Chicken tenders are beloved around the world for their crispy texture, juicy interior, and endless versatility. If you’re looking for a healthier yet incredibly flavorful version, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a dream come true. By combining the savory richness of garlic and butter with the sweet touch of honey, these chicken tenders bring a beautiful balance of flavors. Best of all, thanks to the air fryer, you get that irresistibly crunchy exterior without the heaviness of deep-frying. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a casual party platter, or simply craving something delicious, this recipe promises a dish that is easy, quick, and packed with unforgettable flavor.
Ingredients:
-
1 lb chicken tenders
-
¼ cup honey
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
-
Cooking spray
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Preparation:
Step 1: Make the Honey Garlic Mixture
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick. This fragrant blend will serve two purposes: part will coat the chicken before air frying, and the reserved portion will be drizzled over the finished tenders to amplify their flavor.
Tip: Mince the garlic finely to avoid large raw pieces overpowering the sauce.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and dip it thoroughly into the honey garlic mixture. Make sure the tenders are fully covered, as this ensures a juicy and flavorful inside. After dipping, roll each tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. The breadcrumbs will create the essential crispy crust that air frying will turn golden and crunchy.
Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, or traditional breadcrumbs for a finer coating.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps achieve a crispier result, ensuring the chicken starts cooking immediately and locks in moisture.
Tip: Some air fryers require only 2-3 minutes to preheat; consult your model’s manual for exact preheating instructions.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook
Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, work in batches to ensure each tender cooks evenly.
Cook the tenders for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become beautifully golden. Depending on your air fryer model and the size of the tenders, cooking times may vary slightly. Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken tenders are fully cooked and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the tenders while they’re still hot. The warmth helps the sauce spread and slightly melt into the crispy coating, enhancing each bite with a luxurious sweet and savory glaze.
Serve immediately for best taste and texture!
Variation
There are plenty of ways you can tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:
-
Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the honey garlic mixture for spicy tenders.
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Lemon Twist: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the honey butter mixture for a bright, tangy flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your honey is certified gluten-free.
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Herb Infusion: Add a sprinkle of dried thyme or parsley to the breadcrumb mixture for an herby touch.
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Extra Crispy: Double-coat the tenders by dipping them twice in the honey mixture and breadcrumbs.
COOKING Note:
-
Don’t skip preheating your air fryer — it helps create that iconic crispy crust right from the start.
-
Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
-
Check doneness using a meat thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
-
Brush tenders with extra honey butter sauce post-cooking if you want a stickier, more glazed exterior.
Serving Suggestions:
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With Dips: Serve alongside ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or extra honey mustard for dipping.
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On a Salad: Slice the tenders and place atop a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
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In a Sandwich: Layer tenders in a soft brioche bun with coleslaw for an easy chicken sandwich.
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With Sides: Pair with roasted vegetables, sweet potato fries, or a classic potato salad.
Tips:
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Use fresh garlic for the best flavor; jarred minced garlic may taste slightly metallic.
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Avoid overcooking to keep tenders juicy. Every air fryer cooks slightly differently.
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Line the basket with parchment paper designed for air fryers if you’re worried about sticking.
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Work in batches if necessary; overcrowding the basket leads to uneven cooking.
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Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes after air frying before drizzling with the final sauce for optimal absorption.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
-
Calories: ~320 kcal
-
Protein: ~22g
-
Sodium: ~580mg
-
Fat: ~12g
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands used.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Simply cut chicken breasts into even-sized strips to mimic tenders. Cooking time may need slight adjustment depending on the thickness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the tenders and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before air frying. Cooked tenders can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, after cooking and cooling, freeze tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (218°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and fully cooked.
What if I don’t have cooking spray?
You can brush a light layer of oil onto the air fryer basket and the chicken tenders to prevent sticking.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a satisfying, crispy, and flavor-packed meal without the guilt of deep-frying, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a must-try. The perfect harmony of sweet honey, rich butter, and pungent garlic makes every bite utterly crave-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for kids, preparing an easy weekday meal, or impressing guests at a gathering, these chicken tenders deliver both convenience and gourmet flavor. Plus, with countless variations and easy make-ahead options, this recipe is as flexible as it is delicious. Fire up your air fryer and enjoy the sweet, savory, and crispy goodness today!
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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
Ingredients:
-
1 lb chicken tenders
-
¼ cup honey
-
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
-
3 cloves garlic, minced
-
1 teaspoon paprika
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
-
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
-
Cooking spray
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both sophisticated and comforting.
Instructions
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thick. This fragrant blend will serve two purposes: part will coat the chicken before air frying, and the reserved portion will be drizzled over the finished tenders to amplify their flavor.
Tip: Mince the garlic finely to avoid large raw pieces overpowering the sauce.
Take each chicken tender and dip it thoroughly into the honey garlic mixture. Make sure the tenders are fully covered, as this ensures a juicy and flavorful inside. After dipping, roll each tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well. The breadcrumbs will create the essential crispy crust that air frying will turn golden and crunchy.
Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunchiness, or traditional breadcrumbs for a finer coating.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Preheating helps achieve a crispier result, ensuring the chicken starts cooking immediately and locks in moisture.
Tip: Some air fryers require only 2-3 minutes to preheat; consult your model’s manual for exact preheating instructions.
Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket. Avoid overcrowding; if necessary, work in batches to ensure each tender cooks evenly.
Cook the tenders for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become beautifully golden. Depending on your air fryer model and the size of the tenders, cooking times may vary slightly. Always check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
Once the chicken tenders are fully cooked and crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the tenders while they’re still hot. The warmth helps the sauce spread and slightly melt into the crispy coating, enhancing each bite with a luxurious sweet and savory glaze.
Serve immediately for best taste and texture!
Notes
COOKING Note:
-
Don’t skip preheating your air fryer — it helps create that iconic crispy crust right from the start.
-
Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
-
Check doneness using a meat thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
-
Brush tenders with extra honey butter sauce post-cooking if you want a stickier, more glazed exterior.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sodium: ~580mg
- Fat: ~12g
- Protein: ~22g