Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful blend of sweetness and savory flavors, making them a perfect weeknight meal or a special treat. I stumbled upon this gem while searching for a quick and delicious dinner option that would please my family—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! These chicken tenders are not only easy to make but also packed with flavor thanks to the honey, garlic, and rich butter coating. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer ensures they come out crispy without all the extra oil, making them a healthier choice.

Why you’ll love this dish

What sets Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders apart is their unique combination of flavors and textures. The honey adds a natural sweetness that perfectly complements the savory garlic, and cooking them in the air fryer yields a satisfying crunch. They’re incredibly straightforward to prepare, making them an excellent choice for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Kids truly love the crispy texture and the deliciously sweet dressing, while adults appreciate the healthier cooking method.

"These chicken tenders are an instant hit every time! The honey garlic coating is just divine. My kids can’t get enough!" – Happy Home Cook

Step-by-step overview

Creating these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is simple and fun! In just a few steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to serve. Start by mixing the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, and spices to create a luscious marinade. Coat your chicken tenders in this mix, dredge them in breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch, and let the air fryer work its magic. You’ll enjoy tender, flavorful, and golden brown chicken within minutes!

What you’ll need

Let’s gather the essentials before we dive in. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe:

1 lb chicken tenders
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (you can use panko or regular)
Cooking spray

If you want to make substitutions, consider using olive oil instead of butter for a lighter option or maple syrup if you’re aiming for a different flavor profile.

Step-by-step instructions

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to prepare your tenders:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is nicely blended.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the honey garlic mixture.
On a separate plate, spread out your breadcrumbs.
Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re cooked through and turn a lovely golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Best ways to enjoy it

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but they can be enhanced with a few creative touches. Serve them with a side of creamy ranch or honey mustard dipping sauce. For a complete meal, consider pairing them with a fresh garden salad, roasted veggies, or even some fluffy mashed potatoes. They are also perfect for a casual game day gathering, served alongside crispy fries or a refreshing coleslaw.

Storage and reheating tips

Got leftovers? No worries! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, feel free to freeze them—just ensure they’re cooled completely before sealing them in freezer-safe bags. When reheating, a quick return to the air fryer for about 5 minutes will revive their crispiness beautifully. Always make sure to handle your food safely and thoroughly reheat for even warmth!

Helpful cooking tips

To ensure your chicken tenders come out perfect every time, here are some tips:

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if you have a lot of chicken. This guarantees they’ll cook evenly and get nicely crispy.
Double dip for extra crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken in the honey garlic mixture again after the breadcrumbs for a second layer.
Adjust spices to taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings, adding more garlic or some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

Creative twists

There are so many ways to mix it up with this recipe! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:

Crispy Parmesan: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
Spicy flavor: Incorporate some chili powder or red pepper flakes into the honey mixture for a spicy version.
Herb infusion: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to enhance the flavor profile.

Common questions

How long can I store the chicken tenders?
You can store cooked chicken tenders in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, place them in an airtight container.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but ensure they are cooked longer to reach the desired internal temperature. Also, thaw them in the fridge overnight for best results before seasoning.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these tenders in a regular oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just keep an eye on them for that golden color!

The next time you crave a satisfying chicken dish with a sweet twist, give these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders a try! They are sure to become a new family favorite.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Delightful chicken tenders coated in a sweet honey garlic mixture and air-fried for a crispy finish, making them a perfect weeknight meal or special treat.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 12

Total Time 22

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

For the chicken tenders

1 lb chicken tenders
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted Can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option.
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs Panko or regular breadcrumbs can be used.
1 tbsp cooking spray To prevent sticking in the air fryer.

Instructions

Preparation

In a large mixing bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is nicely blended.
Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them thoroughly with the honey garlic mixture.
On a separate plate, spread out your breadcrumbs.
Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring it’s fully covered.
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.

Cooking

Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They are done when cooked through and golden brown.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.