Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

There’s something irresistible about chicken tenders that are golden, crispy, and bursting with flavor. The Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders take this classic comfort food to the next level, combining a sweet and savory honey garlic coating with the crunch of perfectly air-fried chicken. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even an impressive snack for game days.

Whether you’re an air fryer veteran or just starting, these chicken tenders are simple to make, incredibly satisfying, and sure to become a favorite in your home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: From prep to plate in just 50 minutes.
• Perfectly crispy: Achieve a golden exterior without deep frying.
• Sweet and savory balance: Honey and butter meet garlic for irresistible flavor.
• Kid-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults alike.
• Customizable: Spice it up with paprika, chili powder, or cayenne if desired.
• Healthy twist: Air frying reduces oil while maintaining crunch.

Ingredients Breakdown

Here’s everything you need to make 4 servings:

Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders

Honey Butter Garlic Mixture

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Coating

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Air fryer (or oven as an alternative)
• Mixing bowls
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Plate for breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray
• Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Mixture

1. In a medium bowl, combine honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are well blended, creating a smooth, flavorful sauce.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

1. Add the chicken tenders to the honey garlic mixture.
2. Toss carefully to ensure each tender is evenly coated with the sauce.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Spread the breadcrumbs on a separate plate.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks.
3. For extra crunch, repeat the process: dip the tender back in the honey mixture, then breadcrumbs again.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
2. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer; avoid overlapping to ensure even cooking.
3. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 71°C/165°F).

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove tenders from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a few minutes.
2. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Extra crispy: Double bread the chicken as described above.
• Spice it up: Add chili powder or cayenne to the honey mixture for a kick.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Oven alternative: Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Make-ahead: Coat chicken in honey mixture and breadcrumbs, refrigerate for up to 1 day before air frying.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

These chicken tenders strike a perfect balance of sweet, buttery, and garlicky flavors with a hint of smokiness from paprika. The tender interior contrasts beautifully with the crunchy exterior.

Suggested sides:

• Coleslaw or a light salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	17 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	420 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free if using GF breadcrumbs; nut-free; high-protein and kid-friendly.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

• Cooked chicken: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Sauce: Honey garlic mixture can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips to maintain similar cooking time.

2. Can I use regular oven instead of an air fryer?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway for even browning.

3. How do I make them extra crispy?
Double breading works best, or use panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

4. Can I make them spicy?
Yes, add chili flakes, cayenne, or smoked paprika to the honey butter mixture.

5. Can I freeze them?
Freeze cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for best texture.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Prep honey garlic	5 minutes
Coat chicken	5 minutes
Bread chicken	5 minutes
Preheat air fryer	3 minutes
Air fry	10–12 minutes
Rest and serve	3 minutes
Total	50 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a side of dipping sauce like ranch, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo.
• Pair with a simple vegetable side or crisp salad for a balanced meal.
• Perfect for casual dinners, kid-friendly meals, or meal prep for the week.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Honey Garlic Chicken: Add cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce for heat.
2. Cheesy Tenders: Sprinkle shredded cheese over chicken after air frying for a gooey twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free panko or almond flour for the coating.
4. Extra Sweet: Increase honey by 1–2 tablespoons for a more pronounced sweetness.

Ingredient Spotlight

Honey

• Provides natural sweetness and helps the garlic butter caramelize on the chicken.
• Use raw, unprocessed honey for the most robust flavor.

Garlic

• Fresh garlic elevates the aroma and flavor.
• Minced finely for even distribution in the honey butter coating.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Pound chicken tenders slightly for even cooking.
• Spray air fryer basket lightly to prevent sticking.
• Flip halfway for uniform crispiness.
• Allow chicken to rest briefly after air frying to lock in juices.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Fridge: Store cooked tenders in airtight containers up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in single layers to prevent sticking; reheat in air fryer for 5 minutes.
• Sauce: Keep extra honey butter garlic sauce separate and drizzle after reheating.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Piece)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	250 kcal
Protein	17 g
Carbohydrates	22 g
Fat	11 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Fiber	1 g
Sugar	8 g
Sodium	420 mg

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free option possible; nut-free; high-protein, kid-friendly.

Expanded Conclusion

The Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for anyone looking for a quick, flavorful, and visually appealing meal. Golden, crispy, and coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze, they bring restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen without the hassle of deep frying.

Perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this recipe combines simple ingredients with a foolproof method to deliver juicy, flavorful tenders every time. The beauty of air frying ensures less oil, a crunchy exterior, and a tender, juicy interior.

Give this recipe a try, customize it to your preferred level of sweetness or spice, and watch it become a favorite for family and friends alike. Don’t forget to experiment with sides, dipping sauces, and variations to make it your own signature dish!

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