Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

why make this recipe

Okay, let’s be real: who doesn’t love crispy chicken tenders with a sweet and savory twist? This recipe takes all the goodness of traditional chicken tenders and gives them a honey garlic makeover that’s downright drool-worthy.

Using an air fryer means you’ll get that crispy crunch without a ton of oil, which is a total win for our waistlines and health goals. Plus, the sweet honey and buttery garlic combo? It’s basically a match made in heaven. 🥰

how to make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Now let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making these super tasty chicken tenders. It’s simple, quick, and honestly—it’s hard to mess up. Here’s what you’ll need and how to whip them up in no time.

Ingredients :

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Directions :

1. In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Seriously, it’ll smell amazing.
2. Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture. Get in there—don’t be shy!
3. On a separate plate, spread out your breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated; no naked bits allowed!
5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray (because no one likes a sticky mess!).
6. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. Give them some room to breathe.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell like a five-star restaurant, trust me.
8. Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before diving in. Patience, my friend; it’ll be worth it.

how to serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Time to dig in! These tenders are perfect on their own, but you can kick things up a notch.

• Serve them with ranch or honey mustard for dipping. 🙌
• Pair them with a side salad for a light meal.
• Toss them into a wrap with some lettuce and tomatoes for a quick lunch.

Just don’t forget the napkins. 😊

how to store Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you somehow have leftovers (they’re that good, though!), toss them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll last for about 3-4 days. If you want to freeze them for later, make sure they’re fully cooled before wrapping them tightly and freezing for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to eat, just pop them back in the air fryer to reheat—easy peasy!

tips to make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Don’t skip the resting time after frying. It allows the juices to redistribute—the last thing you want is dry chicken!
• Adjust the spices to your taste. Love heat? Throw in some cayenne pepper for a kick!
• Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs for a unique texture. Panko gives a great crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too.

variation

Feeling adventurous? You can try adding some chopped herbs like parsley or thyme to the honey garlic mixture for an extra layer of flavor. Or how about tossing in some hot sauce for those who like it spicy?

The world is your oyster! 🦪

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just cut them into strips before marinating. Just remember they might need a slightly longer cooking time.

2. What should I do if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread them and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying or freeze them after breading (before cooking) for a quick meal later. 👍

Now, go whip up some of these scrumptious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders and impress your taste buds! 👩‍🍳👨‍🍳

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These crispy chicken tenders are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic mixture, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a healthier twist.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 12 minutes mins

Total Time 27 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the chicken tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For breading

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

For cooking

• 1 spray Cooking spray For coating the air fryer basket

Instructions

 

Preparation

• In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
• Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.
• On a separate plate, spread out your breadcrumbs.
• Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.

Cooking

• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
• Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
• Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
• Remove from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with ranch or honey mustard for dipping. They pair well with a side salad or can be added to a wrap with lettuce and tomatoes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Keyword Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Honey Garlic Chicken