Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is a great way to make crispy, tender chicken tenders with a fraction of the oil and effort compared to traditional frying. The honey butter garlic glaze adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory, and the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior with juicy chicken inside. Quick to prepare and cook, these tenders are ideal for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.

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. Make the Honey Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside half of the mixture to use later as a drizzle.

2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Roll the chicken tenders in breadcrumbs to form a crispy outer layer.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.

4. Arrange and Cook: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

5. Finish and Serve: After cooking, drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the tenders to add an extra burst of flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 22 minutes

• Servings: 4 (approx.)

Variations

• For a spicier kick, add chili flakes to the honey garlic mixture before coating the chicken.

• For a gluten-free option, substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.

FAQs

1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs to coat the chicken tenders.

2. What can I use instead of honey?

Maple syrup works as a great alternative if you prefer a different type of sweetness or need a vegan option.

3. How do I get the chicken tenders extra crispy?

Make sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it in breadcrumbs to help them crisp up better.

4. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but make sure to cut them into strips and adjust the cooking time as needed.

5. How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before placing the chicken tenders in it to prevent sticking.

6. How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

7. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe, but you may need to cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

8. Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?

Yes, after cooking, you can freeze the tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat them in the air fryer when you're ready to eat.

9. What side dishes go well with these chicken tenders?

These tenders pair perfectly with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a light salad.

10. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the chicken tenders and coat them with the breadcrumb mixture ahead of time, then refrigerate them until you're ready to cook.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are an easy and delicious way to enjoy crispy chicken with a flavorful glaze. This recipe combines the convenience of air frying with the irresistible taste of honey, butter, and garlic. Perfect for any meal or snack, these tenders will surely become a family favorite. Try them today and enjoy a quick, flavorful dish that’s both healthier and just as satisfying as traditional fried chicken!

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This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is the perfect combination of crispy, golden chicken and a sweet and savory glaze. Made with honey, butter, garlic, and seasonings, these tenders are easy to prepare, cook quickly, and taste incredible. Whether you're craving a quick dinner, a snack, or an appetizer, these air fryer chicken tenders will satisfy your taste buds without the mess of deep frying.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course, Appetizer
• 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

• Make the Honey Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside half of the mixture to use as a drizzle.

• Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring an even coating. Roll the tenders in breadcrumbs to create a crispy layer.

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature helps achieve a crisp exterior while keeping the chicken tender inside.

• Arrange and Cook: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.

• Finish and Serve: Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the tenders for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Variations: Add chili flakes for a spicier kick or substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option.

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4-5 minutes.

• Freezing: After cooking, freeze tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve.