blue cheese, or extra Sriracha for those who love more heat.
• A honey mustard dip complements the sweetness of the chicken nicely.

On Sliders

• Slice the tenders and place them in slider buns topped with coleslaw for a tasty twist.
• Ideal for parties or casual get-togethers!

How to Perfect AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your chicken tenders, follow these helpful tips.

• Pat Dry: Remove excess moisture from chicken tenders using paper towels. This helps achieve maximum crispiness.
• Season Well: Don’t skip seasoning before breading. This enhances the flavor of the chicken throughout.
• Use Panko: Opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They provide a crunchier texture that makes these tenders irresistible.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and crispy results on your chicken tenders.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots.
• Glaze at the End: Brush your sauce on during the last few minutes of cooking to keep it sticky and flavorful without burning.

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Best Side Dishes for AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

These chicken tenders pair beautifully with various side dishes that complement their sweet and spicy flavors. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Coleslaw
   A crunchy and tangy coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the dish perfectly.
2. Sweet Potato Fries
   The natural sweetness of sweet potato fries pairs well with the spicy barbecue flavor.
3. Garlic Mashed Potatoes
   Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer comfort alongside your crispy chicken tenders.
4. Cucumber Salad
   A light cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
5. Corn on the Cob
   Grilled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your air fryer chicken.
6. Baked Beans
   Smoky baked beans bring a hearty element that complements the flavors of honey Sriracha BBQ.
7. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrition to your plate while enhancing overall flavors.
8. Macaroni Salad
   A creamy macaroni salad is always a crowd-pleaser and works well as a side dish option!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Skipping the Drying Process: Not patting the chicken tenders dry can lead to soggy breading. Ensure you use paper towels to absorb excess moisture.
• Using Regular Breadcrumbs: Standard breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crunch. Always opt for panko breadcrumbs for that crispy texture.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Placing too many tenders in the basket can result in uneven cooking. Arrange them in a single layer for optimal air circulation.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on your air fryer model. Always check for doneness and adjust cooking time as needed.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Skipping this step can affect your chicken’s crispiness. Preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking from the start.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

• Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until warmed, flipping occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS spicier?

You can increase the amount of Sriracha sauce in the honey glaze or add red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for extra heat.

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time as they may take slightly longer.

What dipping sauces pair well with AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS?

These tenders pair great with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or extra Sriracha sauce for those who want more kick.

How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Final Thoughts

AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Feel free to customize the heat level by adjusting the Sriracha and experimenting with different sauces. Give this recipe a try; it’s sure to become a favorite!