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Chicken tenders are a beloved dish enjoyed by people of all ages, and for good reason. Their tender texture and crispy exterior make them an irresistible snack or meal option. In this recipe, we elevate the classic chicken tender by preparing them in an air fryer, resulting in a crunchy finish without the excess oil commonly associated with traditional frying methods. This article will guide you through the process of making Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Smoky BBQ Dip, a dish that promises to satisfy your cravings while offering a healthier alternative.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with BBQ Dip

Discover the delicious world of Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Smoky BBQ Dip, a healthier twist on a classic favorite. This recipe guides you through making tender and crunchy chicken tenders using an air fryer, significantly reducing oil and calories. Pair them with a rich, smoky BBQ dip for the perfect combination. Ideal for quick dinners, parties, or satisfying lunches, this dish promises to impress while staying nutritious. Gather your ingredients and get cooking!
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Ingredients
  

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 pound chicken breast tenders

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Cooking spray (for air frying)

For the BBQ Dip:

½ cup barbecue sauce

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

    - Begin by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water and then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better. Set the tenders aside on a plate.

      - In a shallow mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until fully combined to ensure even seasoning.

        - In a separate bowl, crack the two large eggs and beat them vigorously until the yolks and whites are completely mixed together.

          - In a third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs. This will be used for the crispy coating.

            Coat the Chicken:

              - Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before moving to the next step.

                - Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.

                  - Immediately transfer the coated tender to the bowl with panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently to get a nice, even coating. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.

                    Preheat the Air Fryer:

                      - Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy texture.

                        Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:

                          - Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

                            - Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking; you may need to work in batches.

                              - Lightly mist the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to enhance their crispiness during cooking.

                                - Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.

                                  Prepare the BBQ Dip:

                                    - In a small mixing bowl, combine the barbecue sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir until well-blended.

                                      - Taste the dip and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or tanginess by including additional vinegar.

                                        Serve:

                                          - Once the chicken tenders are hot and crispy, transfer them to a serving platter. Serve them immediately with the smoky BBQ dip alongside for dipping.

                                            Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                                              - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders in a fan shape on a platter and drizzle some extra BBQ sauce over the top for color. Serve with fresh vegetable sticks or a side salad to add a splash of color to the plate.