Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: irresistibly crisp on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, all wrapped in a sticky-sweet and savory honey garlic butter glaze. This easy air fryer recipe guarantees a flavor-packed dinner that will have everyone reaching for seconds. In just under an hour, you can create a restaurant-worthy meal that ticks all the boxes for weeknight convenience and showstopping taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders lies in their simplicity! Each ingredient has a purpose: together, they create the ultimate combo of crunchy texture, balanced seasoning, and finger-licking flavor.

• Chicken tenders: Choose fresh, tender pieces for juicy results every time.
• Honey: Delivers luscious sweetness and helps create that signature sticky glaze.
• Unsalted butter (melted): Adds rich, creamy flavor and helps everything adhere beautifully.
• Garlic (minced): Provides a bold, aromatic kick with every bite.
• Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and a pop of color on your tenders.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the other flavors.
• Black pepper: Offers mild heat and balances the honey’s sweetness.
• Breadcrumbs (panko or regular): Create the crisp, golden coating that makes these tenders irresistible.
• Cooking spray: Ensures a perfectly crisp finish in the air fryer without excess oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure everything combines into a silky, aromatic sauce — this is what infuses each tender with that incredible flavor.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Add your chicken tenders straight into the honey garlic mixture. Toss and turn until each piece is thoroughly bathed in the sweet and savory sauce. Don’t shy away from using your hands to ensure every crevice is coated — this step makes a big difference!

Step 3: Bread the Tenders

Pour the breadcrumbs onto a plate. Take each honey-butter-glazed tender and press it into the breadcrumbs, gently turning to coat all sides. You want a solid, even coating so your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders get perfectly crisp all over.

Step 4: Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). While it heats, spritz the basket lightly with cooking spray to keep the tenders from sticking and to help them crisp up golden brown.

Step 5: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch or overlap for even cooking. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping each piece halfway through the cook time. When they’re done, the tenders will be deeply golden and the chicken juicy all the way through.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Let the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders rest for a couple of minutes after air frying — this keeps the coating from steaming and lets the flavors settle. Serve warm and hear the delighted crunch with every bite!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A little garnish can bring your chicken tenders to the next level! Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color, or add an extra drizzle of honey for more sticky sweetness. If you love a little zing, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice really brightens up the flavor profile.

Side Dishes

These tenders pair beautifully with fluffy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a refreshing green salad. For that true comfort food vibe, try serving alongside classic mac and cheese or crispy sweet potato fries — you can’t go wrong.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high on a platter for a family-style feast, or nestle two or three inside a warm soft roll with a little slaw for the best-ever chicken tender sandwich. For a playful twist, slice them up and toss on top of a chopped salad or a bowl of garlic butter noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The coating will stay pleasantly crisp, and the flavors meld and deepen overnight.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Let them cool completely, then layer with parchment in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll hold up beautifully for 1–2 months and make for a speedy meal anytime.

Reheating

For best results, reheat tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes until hot and crisp. You can also use the oven, but the microwave may soften the coating — so avoid it if you want that true crunchy experience.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Simply slice the chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenders. This swaps in perfectly and cooks up just as juicy.

Can I make these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten free?

Yes! Just swap in your favorite gluten free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten free cereal for the breading step — they turn out just as delicious.

Do I have to use fresh garlic?

Fresh garlic gives the very best punch of flavor, but in a pinch, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove. The flavors will still shine through in every bite.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

The tenders should be golden brown outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, slice into one — the meat should be white and the juices run clear.

Can I double bread the tenders for extra crunch?

Absolutely! For a supersized crispy coating, dip each tender back into the honey mixture and then breadcrumbs a second time before air frying. Trust me, it’s worth the extra step.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders enough — they truly deliver on both flavor and ease. If you’re craving something a little special for dinner, or looking to surprise family and friends, give them a try. Once you do, you’ll want to make them again and again!

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