Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders are everything you love about comfort food but in a healthier, air-fried version. With a perfect crunch and a mouthwatering glaze of honey, butter, and garlic, this dish combines savory and sweet flavors. The best part? It’s quick, easy, and ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reserve half of this mixture to drizzle over the tenders later.
2. Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
4. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
5. Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the cooked tenders before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• For a spicier kick, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for extra flavor before coating.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C) for the best texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just cut the chicken breasts into strips and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed before coating to ensure the best result.

3. How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check if the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

4. Can I use butter substitutes?

Yes, you can use olive oil or another butter substitute, but the flavor may vary slightly.

5. What type of breadcrumbs should I use?

Panko breadcrumbs create a crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs work fine as well.

6. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture for a spicy twist.

7. Can I prepare the tenders in advance?

You can coat the chicken tenders and store them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking.

8. How do I avoid overcrowding in the air fryer?

Make sure to arrange the tenders in a single layer with some space between each piece.

9. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

Yes, maple syrup can be a good alternative, although the flavor will change slightly.

10. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead?

Yes, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Conclusion

Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are the perfect combination of crispy texture and rich, savory sweetness. This quick and easy recipe will quickly become a family favorite, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken without compromising on flavor.

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These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. With crispy, golden breading and a savory-sweet glaze of honey, butter, and garlic, this recipe is the perfect solution for a quick weeknight meal or a family gathering. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for satisfying your cravings without the extra calories.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

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Instructions

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Reserve half of the mixture to drizzle over the tenders later.
• Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
• Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
• Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
• Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the cooked tenders before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier twist, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.
• Marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for extra flavor before coating.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for the best texture.