Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a delightful and delicious way to serve chicken tenders, look no further than these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! This irresistible dish combines the sweet and savory goodness of honey butter with the aromatic punch of garlic, creating a mouthwatering experience that’s perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or simply any time you need a comforting meal. The beauty of using an air fryer means you get that golden, crispy finish without the excess oil typical of frying, making these tenders a healthier option that everyone will love.

What makes this recipe truly special is the harmonious balance of flavors paired with the tender chicken, all done in a fraction of the time. Once you take a bite of these crispy-coated, honey-glazed delights, you’ll understand why they quickly become a family favorite. Trust us; these chicken tenders are not only simple to make but also a guaranteed hit any day of the week!

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

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 (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Here are the fresh ingredients you’ll need to create this tasty dish.

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture, ensuring each piece is covered well for maximum flavor.
3. On a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs out evenly.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated for that perfect crunch.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap to allow for even cooking.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can substitute agave syrup for honey if you’re looking for a vegan option. If you want heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey garlic mixture.
• Optional variations: Try adding grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy flavor, or toss in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an aromatic touch.
• Storage or reheating tips: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

350kcal

Pinterest Facebook Share on X

Share Print

Prep 10 minutes mins

Cook 12 minutes mins

Total 22 minutes mins

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of sweet and savory goodness, featuring crispy chicken coated in honey garlic sauce, perfect for any meal.

Servings 4 servings

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Ingredients

1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade Ingredients

• ▢ 1 lb chicken tenders Fresh or thawed
• ▢ ¼ cup honey Can substitute agave syrup for a vegan option
• ▢ 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted For a richer flavor
• ▢ 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds aromatic flavor
• ▢ 1 tsp paprika For seasoning
• ▢ 1 tsp salt
• ▢ ½ tsp black pepper

Breading Ingredients

• ▢ 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) For a crispy coating
• ▢ Cooking spray To prevent sticking in the air fryer

Method

Prevent Sleep ModePrevent Sleep Mode

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture, ensuring each piece is covered well for maximum flavor.

Breading and Air Frying

1. On a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs out evenly.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated for that perfect crunch.
3. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap to allow for even cooking.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
6. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Nutrition

Serving1gCalories350kcalCarbohydrates35gProtein30gFat10gSaturated Fat4gSodium600mgFiber1gSugar10g

Notes

You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or mix grated Parmesan cheese with breadcrumbs for a cheesy flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, air fry for a few minutes to maintain their crispiness.

Private Notes

Click here to add your own private notes.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!