Craving something crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the answer. Perfectly golden on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken tenders are coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that will make your taste buds dance. The best part? They’re made in the air fryer, so you get all the crispiness without the need for deep frying. This recipe is quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are so much more than your average dinner. They’re crispy, juicy, and drenched in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that is absolutely irresistible. Here’s why they’ll become your go-to recipe:
Versatile: Serve them as a main dish, appetizer, or even a fun snack for your next gathering.
Budget-Friendly: Chicken tenders are affordable, and this recipe uses simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
Quick and Easy: With the air fryer, these tenders cook in no time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Customizable: Add extra seasoning or a sprinkle of cayenne if you like a little heat, or make them extra garlicky if that’s your thing.
Crowd-Pleasing: These chicken tenders are crispy, tender, and packed with flavor – a guaranteed hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Let’s take a look at the ingredients that make these chicken tenders extra special:
Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish. These are tender, juicy, and cook up perfectly in the air fryer.
All-Purpose Flour: Used for dredging the chicken, creating a crispy, golden coating.
Eggs: Help the flour stick to the chicken for a crispy texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds extra crunch to the exterior for that perfect crispy bite.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These two ingredients create a savory flavor base for the coating.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken tenders to perfection.
Butter: The key ingredient in the honey butter sauce that gives it richness and flavor.
Honey: Adds sweetness to the honey butter sauce, balancing out the garlic and butter.
Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic for that rich, savory kick that complements the honey and butter.
Fresh Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herby garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these irresistible chicken tenders in the air fryer!
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Coat the Chicken
In one shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour and panko breadcrumbs. Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten egg, then into the flour and breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken tenders cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until the tenders are golden brown and crispy.
Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Stir in the honey and cook for another minute, allowing the sauce to come together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken tenders and toss until they are fully coated in the sweet, savory sauce.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve these chicken tenders hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. They’re perfect on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~320
(Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are delicious served with a side of crispy fries, a refreshing salad, or even a creamy coleslaw. You can also pair them with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard for extra flavor. For a complete meal, serve them with some roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your chicken tenders even better:
- Add some spice: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey butter sauce for a spicy kick.
- Meal prep: Make a large batch of these chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a quick meal.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute to make these chicken tenders gluten-free.
- Crispier Tenders: For extra crispy tenders, spray the coated chicken with cooking spray before air frying.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb coating, like paprika, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese.
FAQ’s
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Just make sure to cut them into strips or small pieces to ensure even cooking.
Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken tenders in it.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
The chicken tenders should be golden brown and crispy. If you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I make these tenders without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Can I use a different sauce?
Of course! You can experiment with BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or a creamy ranch dip instead of the honey butter garlic sauce.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Just let them cool completely, then place them in a freezer bag or container. Reheat them in the air fryer when you’re ready to eat.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they’re fully cooked through.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Absolutely! Add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the honey butter sauce for a spicy twist.
What side dishes go well with these chicken tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. With the perfect balance of savory and sweet, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or feeding a crowd, these tenders are guaranteed to impress. Give them a try – you won’t regret it!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish / Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
Tender, juicy chicken tenders coated in a delicious honey butter garlic sauce, crisped to perfection in your air fryer for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 lb chicken tenders
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup honey
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
-
Prep the Chicken:
- Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each tender in flour, dip into the beaten eggs, and then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
-
Air Fry:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer (you may need to cook in batches).
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
-
Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes; cook for another 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Combine:
- Toss the hot, crispy tenders in the sauce until well coated, or drizzle the sauce over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 3 tenders)
- Calories: ~400 kcal
- Sugar: ~12 g
- Sodium: ~520 mg
- Fat: ~20 g
- Saturated Fat: ~8 g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: ~30 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~28 g
- Cholesterol: ~75 mg