If you are looking for a perfectly crispy and irresistibly flavorful chicken dish, this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is your new best friend. Tender chicken pieces get marinated, coated, and air-fried to golden perfection, then dipped in a luscious honey butter garlic glaze that creates a heavenly sweet and savory combo. It’s quick to prepare, simple enough for a weeknight dinner, and sure to become a staple whenever you crave something comforting yet exciting. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this absolute winner!

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a crucial role in bringing out the unique texture and flavor that make this dish so memorable. From the marinating buttermilk tenderizing the chicken, to the aromatic boost from garlic and paprika in the coating, every element is thoughtfully chosen.

Chicken tenders (1 lb): The star of the dish, chicken tenders cook quickly and stay juicy inside a crisp coating.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Marinating in buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and adds subtle tanginess.
All-purpose flour (1 cup): Creates a crispy crust, perfect for air frying.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds deep, savory flavor to the coating.
Paprika (1 teaspoon): Brings mild smokiness and vibrant color.
Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides just the right amount of subtle heat.
Olive oil spray: Helps ensure a crisp, golden finish during air frying.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): For the rich honey butter glaze.
Honey (3 tablespoons): Balances the savory with a perfect touch of sweetness.
Garlic cloves, minced (2): Fresh garlic makes the glaze truly irresistible.
Soy sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds depth and a touch of umami to the glaze.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken tenders in a bowl filled with buttermilk. This marinating step is essential because it not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds moisture, ensuring each bite is juicy. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes or, even better, overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the chicken marinates, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. This mixture will form the crispy, flavorful crust on your tenders. Once ready, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off to avoid a soggy coating, then dredge each piece evenly in the flour mix.

Step 3: Preheat and Air Fry

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3 to 5 minutes. Lightly spray the fryer basket and your coated chicken tenders with olive oil spray, which promotes even browning and crispiness. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded so the hot air can circulate properly. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze

While the chicken cooks, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey, minced garlic, and soy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until it thickens slightly and the garlic infuses the sauce with its savory punch. This glaze is what sets the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe apart with that perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the chicken tenders come out of the air fryer, brush or toss them generously in the warm honey butter garlic glaze. The warmth helps the glaze stick beautifully, ensuring every tender is coated with that glossy, addictive flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast of crispy crust and sticky glaze.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives brighten up the plate and add a pop of green. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds works beautifully too, giving a slight crunch and a nod to the glaze’s soy sauce element. These garnishes make your presentation shine while adding subtle complementary flavors.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some fluffy white rice to soak up any extra glaze. For a fun twist, serve atop warm waffles to marry sweet and savory elements in the most delightful way. Roasted veggies or macaroni and cheese are other inviting options for comfort food lovers.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties or gatherings, arrange the tenders on a large platter with small bowls of dipping sauces such as ranch, spicy mayo, or extra honey mustard. You can also skewer them with fresh veggies or pineapple chunks for a tropical-inspired twist. Plating is your chance to get playful and turn this dish into a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them covered well helps retain moisture and flavor but expect the crispy texture to diminish slightly.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders by laying them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freezing for an hour or two. Then transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Freeze the honey butter garlic glaze separately in small portions to preserve its fresh taste and to avoid altering the texture during freezing.

Reheating

To bring back some of that crispiness, reheat the tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until warm throughout. Reheat the glaze gently on the stove or microwave, then brush over the tenders again for that fresh off-the-pan flavor.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Regular milk won’t tenderize the chicken as effectively as buttermilk, but if you add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes, it can serve as a decent substitute.

Is it necessary to flip the tenders halfway through air frying?

Flipping ensures even cooking and crispiness on both sides. Skipping this step might result in one side being less crispy or unevenly cooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to keep the tenders crispy yet safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How long can I marinate the chicken tenders?

Marinate for at least 30 minutes but no longer than 24 hours. Longer marinating can break down the proteins too much, affecting texture.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake them?

You can bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway, though the texture might not be as crispy as the air fryer version.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly a game-changer for any chicken lover craving something crispy, juicy, and dripping with irresistible flavor. Whether for a quick weekday meal or sharing with friends during a cozy gathering, these tenders are guaranteed to bring smiles all around. So grab your ingredients, fire up your air fryer, and get ready to savor one of the most delicious dishes you’ll ever make at home!