Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Marinate the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic marinade, allowing any excess to drip off to avoid sogginess later.
- Coat the Chicken: Roll or press each marinated chicken tender into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are fully and evenly coated for maximum crunch.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the tenders from sticking during cooking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
