The Best Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe Ever

Crispy, golden air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders promise a mouthwatering culinary adventure that will make you weak in the knees.

Succulent pieces of chicken emerge perfectly cooked with a glossy, caramelized exterior that beckons from the plate.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients combine into something extraordinary.

Sweet honey mingles with rich butter and pungent garlic, creating a flavor profile that dances across your taste buds.

Tender meat inside remains juicy while the outside develops an irresistible crunch that snaps with each bite.

Home cooks can master this dish in minutes, turning ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these chicken tenders become a family favorite.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Flavor Explosion: Packed with garlic, honey, and butter, these chicken tenders deliver an incredible taste experience that will make taste buds dance with joy.
• Create Crispy Perfection: Air fryer cooking guarantees a golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside without excessive oil.
• Quick Family Dinner Solution: Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe a go-to meal for busy households wanting delicious food without complicated cooking techniques.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Coating chicken in breadcrumbs and serving with sweet-savory sauce ensures even picky eaters will love every single bite of this irresistible dish.

Ingredients in Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean meat that provides a juicy and delicious base for the recipe.

• Flour: Creates a light, crispy first layer for the chicken.
• Breadcrumbs: Adds a crunchy exterior to the chicken tenders.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the coating.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and mild color to the coating.

• Egg: Helps the dry coating stick to the chicken tenders.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Honey, Butter: Creates a sweet and rich glaze for the chicken.
• Garlic: Adds a savory, aromatic element to the sauce.

• Cooking Oil Spray: Helps achieve a crispy exterior in the air fryer.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, green touch to the dish.

How to Prepare Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare Flour Mixture

Create a flavorful coating by mixing dry ingredients in a shallow dish. Include flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Whisk together until everything is evenly distributed.

Step 2: Set Up Egg Wash

Crack an egg into a separate bowl and beat thoroughly until the yolk and white are completely combined and smooth.

Step 3: Arrange Breadcrumb Station

Pour breadcrumbs into a third shallow dish. This will be the final coating for your chicken tenders.

Step 4: Coat Chicken Pieces

• Flour mixture
• Egg wash
• Breadcrumbs

Press breadcrumbs gently onto chicken to ensure a complete, even coating.

Step 5: Prepare Air Fryer

Warm up the air fryer to 400°F for approximately 3-5 minutes.

This ensures a crispy exterior.

Step 6: Arrange and Cook Chicken

Place chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket.

Avoid overcrowding. Lightly spray with cooking oil.

Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Create Honey Garlic Sauce

• Honey
• Melted butter
• Minced garlic

Stir continuously until ingredients are well blended and warm.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Drizzle warm honey garlic sauce over crispy chicken tenders. Optional: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for extra color and flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Tips That Help Perfect Chicken Tenders in Air Fryer

• Use a wire rack when coating chicken to prevent soggy bottoms and ensure even breadcrumb coverage.
• Cook chicken tenders in single layers to guarantee even cooking and maintain crispy exterior.
• Adjust garlic powder and paprika amounts to match personal flavor preferences without overwhelming the dish.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken reaches 75°C (165°F) internal temperature for safe consumption.
• Warm honey butter sauce gently to prevent burning and maintain smooth, glossy texture for perfect coating.

Flavor Variations on Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Honey Garlic Tenders: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the honey butter sauce for a fiery kick that brings extra heat to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed panko mixed with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired coating that adds robust herbal flavors.
• Parmesan Crusted Option: Mix grated parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy exterior that enhances the chicken's texture and adds rich umami notes.
• Asian-Inspired Glaze: Swap honey butter sauce with a combination of soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to create a savory-sweet Asian-style coating that transforms the original recipe's flavor profile.

Side Dishes to Serve With Chicken Tenders

• Elevate Flavor Combinations: Sweet Honey Chardonnay Pairing matches the chicken's rich honey butter garlic notes with a crisp, light white wine that balances the dish's sweetness and cuts through the buttery texture.
• Create Refreshing Side Kick: Citrus Cucumber Mocktail provides a zesty, cool counterpoint to the warm, savory chicken tenders, cleansing the palate with bright, tangy undertones that complement the garlic and honey.
• Boost Complementary Crunch: Roasted Almond Coleslaw offers a nutty, crunchy side dish that echoes the golden breaded exterior of the chicken, while its creamy base harmonizes with the honey butter sauce's richness.

Proper Storage for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they're completely cooled before sealing.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat air fryer to 180C (350F). Place chicken tenders in the basket, cook for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

• Why use an air fryer for chicken tenders?

Air fryers cook chicken tenders faster and healthier by using minimal oil while creating a crispy exterior. They circulate hot air around the food, ensuring even cooking and reducing calories compared to deep-frying.

• How do I ensure my chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 75°C (165°F). The chicken should look golden brown and have no pink areas when cut open.

• Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the coated chicken tenders and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying. Just pat them dry before cooking to maintain crispiness.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders elevate weeknight dinners with golden, crispy goodness. Juicy chicken meets sweet and savory notes, promising a quick, irresistible meal that makes you crave seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 500 g (1.1 pounds) chicken tenders

Breading Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 large egg

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Craft a seasoned flour blend by thoroughly mixing flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a wide, shallow container.
2. Whisk the egg in a separate bowl until smooth and uniform in texture.
3. Pour breadcrumbs into a third shallow dish, creating a strategic coating station.
4. Transform each chicken tender into a crispy delight by first rolling in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Dunk the flour-coated tender into beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off.
6. Gently press the egg-coated tender into breadcrumbs, creating a uniform, crisp exterior.
7. Warm the air fryer to 200C (400F) for precisely 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking environment.
8. Arrange breaded tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
9. Lightly mist tenders with cooking spray to enhance golden crispiness.
10. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even browning and thorough cooking.
11. Simultaneously prepare the luxurious sauce by melting butter with minced garlic over low heat.
12. Incorporate honey into the warm butter-garlic mixture, stirring until completely integrated.
13. Once tenders are golden and crisp, plate immediately and generously drizzle with honey-garlic sauce.
14. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish and additional flavor dimension.

Notes

• Ensure chicken tenders are of similar size for even cooking, preventing some pieces from becoming too dry or undercooked.
• Pat chicken completely dry before coating to help breading adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, which provides a lighter and more textured coating compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 293 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg