Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy crispy chicken without deep frying. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a touch of paprika makes for an irresistible bite that’s perfect for any meal or snack.

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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Step 2: Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.
3. Step 3: On a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
6. Step 6: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
7. Step 7: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
8. Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey butter mixture for a spicy kick.
• Brush extra honey butter on the tenders after air frying for a glossy, flavorful finish.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or a tangy mustard sauce for added variety.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely before coating and cooking so they cook evenly and the coating sticks well.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 59 reviews

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and coated with a flavorful mix of honey, garlic, and butter. This easy-to-make recipe uses an air fryer to deliver perfectly cooked chicken tenders with a sweet and savory glaze, ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Coating

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare the Honey Garlic Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the honey garlic mixture and toss them thoroughly to ensure each tender is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
3. Bread the Chicken: Spread the breadcrumbs out on a separate plate. Dredge each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to fully coat each piece.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overlapping for even cooking. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cook time, until they are cooked through and golden brown.
6. Rest and Serve: Carefully remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to settle before serving.

Notes

• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
• You can adjust the amount of garlic and honey to taste for a sweeter or more garlicky flavor.
• Serve with a dipping sauce like ranch or extra honey for added flavor.
• Check doneness with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Honey Butter Chicken, Garlic Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Easy Air Fryer Recipes