Go Back
–+ servings
Honey bbq chicken tenders coated in corn flake batter.
Print Recipe
Be the first to rate it!

How to make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Tenders

These air fryer BBQ chicken tenders are coated with corn flakes, flavored with BBQ sauce, spices, and honey, and cooked until tender and crispy. A simple, family-friendly recipe that’s great for easy weeknight meals.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fyer bbq chicken tenders
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 658kcal
Author: Lois

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
  • 3 teaspoons garlic powder, divided
  • 3 teaspoons onion powder, divided
  • 3 teaspoons smoked paprika, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 2 cups corn flakes, crushed
  • 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • cooking spray

For the Honey BBQ Sauce:

  • 1 cup BBQ sauce
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  • Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper.
  • In a shallow bowl, combine flour with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. In a second bowl, season crushed cornflakes with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs.
  • Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, then dip in the whisked eggs. Press into the seasoned cornflakes, coating well on all sides.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange tenders in the basket in a single layer and spray lightly with cooking spray. (Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed)
  • Air fry for 5 to 6 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook another 7 to 10 minutes, or until golden and fully cooked through. (Time may vary based on thickness.)
  • In a small bowl, mix together BBQ sauce, honey, and ½ teaspoon garlic powder and ½ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Toss the cooked tenders in the honey BBQ sauce until evenly coated. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Tips: 

  • Crush the corn flakes into small, even pieces so the coating sticks well and cooks evenly.
  • Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook and crisp properly.
  • Use a BBQ sauce you already like, since the flavor comes through in the finished dish.

Storage and Make Ahead: 

  • Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • You can prepare the coated chicken a few hours ahead and keep it chilled until ready to cook.
  • Reheat in the air fryer or oven to warm through and help bring back the crispy coating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 658kcal | Carbohydrates: 99g | Protein: 47g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 202mg | Sodium: 1658mg | Potassium: 1004mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 1338IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 70mg | Iron: 8mg