Looking for the perfect crispy chicken tenders that are both sweet and savory? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are just what you need! The crispy golden crust paired with the rich, buttery honey garlic glaze will leave you craving more with every bite. Plus, they’re quick and easy to make, ready in just 20 minutes, making them the ideal choice for a weeknight dinner, a fun snack, or even an appetizer for your next party.
If you’re a fan of the crispy texture of air fryer recipes but love the delicious depth of flavor from honey butter garlic, this dish will hit the spot. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these tenders will become a staple in your kitchen.
So, let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and discover how to make the best air fryer chicken tenders!
Why Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Air fryers are a kitchen marvel, and for good reason. They allow you to make dishes that are crispy and golden brown with significantly less oil than traditional frying. This makes them perfect for creating healthier versions of your favorite fried foods. These chicken tenders, coated in a sweet honey butter garlic sauce, provide all the crispy goodness you crave, but with none of the guilt.
In addition to being healthier, air fryer chicken tenders are also super easy to make. Unlike oven-baked chicken tenders that can often be dry and bland, the air fryer locks in moisture while giving you that crispy crunch you love. This makes the tenders juicier, more flavorful, and even quicker to cook.
Let’s not forget the star of the show: the honey butter garlic sauce. This sauce gives the chicken a sweet, savory, and slightly garlicky kick, elevating your chicken tenders to the next level of deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
To make these crispy chicken tenders, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of everything required for this easy recipe:
- 1 lb chicken tenders: Choose tender, boneless chicken for an easy-to-eat option that cooks quickly.
- ¼ cup honey: The star ingredient that brings sweetness to balance the savory elements in this dish.
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the sauce, making it perfectly smooth and savory.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: The garlic infuses the sauce with a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the honey and butter.
- 1 tsp paprika: A smoky, slightly spicy flavor that brings out the savory essence of the chicken tenders.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures your chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat and elevates the overall taste of the chicken.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work just as well.
- Cooking spray: Prevents the chicken tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring they come out crispy and golden.
The Step-by-Step Directions to Perfect Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing your chicken tenders. Place them on a paper towel and gently pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This is an important step because the coating will stick better to dry chicken, ensuring a crispy and golden exterior when air-fried.
Season both sides of the chicken tenders with salt, black pepper, and paprika. This will infuse the chicken with a burst of flavor before you add the sweet and savory honey butter garlic glaze.
Step 2: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, honey, and minced garlic. Whisk them together until the mixture is smooth and well combined. The honey will add a rich sweetness, while the garlic will contribute its signature savory punch. The butter helps create a silky, golden glaze that will coat the chicken tenders perfectly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now, it’s time to coat your chicken tenders in that delicious honey butter garlic sauce. Dip each chicken tender into the sauce, ensuring it’s completely coated on all sides. Once coated, immediately dredge the tender into the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure they stick.
The breadcrumbs will give the chicken tenders a crunchy, crispy exterior that contrasts wonderfully with the tender chicken inside. If you’re using panko breadcrumbs, expect an extra crunchy result!
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Before you start cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. This step ensures that the air fryer is ready to go when you’re ready to cook, allowing the chicken tenders to crisp up quickly.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking to the basket during the cooking process. Then, carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; if you need to, cook the tenders in batches to ensure that each piece has enough space to cook evenly and get crispy.
Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The air fryer will work its magic, crisping the breadcrumbs and ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer. Serve them immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. These tenders are perfect on their own or paired with your favorite dipping sauce—think ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes of prep and cooking time, these chicken tenders are an ideal meal for a busy weeknight or a quick snack.
- Crispy and Juicy: Thanks to the air fryer, the tenders have a crisp, golden exterior while maintaining their juicy, tender interior.
- Sweet and Savory: The honey butter garlic sauce adds the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
- Healthier Option: The air fryer uses little to no oil, making these tenders a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
- Customizable: You can experiment with different spices or dipping sauces to make the dish your own.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
As a Meal
These crispy chicken tenders make a fantastic main course. Serve them alongside mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal that’s satisfying and flavorful.
As an Appetizer
These tenders are perfect as an appetizer for any gathering. Serve them with a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce. Guests will love grabbing these crispy, flavorful tenders while mingling.
With Fries or a Side Salad
For a classic chicken tender combo, serve them with crispy fries or a refreshing side salad. The crunch from the fries pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making every bite a delight.
Tips for Making the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for air fryer recipes.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest tenders, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer. This ensures even cooking and prevents them from sticking together.
- Add Spice for a Kick: If you love a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. It adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the honey.
- Make It Ahead of Time: You can prep the chicken tenders and coat them in the breadcrumbs and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry them.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 12g (mainly from honey)
These chicken tenders provide a great balance of protein and carbs, making them a satisfying meal or snack. They are also relatively low in fat, thanks to the air fryer method of cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, increasing it by a few minutes to ensure they cook through and crisp up.
Can I Make These Chicken Tenders Without Honey?
Yes, if you prefer a less sweet option, you can skip the honey and make a garlic butter glaze instead. You can also experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup or agave nectar for a different flavor.
Can I Bake These Chicken Tenders Instead?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until they are golden and crispy. Be sure to spray the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Can I Reheat Leftovers?
Yes, leftover chicken tenders can be reheated in the air fryer. Just place them back in the air fryer basket at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up.
Conclusion: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders – A Flavorful Delight!
In conclusion, Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer the perfect balance of sweetness, savoriness, and crispiness. This easy-to-make recipe is not only quick but also a healthier alternative to deep frying, without compromising on flavor. The crispy golden exterior, paired with the savory honey butter garlic sauce, creates a mouthwatering experience you and your family will love.
Whether you’re preparing these for a quick dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving them as an appetizer at your next gathering, these chicken tenders will become a household favorite. The air fryer guarantees a crispy texture, while the chicken remains tender and juicy on the inside. It’s a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious.
So, don’t wait—try out this recipe today and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share your creation on social media! And for more delicious ideas, check out these other recipes you’re sure to enjoy:
- Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Crunch
- Turkey Bacon Brown Sugar Chicken Tenders
- Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops
Happy cooking, and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Easy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and crispy. Coated in a rich honey butter garlic sauce and air-fried to perfection, these tenders are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken, delivering juicy chicken inside with a crunchy outside in just 20 minutes.
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
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- Customize the spice: Feel free to adjust the paprika or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Breadcrumbs: Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture, or regular breadcrumbs for a softer coating.
- Air Fryer: Air fryers vary, so check the chicken tenders halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 tenders)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: Air fryer chicken tenders, honey garlic chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, honey butter chicken tenders, garlic butter chicken tenders, air fryer recipe, easy chicken tenders recipe, quick dinner idea, crispy chicken recipe