There’s something undeniably comforting about crispy, golden chicken tenders. They remind me of childhood dinners, quick weeknight meals, and even those indulgent restaurant appetizers we all love. But what if I told you that you could get that same crunchy, flavorful experience at home without deep frying and all the extra oil? That’s where these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders come in.
The combination of savory garlic, rich butter, and sweet honey creates a glaze that coats each tender with pure deliciousness. These are not your average chicken tenders! They have the perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy interior, all while being cooked in the air fryer for a lighter take on a classic favorite.
Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, a game-night snack, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe is a must-try. Kids love them, adults love them, and they’re so easy to make that they’ll quickly become a go-to in your kitchen. Plus, the air fryer ensures they come out crispy on the outside and tender on the inside every single time.
So, if you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that doesn’t require standing over a pan of hot oil, you’re in the right place. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier Alternative: Unlike deep-fried tenders, these are made in the air fryer with minimal oil but still achieve that crispy crunch.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavors: The combination of garlic, butter, and honey makes these tenders savory, slightly sweet, and incredibly addictive.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few simple ingredients and the help of the air fryer, you’ll have these ready in no time.
- Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved: These are great for picky eaters, and they make a fantastic meal for the whole family.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make a big batch and store leftovers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, over a salad, or even in a sandwich for a delicious twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Preparation
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set this aside you’ll be using it to coat the chicken.
Step 2: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Dip each tender into the honey butter mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let any excess drip off.
Step 3: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each coated chicken tender and roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. Make sure the tenders are fully covered for that perfect crispy crust.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tenders in a single layer inside the basket don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up properly. If needed, cook in batches.
Step 5: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If you want them extra crunchy, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before air frying. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Once done, let them rest for a minute, then dig in! Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy.
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some delicious variations to try:
- Spicy Honey Garlic Tenders: If you love a little heat, add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the honey butter mixture. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the breadcrumbs for extra kick.
- Parmesan-Crusted Tenders: Mix ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy, savory twist.
- Extra Crispy Version: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They give the tenders an even crispier texture.
- Dairy-Free Alternative: Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Baked Version: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake these tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
No matter how you customize them, these tenders are sure to be a hit!
How to Serve
These crispy, golden tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways:
- Classic Style: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or garlic aioli.
- With a Side of Fries: Pair with air fryer French fries, sweet potato fries, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- In a Wrap: Slice the tenders and wrap them in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and ranch dressing for a delicious chicken wrap.
- On a Sandwich: Add them to a buttered brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of extra honey for the ultimate crispy chicken sandwich.
- Over Rice or Pasta: Serve them on top of steamed rice or buttered pasta for a heartier meal.
- Party Platter: Arrange them on a platter with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and a variety of dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
No matter how you serve them, these honey butter garlic chicken tenders will be a guaranteed favorite!
Recipe Tips
To get the best results, follow these simple tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the tenders in a single layer so they cook evenly. If needed, cook in batches.
- For Extra Crunch: Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Flip Halfway Through: This ensures the tenders cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid overcooking, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make-Ahead Option: You can bread the tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before air frying.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to crisp them up again. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soggy.
Following these tips will ensure your chicken tenders turn out crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor!
Cooking Notes
- Use Fresh or Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but panko breadcrumbs give a crispier, crunchier texture. If you prefer a softer crust, use finely ground breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer to allow proper air circulation. If you’re making a large batch, cook them in multiple batches for even crispiness.
- Flipping is Key: Flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. This helps achieve that golden, crispy coating.
- For Extra Crunch: Lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray before air frying. This enhances the crispiness and gives them that deep-fried texture without all the oil.
- Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check if the chicken is fully cooked. It should read 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. Undercooked chicken can be unsafe, while overcooking can make it dry.
- Adjust Cooking Time: If your tenders are thicker, they may need an extra minute or two. If they are thinner, start checking around the 8-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~28g
- Sodium: ~450mg
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders instead of fresh?
Yes, you can! However, if using frozen tenders, make sure to fully thaw them before breading. Cooking from frozen may result in uneven cooking and a soggy texture. If you must cook from frozen, increase the air fryer time by 3-5 minutes and check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F (75°C).
2. How do I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Also, double-check that your honey and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
3. Can I bake these in the oven instead of using an air fryer?
Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the breaded tenders on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil them for the last 1-2 minutes.
4. How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to keep them crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soft and rubbery.
5. Can I add other seasonings to the honey butter mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to add paprika, cayenne pepper, or a pinch of chili flakes for some heat. You can also mix in grated Parmesan cheese for a more savory flavor.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. With their golden breadcrumb coating and sweet, garlicky honey butter glaze, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re healthier than deep-fried tenders and come together in just 22 minutes!
Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner, a kid-friendly meal, or a party appetizer, they’re always a hit. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, fries, or a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that everyone will love.
The best part? You can customize them in so many ways! Make them spicier, go gluten-free, or even turn them into chicken sandwiches or wraps. However you choose to serve them, they’re bound to become a staple in your kitchen.
So, what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try, and let me know how it turns out! If you loved these tenders, be sure to check out my other air fryer recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking!
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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until well combined. Set this aside you’ll be using it to coat the chicken.
Step 2: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. Dip each tender into the honey butter mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Let any excess drip off.
Step 3: Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Take each coated chicken tender and roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. Make sure the tenders are fully covered for that perfect crispy crust.
Step 4: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the tenders in a single layer inside the basket don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t crisp up properly. If needed, cook in batches.
Step 5: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If you want them extra crunchy, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray before air frying. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Once done, let them rest for a minute, then dig in! Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 450
- Protein: 28