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.
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
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.
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.