Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce—these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a game changer! With a golden-brown breadcrumb coating and a sticky, buttery glaze, these tenders are the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.

The air fryer makes this recipe healthier than traditional fried chicken while still delivering that crispy texture we all love. Plus, they cook in just 15 minutes, making them a quick and easy option for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a fun appetizer. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and golden – Thanks to the air fryer, you get a crunchy texture with minimal oil.
• Sweet, garlicky, and buttery – The honey butter garlic sauce is packed with flavor.
• Quick and easy – Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish!
• Kid-friendly – A fun and delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly and get extra crispy.

Step 2: Season and Coat the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.

Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray, then coat them evenly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it sticks.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd them—cook in batches if needed.

Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when checked with a meat thermometer.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the honey and minced garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Sauce

Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a bowl and pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo), alongside rice, or with a side of steamed vegetables.

Helpful Tips

• Use panko breadcrumbs – If you prefer an even crispier texture, swap regular breadcrumbs for panko breadcrumbs.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
• Add a little spice – If you like heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or a drizzle of hot sauce to the honey butter sauce.
• Make it extra crunchy – Double coat the chicken by dipping it in beaten egg before rolling it in the breadcrumbs.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Notes

• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these chicken tenders in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~320
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~25g
• Fat: ~12g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sugar: ~10g

(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used.)

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes! Simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips to create your own tenders.

What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?

Crushed cornflakes, panko, or even almond flour (for a low-carb option) can be used as a coating.

Can I make this without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or pan-fry them in a little oil until golden brown.

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Make sure the chicken is patted dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the tenders.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! You can coat the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze uncooked, breaded tenders for up to 2 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Related Recipes

If you loved these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, try these other air fryer favorites:

• Crispy Gobi Manchurian – A Flavor-Packed Indo-Chinese Delight
• Hot Honey Chicken Biscuits

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a must-try for any crispy chicken lover. With their crunchy coating, juicy center, and a sweet-savory honey butter garlic glaze, they’re packed with flavor and easy to make. Whether you serve them for dinner, lunch, or as a fun party snack, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

So grab your air fryer and enjoy a crispy, flavorful, and totally irresistible meal tonight!

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