Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for crispy, juicy, and flavor-packed chicken tenders, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the ultimate treat! They’re coated in a golden honey butter garlic sauce that brings the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. Plus, using an air fryer makes them crispy without the extra oil from deep frying!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Juicy: Perfectly golden and tender without deep frying.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The honey butter garlic glaze is irresistible.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes!
• Kid-Friendly: A meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken Tenders (1 lb) – Boneless and skinless
• All-Purpose Flour (½ cup) – For the first coating
• Eggs (2 large) – For dredging
• Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup) – Adds extra crispiness
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp) – Enhances the flavor
• Onion Powder (1 tsp) – Adds depth
• Smoked Paprika (½ tsp) – A hint of smokiness
• Salt & Pepper – To taste
• Olive Oil Spray – For crisping in the air fryer

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• Honey (¼ cup) – The perfect natural sweetness
• Butter (3 tbsp) – For richness and silkiness
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – The star of the sauce
• Soy Sauce (1 tbsp) – Balances the sweetness
• Lemon Juice (1 tsp) – A touch of acidity for brightness

Tools You’ll Need

• Air Fryer
• Mixing Bowls
• Small Saucepan
• Whisk

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Breading Station

1. In one bowl, add flour and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
3. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Coat the Chicken

4. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
6. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer.
7. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray.
8. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, and cook for another 5–7 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

9. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
10. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
11. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

12. Drizzle or toss the crispy chicken tenders in the warm honey butter garlic sauce.
13. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!

What to Serve with These Chicken Tenders

• Crispy Fries – Classic and delicious.
• Steamed Veggies – For a balanced meal.
• Rice or Quinoa – Soaks up the extra sauce.
• Dipping Sauces – Ranch, honey mustard, or extra garlic butter sauce!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary for even crispiness.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They make the tenders extra crispy.
• Spray with Olive Oil: Helps achieve a golden brown crust.
• Serve Immediately: Best enjoyed fresh and crispy.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to crisp them up again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips for homemade tenders.

Can I make this sauce spicier?
Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Can I bake these instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! The honey butter garlic sauce takes them to the next level, making them a must-try for any chicken lover.

Let me know how yours turn out in the comments! If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it and subscribe for more delicious air fryer recipes!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 25g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 12g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 450mg

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