Ingredients
Ingredients:
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1 lb chicken tenders
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¼ cup honey
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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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:
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Don’t skip preheating your air fryer — it helps create that iconic crispy crust right from the start.
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Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
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Check doneness using a meat thermometer — chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally.
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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