Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Crispy, Flavorful Delight

Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking, offering a healthier alternative to deep frying without sacrificing the crispy texture we all love. One dish that shines in the air fryer is chicken tenders—especially when they’re coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky honey butter glaze. This recipe for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or meal prep. With a cooking time of just 20 minutes, you’ll have tender, juicy chicken tenders with a golden crust and an irresistible flavor.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the recipe step by step, including tips for achieving the perfect texture and flavor. We’ll also provide variations and serving suggestions to make this dish your own. Let’s get started!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthier Than Fried: The air fryer uses little to no oil, making these tenders lighter than traditional fried versions.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a sweet, savory, and slightly tangy glaze that’s downright addictive.
• Versatile: Serve these tenders as a main dish, appetizer, or even in salads or wraps.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious honey butter garlic chicken tenders:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or 1 tablespoon olive oil (for air frying)

For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional, for a hint of tang)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls (3)
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Small saucepan
• Baking sheet (optional, for serving)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders

1. Set Up Your Breading Station: In three separate bowls, prepare the following:
   • Bowl 1: Add the flour.
   • Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs until smooth.
   • Bowl 3: Combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Coat the Chicken:
   • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess.
   • Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
   • Finally, press the tender into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated on all sides. Repeat for all tenders.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and a crispy exterior.

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Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

1. Arrange the Tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
2. Cook the Tenders: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.
3. Keep Warm: If cooking in batches, transfer the cooked tenders to a baking sheet and keep them warm in a low-temperature oven (about 200°F or 95°C) while you cook the rest.

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Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze

1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the Flavor: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Combine Ingredients: Add the honey, soy sauce, lemon juice (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
4. Toss the Tenders: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic glaze over the tenders and toss gently to coat evenly.

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Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

1. Plate the Tenders: Arrange the glazed chicken tenders on a serving platter.
2. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or extra red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor.
3. Serve with Sides: Pair with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce) and sides like coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad.

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches ensures even crisping.
• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• Adjust the Glaze: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add an extra tablespoon of honey. For more tang, increase the lemon juice.
• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internally.

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Variations

1. Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture or increase the red pepper flakes in the glaze.
2. Cheesy Tenders: Mix 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy twist.
3. Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and substitute soy sauce with tamari.
4. Asian-Inspired Glaze: Replace the honey with 2 tablespoons of hoisin sauce and add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to the glaze.

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Serving Suggestions

• As a Main Dish: Serve with mashed potatoes, steamed rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
• As an Appetizer: Cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve with toothpicks for a party-friendly snack.
• In a Salad: Slice the tenders and add them to a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado for a hearty salad.
• In a Wrap: Stuff the tenders into a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the air frying time.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until warmed through and crispy.

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Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g

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Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without the guilt of deep frying. With a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors, this dish is sure to become a family favorite. Plus, the air fryer makes it incredibly easy to achieve restaurant-quality results at home.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this recipe is a winner. So fire up your air fryer, grab your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the best chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted!

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Let us know how your honey butter garlic chicken tenders turned out in the comments below. Happy cooking