If you’re looking for a quick, mouthwatering dinner that’s packed with flavor, look no further than these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Imagine golden, crispy chicken tenders with a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that just melts in your mouth. And the best part? You don’t need to heat up your whole kitchen with the oven thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get perfectly cooked chicken in no time. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become your go-to weeknight dinner!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments of pure, juicy chicken bliss. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or craving something indulgent and satisfying, this dish has got you covered. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
These chicken tenders are so versatile you can serve them as a snack, in a sandwich, or alongside your favorite sides. They’re perfect for any occasion!
Budget-Friendly
Chicken tenders are usually an affordable option, and the ingredients for the sauce are basic pantry staples. You’ll get tons of flavor without spending a fortune.
Quick and Easy
The air fryer does all the work for you, leaving you with crispy chicken tenders in just 20 minutes. No need to fuss with oil or deep frying—just pop them in and let the air fryer work its magic.
Customizable
Want a little heat? Add a dash of chili flakes to the honey butter sauce. Or, switch up the seasoning to fit your flavor preferences—this recipe is totally adaptable.
Crowd-Pleasing
These chicken tenders are bound to be a hit with everyone at the table, from picky eaters to foodies. The crispy exterior and sweet, garlicky coating make them irresistible.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Here’s the magic of these tenders: they’re simple to make with ingredients you probably already have at home. Let’s break it down:
Chicken Tenders
The star of the show! They’re tender, juicy, and easy to cook in the air fryer, giving you that perfect crispy bite without any deep frying.
Honey
The sweet component that gives these tenders their irresistible glaze. The honey balances out the savory garlic and butter perfectly, creating that sweet and savory combo we all crave.
Butter
The rich, creamy goodness that forms the base of the sauce. Butter helps the sauce coat the chicken perfectly and adds that indulgent flavor.
Garlic
A must-have for any garlic lover! The garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic flavor, making every bite of chicken taste amazing.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create these crispy, saucy chicken tenders:
Preheat Your Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken will cook evenly and get nice and crispy.
Prepare the Chicken Tenders
Season your chicken tenders with a little salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like. This gives the chicken some flavor even before it hits the sauce.
Cook the Chicken Tenders
Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside.
Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Add the garlic and cook for a minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the honey and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Coat the Chicken
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce. Make sure each piece is evenly coated, letting the sweet, garlicky sauce drip down the sides.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken tenders warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- Serve with crispy French fries or potato wedges for the ultimate comfort food combo.
- Pair with a fresh, crunchy salad to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- Add some steamed veggies or roasted vegetables for a healthy touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
- For extra crispiness, spray the chicken tenders with a little cooking spray before air frying.
- If you like your chicken extra saucy, feel free to double the honey butter garlic sauce.
- You can make these tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a quick reheat later. Just pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp up again!
- To make this dish even more flavorful, sprinkle some fresh herbs or grated Parmesan on top of the chicken after coating it with the sauce.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, no need to thaw them first. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, and they’ll cook through perfectly.
2. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Just bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Can I make the honey butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before tossing the chicken in it.
4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply use gluten-free chicken tenders or a gluten-free breading, and you’re good to go.
5. How can I make these tenders spicier?
If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or season the chicken with a little cayenne pepper before cooking.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
7. Can I use a different sweetener instead of honey?
Yes! You can substitute maple syrup or agave nectar if you prefer.
8. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cut the chicken breasts into tenders and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
9. Can I add other seasonings to the chicken?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with seasonings like paprika, onion powder, or even a bit of smoked salt for extra flavor.
10. Can I serve these tenders with dipping sauces?
Yes! They’re delicious on their own, but you can serve them with ranch dressing, blue cheese, or even more honey mustard for dipping.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a meal crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make. With the sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, these tenders are truly irresistible. Whether you’re serving them for a family dinner or a casual get-together, they’ll be gone in minutes. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll be hooked!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Juicy chicken tenders coated in a crispy cornflake crust, air-fried to perfection, and tossed in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. A delightful dish that’s both easy to prepare and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
- 2 cups (60g) cornflakes, crushed
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray (preferably avocado oil)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 5 tablespoons (70g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Roll the coated chicken tender in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
-
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t touch. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
-
Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the honey and soy sauce, and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Coat the Chicken Tenders:
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken tenders and toss gently to ensure each piece is thoroughly coated.
-
Serve:
- Serve the honey butter garlic chicken tenders immediately.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Notes
- Cornflake Substitution: If cornflakes are unavailable, panko breadcrumbs can be used as an alternative for a crispy coating.
- Spice Level: For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the egg mixture or drizzle the finished tenders with hot honey.
- Storage: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg