These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the ultimate blend of comfort and flavor. Juicy, seasoned chicken tenders are air-fried to crispy golden perfection, then tossed in a luscious glaze made with honey, butter, and garlic. The result? A sticky, slightly crispy coating that’s rich, sweet, garlicky, and totally addictive.
The air fryer gives these tenders a wonderfully crunchy exterior with a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying, making them lighter but still just as satisfying. The honey butter garlic sauce seeps into every crevice, coating the tenders in a glaze that’s both elegant and crowd-pleasing. Serve these with a side of fries, over rice, or on their own with a cool ranch dip or creamy coleslaw.
🍗 Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Breading:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of cayenne for heat
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup honey
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for umami)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
For Finishing:
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
- Nonstick spray or a light brush of oil
👨🍳 Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for more flavor and tenderness).
2. Prepare the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and dredge it in the flour mixture. Press firmly to ensure the breading sticks well.
Place breaded chicken tenders on a wire rack or plate and let them rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the coating adhere better and crisp up more evenly in the air fryer.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or brush with oil.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with a little oil for better browning.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the basket.
5. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant (be careful not to burn it). Add the honey, soy sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and simmer for another 1–2 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Toss and Glaze:
Once the tenders are done, immediately toss them in the warm honey butter garlic sauce in a large mixing bowl, or brush the sauce generously on each tender with a pastry brush for a glossy finish.
7. Serve:
Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a plate. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
🍽 Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with waffles or buttermilk biscuits for a sweet and savory twist.
- Plate over garlic mashed potatoes or steamed rice to make it a hearty meal.
- Pair with a cool ranch or spicy mayo dip for contrast.
- Add to a wrap or sandwich for a portable, flavor-packed lunch.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
- No air fryer? You can bake the tenders at 425°F (218°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your cornstarch and soy sauce are gluten-free.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
- Extra crispy tip: Double-dip tenders by dredging once in flour, then back into buttermilk, then again in the flour mix before air frying.
🏆 Final Thoughts:
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer the perfect mix of crispy texture and sticky, sweet-savory flavor. They’re fast, family-friendly, and feel gourmet without being complicated. Whether you serve them as a main dish, an appetizer, or a party snack, they’ll be the star of the table.
Let me know if you’d like a printable version or meal prep adaptation!