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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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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

Units Scale

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.

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