Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a sweet-savory glaze that complements the tender chicken perfectly. The best part? The air fryer cooks them to crispy perfection without the need for deep frying. It’s a healthier yet delicious twist on a classic favorite!
Here’s the recipe for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk (optional, to help with egg wash)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for added depth of flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- If you’re using chicken breasts, cut them into strips (about 1-1.5 inches wide).
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks well.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
- In a third shallow bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, coating it evenly.
- Then dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, dredge the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
5. Cook the Chicken:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (optional, for extra crispiness).
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded so they cook evenly.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce (if using), and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat.
7. Coat the Chicken with Sauce:
- 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 coat them evenly.
8. Serve:
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy as is!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Air Fryer: The air fryer gives the chicken tenders a crispy, golden crust without all the oil of traditional frying.
- Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: The sauce brings together the perfect balance of sweetness, savory, and a little heat, making these tenders irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: The whole dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a great weeknight dinner option!
Tips & Variations:
- Make it Spicy: If you want a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce.
- Alternative Breading: For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour.
- Add Veggies: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to balance out the richness of the chicken tenders.
- Meal Prep: You can make a batch of these chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore the crispiness.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with a side of crispy fries, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables.
- They also pair wonderfully with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even barbecue sauce.
- For a complete meal, serve them over a bed of rice or in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce.
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are bound to be a hit with everyone—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Enjoy, and let me know how they turn out!