Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and glossy with a sweet garlic glaze. This simple dish smells like warm butter and honey right as it comes out of the air fryer, and it comforts you on busy nights. If you want a fast family dinner that kids love and grown-ups can enjoy too, this recipe fits the bill. Try our air fryer version for a quick weeknight win: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

Why Make This Recipe

• Quick & easy: ready in about 25–30 minutes from start to table.
• Family favorite: kids like the sweet glaze and adults like the garlic flavor.
• Budget-friendly: uses simple pantry staples and frozen or fresh tenders.
• Healthier than frying: less oil, same crisp texture from the air fryer.

This recipe stands out because the honey-butter sauce gives a warm, rich shine and the garlic adds depth. It brings comfort and small-plate joy — perfect for cozy weeknights, game nights, or when you want a simple dinner that feels special.

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 1.5 pounds chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

For the dredge:

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or use gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• 1 large egg, beaten (or 2 tablespoons milk for egg-free)

For the honey-butter-garlic sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari (adds savory balance)
• Pinch of salt and a little black pepper

Helpful notes:

• If using salted butter, reduce added salt by half.
• Panko gives extra crispness; regular breadcrumbs work too.
• Use thawed tenders for even cooking.

(Also see another quick version here: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.)

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Pat the tenders dry with paper towels and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. (Why: dry meat browns better and seasons stick.)
2. Set up a dredging station: bowl of flour, bowl with beaten egg, bowl with panko breadcrumbs. Coat each tender in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko. Place on a clean plate. (Tip: press crumbs on firmly so they don’t fall off during cooking.)
3. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil or brush with a thin layer so tenders don’t stick. Place tenders in a single layer without crowding; you may need two batches. (Why: spacing helps even crisping.)
4. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. Cook until the crust is golden and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) is reached. The outside will be crisp and warm while the inside stays juicy.
5. While the tenders cook, make the sauce: melt softened butter in a small pan over low heat or in the microwave for 20 seconds. Stir in honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Warm gently until the garlic smells fragrant and the sauce thickens slightly. (Why: gentle heat keeps honey from burning.)
6. When tenders are done, brush each one with the honey-butter-garlic sauce and return to the air fryer for 30–60 seconds if you want a sticky glaze finish. Otherwise, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. (Tip: a quick return to the air fryer sets the glaze without burning it.)

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Place tenders on a warm platter and drizzle extra sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions for color.
• Serve with carrot sticks, celery, and ranch or blue cheese for a crowd-pleasing snack board.
• Pair with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or a simple green salad for a full meal.

How to Store Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Fridge: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to avoid soggy crumbs.
• Freezer: Arrange cooled tenders on a baking sheet to flash-freeze, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Best in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes to keep the crust crisp. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Dry the chicken well to help the coating stick and crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for even browning.
• Use panko for crunch and press it on firmly.
• Warm the sauce gently so the honey blends smoothly.
• If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.

Variation

• Gluten-free: swap all-purpose flour and regular panko for gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko.
• Veggie option: use cauliflower florets or firm tofu pieces prepared the same way for a vegetarian twist — the honey-garlic glaze works great on roasted cauliflower.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes. Thaw them fully in the fridge first for best results. If cooking from frozen, increase air fry time and check the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Coating may not stick as well if still wet.

Can I make the sauce less sweet?

Absolutely. Reduce the honey to 1–2 tablespoons and add a splash more soy sauce or a squeeze of lemon to balance the sweetness.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Pat the tenders dry, press the panko firmly when dredging, and avoid flipping too often while cooking. A quick spray of oil on the coated tenders helps the crumbs set.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

Yes. You can bread the tenders and refrigerate them on a tray covered with plastic wrap for a few hours before air frying. For longer storage, freeze raw breaded tenders and cook from frozen, adding a couple minutes to the time.

Conclusion

This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe brings warm, sticky goodness to your table with very little fuss. The crisp edges, the sweet buttered glaze, and the garlic aroma make it a dish that feels both cozy and special. If you loved this method, you might enjoy reading a similar take at My Air Fryer Kitchen: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders – My Air Fryer Kitchen. Please leave a comment and a star rating to tell us how it went, and share this on Pinterest or Facebook with friends. What twist did you try? Let us know below!