Craving a tasty and crispy meal that’s easy to make? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders bring together sweet, buttery goodness with a burst of garlic flavor, all in a healthier air-fried version. Perfect for busy nights or as a delicious snack, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Whip up these tasty tenders in no time.
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most of these ingredients at home!
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Great for dinner, parties, or even a movie night.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike enjoy the sweet and savory flavors.
- Unbelievably Delicious: The combination of honey, butter, and garlic makes each bite unforgettable.
What makes these tenders stand out? Cooking them in an air fryer gives them a crunchy texture without all the extra oil, and the honey butter glaze adds a unique twist that you won’t find in other recipes.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Prepare the Honey Garlic Mixture: In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them until they’re evenly coated in the honey garlic mixture. This step is crucial for that flavor boost!
- Prepare the Breadcrumbs: Spread the breadcrumbs out on a separate plate. This will help you achieve that crispy coating.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumbs, making sure each piece is fully coated. This will create the crunchy texture you love.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 380°F (193°C). This ensures the tenders cook evenly.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overlap. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and fully cooked.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps to lock in the moisture and flavor before serving.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Serve these tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or honey mustard. You can also pair them with a side salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. Presentation matters, so arrange the tenders on a platter and drizzle with any remaining honey garlic sauce for added flair!
How to Store Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through, which keeps them crispy!
Tips to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey garlic mixture if you like some heat.
- Herbs and Spices: Feel free to add your favorite herbs like thyme or oregano for extra flavor.
- Use Chicken Breasts: You can substitute chicken tenders with sliced chicken breasts for larger pieces.
Variations
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a tasty gluten-free option.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle some grated parmesan over the tenders before air frying for a cheesy twist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips to ensure even cooking.
How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the honey garlic mixture in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just mix it well before using.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick, delicious, and easy recipe that you are sure to love. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic will have everyone asking for seconds! Have you tried this recipe? Please let us know by leaving a comment and a star rating! Don’t forget to share your variations on social media—what delicious tweaks did you make? Let us know below!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available
Description
Crispy air-fried chicken tenders coated in a sweet honey butter garlic glaze, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until combined.
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat in the honey garlic mixture.
- Spread the breadcrumbs out on a separate plate.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer without overlap, and air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg