If you’re searching for a dish that brings together juicy chicken, a sticky-sweet glaze, and next-level crispiness, then you absolutely have to try Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. These irresistible tenders are made for sharing, but don’t be surprised if you end up wanting every bite for yourself! With a gorgeous golden crust and a glossy, aromatic sauce that hits every note of sweet, salty, and garlicky, this dish is as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for impressing friends on a weekend. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll become one of your absolute favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Just a handful of simple ingredients come together to create these unforgettable Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Each ingredient plays an essential part, from tenderizing the chicken to building that addictively crunchy coating and luscious, glossy sauce.
- Chicken Tenders: The star of the show, these are perfectly sized for breading and soaking up all the glorious sauce.
- Salt: Enhances every layer of flavor from the chicken to the glaze.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and background warmth to each bite.
- Garlic Powder: Boosts the garlic flavor all throughout, so it’s not just in the sauce but in every nibble of chicken too.
- Smoked Paprika: Gives the breading a gentle smokiness and that lovely just-kissed-by-the-grill color.
- All-Purpose Flour: Essential for helping the egg and crumbs cling to the chicken, creating that beautifully crisp exterior.
- Egg (beaten): Acts as the glue in your breading process, making sure every crumb of panko holds tight.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Extra crunchy and light, panko is the secret to the ultimate crispy chicken tender.
- Olive Oil Spray: A light spritz ensures even browning without weighing things down.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce and creates that sticky, shiny finish kids (and grown-ups!) love.
- Unsalted Butter: Makes the sauce velvety smooth and rich, pairing perfectly with honey and garlic.
- Garlic (minced): A must! It infuses the sauce with bold, savory flavor and delicious aroma.
- Soy Sauce: Balances the sweetness with deep umami flavor—just a splash makes all the difference.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Delivers a subtle tang that brightens all the other flavors in the sauce.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by laying out your chicken tenders and seasoning them generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. This quick step ensures that every bite of your chicken is flavorful, not just the outside. Toss well to coat all sides—don’t be shy! A flavorful base is the secret to truly crave-worthy tenders.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Next, create your chicken tender assembly line with three shallow bowls: one for flour, one for a beaten egg, and one for crispy panko breadcrumbs. The flour anchors the coating, the egg acts as glue, and the panko brings that unbeatable crunch. Line everything up within reach, because the process will go quickly once you start.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then dip into the egg, and finally coat it generously in panko. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken so they stick well—don’t just roll and shake! The better your coating, the crispier your finished tenders will be.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Give both sides of each breaded tender a light spray of olive oil. This will help them brown and crisp beautifully. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd (work in batches if necessary). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crunch, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, it’s time for the signature sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—about 30 seconds—being careful not to let it burn. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened, then remove from heat. The smell will bring everyone into the kitchen!
Step 6: Toss and Serve
While the tenders are still hot, toss them in your warm honey butter garlic sauce (or brush it on for less mess). Serve immediately so you get the perfect balance of sticky, sweet, crispy, and savory. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed right away!
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of a little flair! Top your plated tenders with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color, or try some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. If you like a spicy hit, add a dusting of red pepper flakes to your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders right before serving.
Side Dishes
These tenders are amazingly versatile. Pile them up with fluffy rice to soak up every drop of sauce, or serve alongside simple roasted vegetables or a vibrant green salad for a balanced weeknight meal. They’re also fantastic tucked into a sandwich or wrap for an easy lunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling extra, stand the tenders upright in a basket lined with parchment for that restaurant-style touch. For family nights, lay them out on a big board with small bowls of extra sauce for dipping. The colors and glossy finish of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders make them as stunning as they are tasty.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), let them cool completely before storing. Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store the sauce separately for best results, so the chicken stays crisp and can be sauced just before enjoying.
Freezing
To freeze Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, skip the sauce and freeze the cooked, cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. When ready, simply thaw and reheat, then toss with fresh, warm honey butter garlic sauce.
Reheating
For reheating, the air fryer is your best friend. Reheat tenders at 350°F for 4–6 minutes until hot and crisp again. If you must use a microwave, use short bursts to keep them from getting soggy, but try for the air fryer or oven for the best texture. Toss or brush with sauce after reheating to keep that gorgeous, glossy finish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips about the thickness of regular tenders. The cook time should be about the same—just check that they’re cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
Panko gives the crispiest texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch. You’ll still get delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, just with a slightly less crunchy exterior.
Can I make the sauce spicier?
Definitely! Stir in some red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce while simmering your honey butter garlic sauce to add as much heat as you like.
What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?
For the best crunch, sauce just before serving, and never cover freshly cooked tenders tightly while hot. If you need to wait a few minutes to serve, place them on a wire rack so the bottom stays crisp.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes, you can! Just air fry in batches to avoid crowding and keep each piece crispy. You can keep the cooked tenders warm on a sheet pan in a low oven while you finish the rest and then toss all of them in the sauce before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s as easy as it is exciting, you genuinely can’t go wrong with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. They’re everything you want in a comfort food—crunchy, sticky, sweet, and full of flavor the whole family will adore. I can’t wait for you to make these and share the joy (and, let’s be honest, maybe keep a batch all for yourself!). Happy cooking!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a flavorful honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- olive oil spray
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Season the chicken tenders: Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set up breading station: Prepare three shallow bowls with flour, beaten egg, and panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge and coat: Dredge each tender in flour, dip in egg, coat in breadcrumbs, and spray with olive oil.
- Cook in air fryer: Cook tenders in the air fryer for 10–12 minutes until golden.
- Make the sauce: Melt butter, add garlic, then stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
- Toss in sauce: Toss cooked tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Serve with rice, veggies, or as a sandwich.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist.
- Sauce tenders just before serving for maximum crispiness.
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