These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of crispy, juicy, and flavorful, all without the excess oil of deep frying. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and aromatic garlic creates a glaze that coats each tender with pure deliciousness. Whether you’re making these for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-night snack, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick better.
- Season the tenders with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer inside the basket—avoid overcrowding for even crispiness.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in honey, minced garlic, and paprika, mixing until well combined.
- Let the glaze simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Step 6: Coat the Chicken Tenders
- Once the tenders are cooked, brush or drizzle the honey butter garlic glaze over them.
- Toss gently to ensure each tender is evenly coated.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo work great!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or sesame seeds for an extra touch.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve immediately for the best crispy, juicy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is a quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the sweet, savory, and buttery goodness in every bite! 🍯🧄🔥
For more inspiration, check out this recipe and another variation here!