Name: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 17 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 3 tbsp butter, melted; 2 tbsp honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ cup breadcrumbs; Cooking spray

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Craving crispy, golden chicken tenders with a deliciously sweet and savory twist? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are your answer! Tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet honey butter garlic sauce and cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a crispy, guilt-free result. Trust me, you’re going to want to make these every week! With the crispy outside and tender inside, this dish is going to be a new favorite in your household.

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

Crispy Without the Guilt: Air frying gives you that crispy, golden exterior without all the oil, making this a healthier option without sacrificing taste.
Sweet and Savory Perfection: The honey butter garlic sauce creates a beautifully balanced flavor profile with a rich sweetness and savory depth that pairs perfectly with the crispy tenders.
Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, so you can have dinner ready in no time.
Kid-Friendly: These tenders are a hit with both adults and kids, making them a perfect meal for the whole family.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make these mouth-watering chicken tenders:

Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish! You’ll want boneless, skinless chicken tenders for that perfect bite-sized portion.
Flour: For the coating, giving the tenders a crispy, golden crunch when air fried.
Garlic Powder: Adds that savory garlic flavor that pairs so well with the honey and butter.
Paprika: Gives the chicken tenders a bit of smoky flavor and extra color.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, ensuring every bite has just the right amount of flavor.
Honey: The star of the sauce, providing sweetness that balances the garlic.
Butter: For the honey butter sauce that’s rich, creamy, and perfectly coats each tender.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch and richness to the sauce.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get to cooking these crispy chicken tenders:

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and flour. Make sure each piece is coated well to get that crispiness on every side.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes. This ensures the tenders will cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside and fully cooked inside.
Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then, stir in the honey and cook for another minute to let the sauce thicken slightly.
Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken tenders are done, toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce until they’re all coated.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the tenders immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or side dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 310
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 360mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 21g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 70mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These crispy, sweet, and savory tenders can be served in many different ways:

As a Main Dish: Serve them with a side of mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a well-rounded meal.
With Dipping Sauces: Pair these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, barbecue, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick.
Wrap Them in a Tortilla: Make a quick wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for a tasty handheld meal.
On a Salad: Add them on top of a fresh green salad for a light, protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Additional Tips

Panko Breadcrumbs for Extra Crunch: If you prefer extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs for the coating instead of flour.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or stir some hot sauce into the honey butter sauce.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make these chicken tenders without an air fryer?
A1: Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through for even cooking.

Q2: Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A2: Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips, and the cooking time might vary slightly, so be sure to check they are fully cooked.

Q3: How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?
A3: The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Q4: Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?
A4: Yes! You can store the sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken in it.

Q5: Can I freeze these tenders?
A5: Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore crispiness.

Q6: What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
A6: These tenders go great with a side of French fries, a green salad, coleslaw, or some steamed vegetables.

Q7: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A7: Yes, you can use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.

Q8: Can I add more seasoning to the coating?
A8: Of course! Feel free to add extra spices like paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for more flavor.

Q9: How can I make the honey butter sauce spicier?
A9: Add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce to the honey butter sauce to give it a kick.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! Simply increase the ingredient amounts and air fry in batches as needed. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a game-day snack, they’re sure to be a hit. The best part? You can enjoy all the crispy goodness without the excess oil. Give this recipe a try, and get ready for a chicken tender experience that’s out of this world!