Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Craving a crispy, juicy, and downright addictive chicken dinner? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite meal! Imagine tender, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that’s melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The best part? They’re made in the air fryer, so you get all that crispy goodness without the excess oil. It’s the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavor, and it comes together in no time. Trust me, these chicken tenders will steal the show at your dinner table!

If you’ve ever tried honey butter chicken tenders at your favorite restaurant and wished you could recreate them at home, this recipe is your answer. It’s easier than you think, and the air fryer ensures you get that perfect crispy texture every single time. Ready for a flavor-packed dinner? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Crispy on the Outside, Juicy on the Inside:

The air fryer works its magic to give these chicken tenders that perfect crispy exterior, while keeping the inside super juicy and tender. No soggy breading here!

Sweet & Savory Perfection:

The combination of honey, butter, and garlic is an absolute game-changer. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory, with just a touch of richness from the butter.

Quick and Easy:

With the air fryer, you’ll have these tenders ready in about 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without all the fuss.

Healthier Version:

Since you’re using the air fryer, you get that crispy texture without deep frying in oil. Plus, you can control the amount of butter and honey to suit your preferences!

Crowd-Pleasing:

Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a party, or a game day snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone. They’re crispy, flavorful, and impossible to stop eating!

Ingredients

To make these mouthwatering chicken tenders, you’ll need:

• Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish! These are lean, tender cuts of chicken that cook quickly and stay juicy.
• Flour: To create the crispy coating for the tenders.
• Cornstarch: This helps the breading become extra crispy in the air fryer.
• Garlic Powder: For that delicious garlicky flavor that complements the honey butter.
• Onion Powder: Adds a savory undertone to the seasoning mix.
• Paprika: For a hint of smokiness and a beautiful color on the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Egg: To help the breading stick to the chicken tenders.
• Honey: Adds the perfect touch of sweetness to the butter sauce.
• Butter: The rich, golden base for the honey butter sauce.
• Fresh Garlic: Minced, to make the sauce extra garlicky and flavorful.
• Parsley (optional): Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these crispy, sweet, and savory chicken tenders in the air fryer:

Coat the Chicken:

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another dish, whisk the egg. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is fully covered for maximum crispiness.

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.

Air Fry the Chicken:

Spray the air fryer basket with a light coating of cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).

Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the honey and cook for another minute until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Season with salt to taste.

Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce. Make sure each tender is fully coated in that sweet, savory goodness!

Serve and Enjoy:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve your crispy honey butter garlic chicken tenders with your favorite sides like fries, veggies, or a refreshing salad.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These tenders are so versatile, and they pair perfectly with a variety of sides:

• Classic French Fries: You can’t go wrong with crispy fries on the side. The sauce on the chicken pairs perfectly with the fries!
• Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy coleslaw will complement the rich honey butter garlic sauce and add freshness to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted carrots, zucchini, or asparagus are a great healthy side option to balance out the richness of the chicken.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve your chicken tenders over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Dipping Sauces: Try adding a side of ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, or BBQ sauce for extra dipping options.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer:

For the crispiest tenders, make sure the chicken pieces don’t touch in the air fryer basket. If you have a large batch, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Use a Meat Thermometer:

Check that the chicken tenders have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Make the Sauce Ahead of Time:

If you’re short on time, you can prepare the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken.

Spice It Up:

If you like a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Double the Sauce:

If you love the honey butter garlic sauce as much as I do, make a double batch! You can drizzle extra sauce on your chicken or even use it as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 300
Total Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
Sodium: 400mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 20g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use boneless skinless chicken breasts instead of tenders?

A1: Yes! You can use chicken breasts, but you’ll want to cut them into strips to mimic the size of tenders. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through.

Q2: Can I make these chicken tenders in the oven instead?

A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I make these tenders spicy?

A3: Yes! If you love a little heat, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey butter garlic sauce for a spicy kick.

Q4: How long do leftovers last?

A4: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for the best crispy texture.

Q5: Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

A5: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken tenders. Freeze them on a baking sheet first to prevent them from sticking together, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen for 15-18 minutes.

Q6: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A6: Yes! Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or flour for the breading and follow the recipe as usual.

Q7: Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce in advance?

A7: Yes! You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken tenders in it.

Q8: Can I use a different kind of chicken for this recipe?

A8: You can use chicken thighs or chicken breasts if you prefer, but tenders work best for this recipe as they cook quickly and stay tender.

Q9: Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?

A9: Yes, you could use maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener, though honey is the classic choice for its depth of flavor.

Q10: How can I make these chicken tenders even more crispy?

A10: For an extra crispy coating, you can spray the breaded tenders with a little cooking spray before air frying. This will help them crisp up even more.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. With the perfect balance of sweet honey, savory butter, and garlicky goodness, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the air fryer makes them healthier and easier than ever! Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as a snack for a crowd, they’re guaranteed to impress. Get ready for crispy, golden perfection with every bite!

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