Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Sweet, and Savory Bliss 🍯🧄🍗
Craving a quick, crowd-pleasing meal that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with bold flavors? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are your answer! Coated in a crunchy panko crust and tossed in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce, these tenders strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and slightly tangy notes with a hint of optional heat. Made in the air fryer, they’re healthier than traditional fried chicken but just as indulgent. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even meal prep, these tenders are sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a winner because it’s:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 25 minutes, ideal for busy schedules.
- Healthier Comfort Food: Air frying cuts down on oil without sacrificing crispiness.
- Flavor-Packed: The honey butter garlic sauce is a game-changer, blending sweet, umami, and aromatic notes.
- Versatile: Serve as an entrée, appetizer, or wrap filling for endless meal possibilities.
From the golden crunch of the tenders to the sticky, garlicky glaze, every bite is a flavor explosion that’ll have everyone reaching for seconds!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into strips)
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for dietary needs)
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika for a milder flavor)
- 1 large egg, beaten
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray (avocado or olive oil spray preferred)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- ⅓ cup pure honey (use raw honey for a richer flavor)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic paste for smoother texture)
- 1½ tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (or honey mustard for extra sweetness)
- ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar (for a subtle tangy kick)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy twist)
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Yield: 4 servings (2–3 tenders per person)
Prep Time: 12 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Calories: Approximately 320–350 kcal per serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer and Ingredients
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Set Up the Breading Station: Arrange three shallow dishes for breading:
- Dish 1: Combine flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir to mix evenly.
- Dish 2: Whisk the egg with 1 tablespoon of water for a smoother coating.
- Dish 3: Place the panko breadcrumbs (or cornflakes) for a crunchy finish.
Pro Tip: For extra flavor, add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder or dried Italian herbs to the flour mixture.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
- Coat the Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the breading adhere. Working one tender at a time, dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Prep for Air Frying: Place the breaded tenders on a plate or wire rack. Lightly mist both sides with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
Pro Tip: For thicker breading, double-dip the tenders by repeating the egg and panko steps for an extra crunchy crust.
Step 3: Air Fry the Tenders
- Arrange in the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
- Cook to Perfection: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through with tongs. The tenders are done when they’re golden brown, crispy, and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Keep Warm: Transfer cooked tenders to a wire rack or low oven (200°F/93°C) to stay warm while preparing the sauce.
Pro Tip: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer gently for 1–2 minutes, stirring until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, thin it with 1–2 teaspoons of warm water. For a stickier glaze, simmer an extra minute.
Pro Tip: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning—add more honey for sweetness or soy sauce for umami depth.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Coat the Tenders: Place the hot air-fried tenders in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat evenly. Alternatively, brush the sauce on for a lighter coating or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Garnish and Plate: Transfer the tenders to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp green salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal. For a fun appetizer, slice the tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.
Serving Suggestion: Elevate the dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries to complement the sweet-savory sauce.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Options: If you don’t have chicken tenders, cut boneless chicken breasts or thighs into 1-inch strips. Thighs are juicier but may require an extra minute of cooking.
- Breadcrumb Variations: Swap panko for crushed pretzels, cornflakes, or almond flour (for keto-friendly tenders) to change the texture.
- Sauce Customization: For a bolder flavor, add 1 teaspoon of sriracha, hot honey, or grated ginger to the sauce. For a milder version, skip the red pepper flakes.
- Make-Ahead Prep: Bread the tenders and refrigerate them (uncovered) for up to 4 hours before air frying to save time. The sauce can be made a day ahead and reheated gently.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the tenders soggy.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a perfect blend of convenience, health-conscious cooking, and indulgent flavors. The air fryer delivers a crispy, golden crust without the mess or calories of deep frying, while the honey butter garlic sauce adds a sticky, irresistible glaze that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting a casual gathering, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is versatile, budget-friendly, and packed with crowd-pleasing appeal.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, Per Serving)
- Calories: 320–350 kcal
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and vary based on portion size and ingredient choices.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Honey Garlic Tenders: Add 1–2 teaspoons of sriracha or chili crisp to the sauce for a fiery kick.
- Lemon Herb Twist: Replace soy sauce with lemon juice and add 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or thyme for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour, panko, and tamari to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
- Kid-Friendly Version: Omit the red pepper flakes and reduce garlic for a milder sauce, and serve with ketchup or ranch for dipping.
Explore More Air Fryer Favorites
If you’re hooked on these tenders, check out these other air fryer recipes on our site:
- Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet and Sour Pork Bites
- Air Fryer Veggie-Stuffed Zucchini Boats
