The AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS combine the delightful sweetness of honey with the kick of Sriracha and BBQ sauce. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or simply when you’re craving something delicious, these tenders are both easy to make and irresistibly tasty. The air fryer ensures they come out crispy without deep frying, making them a healthier option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a flavorful dish ready in no time.
- Flavor Packed: The combination of honey, Sriracha, and BBQ sauce creates a unique sweet and spicy flavor.
- Versatile: These chicken tenders can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or snack and pair well with various sides.
- Healthier Cooking Method: Using an air fryer reduces the need for excess oil while still achieving a crispy texture.
- Crowd Pleaser: Great for gatherings or family meals; everyone will love these delicious tenders.
Tools and Preparation
Having the right tools makes this cooking process simpler and more enjoyable. Gather your equipment and get ready to whip up some tasty chicken tenders!
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Three shallow bowls
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Cooking spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: Cooks food evenly while producing a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Three shallow bowls: Essential for setting up your breading station, ensuring even coating of the chicken.
- Whisk: Helps to mix sauces smoothly for even flavor distribution.
Ingredients
To create these delicious AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS, you’ll need:
For the Chicken
- 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 Sauce
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
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 them with salt, pepper, and paprika to enhance their flavor.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Set up a breading station using three shallow bowls:
1. Fill one bowl with flour.
2. In the second bowl, place the beaten eggs.
3. In the third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in flour first, then dip into the eggs, ensuring they are fully coated before covering them in panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, BBQ sauce, and olive oil until smooth. This will be used to glaze your chicken.
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 turn crispy and golden brown.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken
In the last two minutes of cooking, brush the chicken tenders generously with your honey Sriracha BBQ sauce for added flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. Drizzle any remaining sauce over them for extra taste. 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 not only delicious but also versatile. They can be served in a variety of ways to elevate your dining experience.
With Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing: A cool and creamy contrast that balances the spicy flavors.
- Creamy Garlic Sauce: Adds a rich, garlicky taste that complements the sweetness of the tenders.
- Extra Sriracha: For those who want to crank up the heat, serve with extra Sriracha on the side.
On a Salad
- Mixed Greens: Place sliced chicken tenders on a bed of fresh greens for a flavorful salad.
- Caesar Salad: Toss in some crispy tenders for a twist on the classic Caesar, adding crunch and protein.
As Sliders
- Mini Sandwiches: Serve tenders in small buns with lettuce and your choice of sauce for tasty sliders.
- Wraps: Roll chicken tenders in tortillas with veggies and sauces for a hearty wrap option.
As an Appetizer
- Skewered Tenders: Thread onto skewers for easy serving at parties or gatherings.
- Platter Style: Arrange on a platter with various dips for a fun appetizer spread.
How to Perfect AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS
To make these chicken tenders truly irresistible, follow these tips that will enhance their flavor and texture.
- seasoning: Make sure to season the chicken well with salt, pepper, and paprika for maximum flavor.
- Double coating: For extra crunch, consider dipping the tenders back into the egg and then into panko again before air frying.
- Preheat properly: Ensure your air fryer is fully preheated to 400°F (200°C) before cooking for even crispiness.
- Use cooking spray: Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before air frying to achieve that golden brown color.
- Flip halfway through: Turn the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.
- Glaze at the end: Apply additional sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for enhanced flavor without burning it.
Best Side Dishes for AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS
Pairing sides with your chicken tenders can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to complement this dish.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and pairs beautifully with sweet and spicy flavors.
- Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes contrasts nicely with the heat from Sriracha.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn brings a summery touch that’s simple yet satisfying.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your chicken tenders.
- Roasted Vegetables: Colorful roasted veggies provide nutrition and balance out this hearty dish.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac adds comfort and richness that everyone loves as a side dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS, avoid these common pitfalls for the best results.
- Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning the chicken tenders can lead to bland flavor. Always season with salt, pepper, and paprika before breading.
- Not patting the chicken dry: Failing to remove excess moisture can prevent the breading from sticking. Use paper towels to dry the chicken tenders thoroughly.
- Overcrowding the air fryer: Placing too many chicken tenders in the basket can cause uneven cooking. Cook in batches for crispy results.
- Ignoring cooking times: Cooking at the wrong temperature or for too long can result in overcooked or undercooked chicken. Follow the recommended times closely.
- Neglecting to preheat: Not preheating your air fryer may lead to inconsistent cooking. Always preheat for optimal crispiness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
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 3 months.
Reheating AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS
- Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Use medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may soften the breading.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and warm for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS?
These chicken tenders offer a unique blend of sweet honey and spicy Sriracha, resulting in a delightful flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko provides a lighter, crispier texture that enhances the overall crunchiness of the tenders.
How do I make AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute regular flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
What are some serving suggestions for AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS?
These tenders pair well with fresh salads, coleslaw, or dipping sauces like ranch or extra Sriracha for added heat.
Final Thoughts
AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect as a snack or main dish, they bring an exciting twist to your dinner table. Feel free to customize them with your favorite spices or sauces!
AIR FRYER CRISPY HONEY SRIRACHA BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the deliciousness of Air Fryer Crispy Honey Sriracha BBQ Chicken Tenders, where sweet honey meets spicy Sriracha and rich BBQ sauce. This recipe is perfect for game days, family dinners, or anytime you’re craving a flavorful treat. With an air fryer, these tenders achieve a satisfying crunch without the excess oil of deep-frying, making them a healthier choice that doesn’t compromise on taste. Easy to prepare and versatile enough to serve as an appetizer or main dish, these chicken tenders will quickly become a favorite in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Set up a breading station: one bowl with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each tender in flour, dip in eggs, then coat in panko.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange chicken tenders in the air fryer basket; spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.
- Brush on the honey Sriracha BBQ sauce during the last two minutes of cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders (150g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
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