Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, bringing together the comforting essence of chicken tenders with the sweet and savory notes of honey and garlic. I first stumbled upon this recipe during a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick yet impressive for dinner. My family devoured them, and I knew I had found a winner in my kitchen arsenal. These tenders are not only crispy and flavorful but also incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a game night with friends.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe stands out for several reasons. First off, cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer allows you to achieve that golden crispiness without the excessive oil typically used in frying. This means you get all the crunch with none of the guilt! Plus, the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce elevates the dish, creating a flavor that’s both familiar and exciting.

You’ll love this recipe for its versatility; it’s quick to prepare and budget-friendly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or meal prep. Kids love the sweet taste, and adults appreciate the balance of flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food that doesn’t compromise on nutrition.

"These chicken tenders are a hit! The honey and garlic combo is to die for. My kids couldn’t get enough of them!" – A satisfied home cook.

Preparing Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Making these chicken tenders is as straightforward as it gets. You’ll mix up a delightful honey garlic sauce, coat your tenders, and let the air fryer work its magic. Each step is easy to follow, ensuring that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal. Here’s what to expect:

1. Prepare the honey garlic mixture.
2. Coat the chicken tenders thoroughly.
3. Preheat the air fryer for the perfect crisp.
4. Air fry until golden brown.
5. Drizzle with reserved sauce and serve hot.

What You’ll Need

To recreate this mouthwatering dish, gather the following 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 (you can use panko for extra crunch or regular breadcrumbs)
• Cooking spray

Feel free to customize! If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can substitute the unsalted butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Make the Honey Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Reserve half of this mixture for drizzling later.

2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Roll the tenders in breadcrumbs to create a crispy outer layer.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature creates a nice, crispy exterior while keeping the interior juicy.

4. Cook the Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and fully cooked.

5. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the chicken tenders for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!

Best Way to Serve

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are delightful on their own, but you can elevate your meal with a few serving suggestions. Consider pairing them with:

• A fresh side salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette
• Creamy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast
• Cheesy cornbread for that true comfort food vibe
• Sweet potato fries for an additional dose of flavor

Keeping Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Fresh Longer

Storing leftovers from your delicious meal is simple. Here are a few tips:

• Refrigerate: Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 3 months!
• Reheating: When ready to enjoy leftovers, air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to get them crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Pro Chef Tips

• Prepping the Chicken: Choose tenders that are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
• Ensure Crispiness: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to flow freely, ensuring every tender gets that perfect crunch.
• Marinade Time: For deeper flavor, you can marinate the chicken in the honey garlic mixture for about 30 minutes before coating in breadcrumbs.

Creative Twists

Looking to shake things up? Try these variations:

• Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mixture for some heat.
• Herbaceous Touch: Incorporate dried thyme or rosemary into the breadcrumb mix for an herby flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your honey is certified gluten-free for a safe alternative.

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

Preparation and cooking time combined will take around 20–25 minutes, making this a very convenient dish for busy weeknights!

Can I reheat leftovers?

Absolutely! To retain the crispiness, it’s best to reheat them in the air fryer rather than the microwave.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can also bake these tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.

With this easy and delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe, you’ll surely find a new favorite in your cooking repertoire! Enjoy the sweet and savory flavors paired with that irresistible crispy texture.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free Option Available

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Description

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a guilt-free treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

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Instructions

1. Make the Honey Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Reserve half for later.
2. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each tender into the honey garlic mixture and coat with breadcrumbs.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C).
4. Cook the Tenders: Spray the basket with cooking spray, arrange tenders in a single layer, and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle reserved sauce over the cooked tenders and serve immediately.

Notes

For a healthier option, substitute unsalted butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: chicken tenders, air fryer, honey garlic, easy dinner, crispy chicken