Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy. They make a quick and delicious meal or snack, boasting a flavorful garlic-infused honey glaze with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. Ready in just minutes, they’re sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
• 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 (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, and minced garlic. Stir well to create the marinade.
3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly blended.
4. Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
5. Step 5: Coat each tender thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Step 6: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
7. Step 7: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
8. Step 8: Cook for 10–12 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
9. Step 9: Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
• Marinate the chicken tenders for 30 minutes before coating for deeper flavor.
• Serve with honey mustard, ranch, or a spicy mayo dip to complement the flavors.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and a crispy coating.

What can I use if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake these tenders in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway to crisp up both sides. Using a wire rack on a baking sheet helps keep them crispy.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 162 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders coated in a sweet, buttery garlic marinade and a seasoned breadcrumb crust, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

• Author: Tim
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Coating

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Others

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for a few minutes to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
2. Prepare the Honey Garlic Marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, and 3 cloves of minced fresh garlic. Stir well to create a smooth, flavorful marinade.
3. Mix the Breadcrumb Coating: In another bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the seasoning.
4. Marinate the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic marinade, allowing any excess to drip off to avoid sogginess later.
5. Coat the Chicken: Roll or press each marinated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated for maximum crunch.
6. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the tenders from sticking during cooking.
7. Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help achieve a crispy, golden crust.
8. Cook the Tenders: Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.
9. Serve: Once the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• For best results, use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders to maintain texture.
• Adjust cooking time based on the size and thickness of the chicken tenders.
• Panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Spraying both the air fryer basket and the chicken tenders helps to develop a crispy crust without deep frying.
• Use gloves or a brush to evenly coat the chicken tenders with the marinade and breadcrumbs for less mess.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Quick Chicken Recipe, Healthy Fried Chicken Alternative