Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Introduction

Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory flavors. These golden-brown tenders are coated in a delicious honey butter garlic sauce, making them a mouthwatering meal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, they are sure to impress! Plus, cooking them in the air fryer makes them healthier than traditional deep-fried versions while still delivering a crispy texture.

This recipe is incredibly easy to follow, requiring simple ingredients and minimal prep time. You’ll love how the honey butter garlic sauce coats the crispy chicken tenders, creating a sticky, flavorful glaze that will leave everyone wanting more. Let’s dive into the full recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon water
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Cooking spray or oil for air fryer

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (for a slight tang)

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, add the all-purpose flour and set it aside.
In another shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until well combined.
In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Pat dry the chicken tenders with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks properly.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, making sure it is fully coated. Shake off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Finally, roll the chicken in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with oil.
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd.
Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice.
Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken Tenders in Sauce

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders.
Toss gently to coat each tender evenly in the sticky, flavorful glaze.

Variation

Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of sriracha to the honey butter sauce.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Extra Crispy Tenders: Double-coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg and panko mixture for an extra crunchy texture.
Different Protein: Try this recipe with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Cooking Notes

Preheating the air fryer ensures even cooking and crispiness.
Shaking the air fryer basket halfway through cooking helps the tenders cook evenly.
If your air fryer is small, cook the tenders in batches to prevent overcrowding.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for dipping.
Pair with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw for a balanced meal.
Enjoy with French fries, sweet potato fries, or rice for a hearty meal.

Tips

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the sauce.
Do not skip the oil spray on the tenders for a golden and crispy finish.
For a lighter version, reduce the butter in the sauce or use an air fryer liner to reduce excess oil absorption.
Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 350-400
Protein: 25g
Sodium: 600mg
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Cholesterol: 85mg

FAQs

1. Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and store it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Air fry them just before serving for the best texture.

2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let the honey butter garlic sauce simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water for a thicker consistency.

4. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking for even results.

5. How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Conclusion

Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are a game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful, and easy-to-make meals. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep. The air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to deep-frying while still delivering that satisfying crunch. With a sticky, sweet, and savory glaze, these tenders will quickly become a household favorite.

Try this recipe today and enjoy restaurant-quality chicken tenders from the comfort of your home. Happy cooking!