Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy chicken tenders drizzled with honey butter garlic sauce are the ultimate comfort food that’ll make taste buds dance.

This air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen.

The golden-brown exterior gives way to juicy, tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Perfectly seasoned and cooked to crispy perfection, these chicken tenders pack a delightful punch of sweet and savory flavors.

Simple ingredients combine to create a meal that looks impressive but comes together with minimal effort.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of honey, butter, and garlic that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family dinner or weekend treat.

Reasons To Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken

• Satisfy Chocolate Cravings: Packed with three types of chocolate chips, these muffins deliver an intense chocolate experience that will delight any chocolate lover.
• Bake with Simplicity: Requires basic baking skills and standard kitchen ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all levels from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Perfect for Sharing: Ideal for potlucks, breakfast gatherings, school events, or weekend brunches where you want to impress friends and family with a delectable treat.
• Quick Breakfast Solution: Grab-and-go muffins that provide a delicious morning pick-me-up or afternoon snack, satisfying sweet tooth cravings in minutes.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean strips of chicken perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy, golden exterior to the chicken tenders.

• Butter, Honey, Garlic, Salt, Black Pepper: Creates a sweet and savory sauce that adds rich flavor to the chicken tenders.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Step-By-Step Guide To Chicken Tenders Cooking

Step 1: Warm Up the Air Fryer

Get your air fryer ready by heating it to 400F (200C) for 5 minutes. This ensures a perfectly crispy exterior for your chicken tenders.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until all ingredients are well combined and create a glossy, aromatic mixture.

Step 3: Dress the Chicken

Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish.

• Dunk it completely in the honey butter garlic sauce
• Roll the saucy tender in breadcrumbs
• Gently press the breadcrumbs to make sure they stick like glue

Step 4: Prepare the Cooking Surface

Quickly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 5: Cook to Crispy Perfection

Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.

Cook at 400F (200C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Pull out the golden-brown chicken tenders and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh, crisp salad.

Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Helpful Advice To Perfect Air Fryer Chicken

• Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, even layer that locks in moisture and flavor.
• Spray air fryer basket with cooking oil to ensure easy chicken removal and minimal cleanup.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe consumption and perfect doneness.
• Let chicken rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow sauce to settle and enhance overall taste profile.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure each chicken tender gets direct heat circulation and golden-brown edges.

Creative Twists To Enhance Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy coating that's celiac-friendly.
• Spicy Kick Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce for those who love extra heat.
• Low-Carb Protein Wrap: Skip breadcrumbs entirely and wrap chicken tenders in crushed pork rinds for a keto-friendly alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Version: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary into the breadcrumb coating for a Mediterranean flavor profile.

Best Pairings To Enjoy With Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Tangy Coleslaw: Create a zesty side that cuts through the rich, sweet chicken with a crisp cabbage slaw dressed in apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey.
• Match with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the garlic and honey notes, balancing the dish's sweetness and savory elements.
• Serve with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a colorful mix of roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and bell peppers to add nutritional depth and provide a caramelized counterpoint to the tender chicken.
• Add Creamy Dipping Sauce: Whip up a quick ranch or blue cheese dressing to provide a cool, tangy contrast that enhances the chicken's crispy exterior and garlic-honey flavor profile.

Tips To Keep Air Fryer Chicken Fresh

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap chicken tenders individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months with proper sealing.
• Preheat air fryer to 370F. Arrange tenders in single layer and cook 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Spread tenders on baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm at 350F for 10-12 minutes, checking temperature reaches 165F.

FAQs

• Why use an air fryer for chicken tenders?

Air fryers create crispy exteriors with less oil, making the chicken healthier and more crunchy compared to traditional deep-frying methods.

• Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use panko, seasoned, or gluten-free breadcrumbs depending on your preference and dietary needs.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C), ensuring the chicken is safe to eat.

• Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?

You can coat the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying, which helps the coating adhere better.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver golden crispy perfection with sweet and savory notes. Juicy chicken meets irresistible glaze, creating a quick meal that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Dry Ingredients and Seasonings:

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

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Instructions

1. Activate the air fryer to 400F (200C) and allow it to warm for 5 minutes, creating an optimal cooking environment.
2. Craft a luxurious coating by blending melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a mixing vessel.
3. Spread breadcrumbs across a shallow dish, preparing a crispy exterior for the chicken.
4. Immerse each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic sauce, thoroughly saturating its surface.
5. Gently press the sauce-covered tender into breadcrumbs, ensuring a complete and even crust adheres to the meat.
6. Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent potential sticking.
7. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer within the basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote even browning.
8. Cook at 400F (200C) for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through the cooking process to achieve a uniform golden-brown exterior.
9. Once cooking completes, extract the tenders and allow them to rest briefly, enabling the juices to redistribute.
10. Present the crispy chicken alongside complementary dipping sauces or a fresh, vibrant salad.

Notes

• Achieve crispy perfection by ensuring breadcrumbs completely coat each chicken tender with gentle pressing technique.
• Prevent sticking in air fryer basket by using light cooking spray before placing chicken tenders.
• Maintain even cooking by arranging tenders in single layer without overlapping during air frying process.
• Guarantee juicy meat by not overcooking and checking internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 340 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 4800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg