Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Description:
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and buttery flavors. The combination of garlic, honey, and butter creates a rich glaze that coats each tender piece of chicken, while the air fryer ensures a crispy finish without the need for deep frying. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a flavorful snack.

Origin:
This dish takes inspiration from classic honey garlic chicken recipes but uses the air fryer to achieve a healthier, quicker version. The air fryer’s hot circulating air mimics the crispiness of frying while using less oil, making it a more convenient and lighter option for chicken tenders.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 large eggs
1 tbsp water
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
Cooking spray (or olive oil spray)

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions:

Prep the chicken tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better.
Prepare the dredging station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the chicken tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Then dip it in the egg wash, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
Cook the chicken tenders: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Spray the tops of the tenders with a light coat of cooking spray.
Air fry the chicken tenders: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Make the honey butter garlic sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
Coat the chicken tenders: Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat them evenly.
Serve: Serve the honey butter garlic chicken tenders immediately, garnished with chopped parsley or extra red pepper flakes if desired. They’re perfect on their own or with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.

Tips for Success:

For extra crispy tenders, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back in the egg wash and panko breadcrumbs after the first coating.
Make sure to leave some space between the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket to allow air to circulate evenly for the best crispiness.
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Adjust the honey and garlic levels to suit your taste – add more honey for sweetness or garlic for a stronger flavor.

Recommendations:

Serve these chicken tenders with a side of mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
These tenders also work great in a sandwich or wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch or honey mustard sauce.
For a spicier kick, add some hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce or sprinkle chili powder over the tenders before serving.

Nutrition (per serving, approximate):