Name: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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If you’re ready to fall in love with crispy, flavor-packed chicken that’s ridiculously easy to make, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders need a spot on your menu tonight. Perfectly juicy on the inside with a golden, crunchy panko crust on the outside and bathed in an irresistible honey butter garlic glaze, this recipe is a dinnertime winner you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or the main event with some favorite sides, these chicken tenders are the kind of finger food everyone scrambles for. It’s comfort food with a sweet and savory twist you won’t forget!

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love most about Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is that every ingredient is both simple and essential—each playing its part, whether for texture, flavor, or that picture-perfect golden color. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you get started:

Chicken tenders: Opt for fresh, boneless chicken tenders for the juiciest results (it’s the star that keeps every bite moist and tender).
All-purpose flour: Creates the vital first layer for dredging, helping all the flavors and crispiness adhere to the tenders.
Paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle pop of color to the breading—don’t skip it!
Garlic powder: Lends a punch of savory flavor to every crunchy bite.
Salt: Just the right amount amps up all the other flavors.
Black pepper: A touch of pepper adds balanced heat and rounds everything out.
Large eggs (beaten): The “glue” that helps breadcrumbs stick, ensuring a beautifully even coating.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs make your chicken extra crisp and light.
Unsalted butter: Essential for a rich, luscious glaze—unsalted lets you control the saltiness.
Honey: Delivers irresistible, natural sweetness in the glaze (pairs so well with the garlic!).
Garlic (minced): Brings bold, aromatic garlic flavor right into the glaze.
Fresh parsley (chopped): Lively color and fresh herb flavor to brighten the finished dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Set Up Your Breading Stations

First things first, get organized by setting up three shallow dishes: one for the flour mixture (flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper), one for your beaten eggs, and another for panko breadcrumbs. Lining everything up makes the breading process smooth and mess-free, so the coating goes on evenly and sticks beautifully.

Step 2: Dredge and Coat the Chicken

One piece at a time, dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shake off the excess, then dip it right into the eggs, coating every inch. Next, press it into the panko breadcrumbs, turning so each side gets perfectly crisp. Gently press the crumbs in—this is your ticket to ultra-crunchy chicken!

Step 3: Air Fry for Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure there’s enough room for air to circulate. A light spray of cooking oil helps them turn perfectly golden. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when crispy, deeply golden, and cooked to 165°F (74°C) inside.

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze

While your chicken is air-frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and minced garlic, cooking for just a minute or two until the garlic smells wonderfully fragrant and the sauce is blended and slightly thickened. This sweet and savory glaze is what takes Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders over the top.

Step 5: Toss and Garnish

As soon as the chicken comes out (hot and crispy!), pop it into a mixing bowl and pour that gorgeous honey butter garlic glaze all over. Toss gently to coat each tender—yes, get them totally glistening. Right before serving, finish with a shower of chopped fresh parsley. Your kitchen will smell so inviting!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but don’t be afraid to get creative—try a grating of lemon zest, a pinch of chili flakes for a gentle kick, or even a drizzle of extra honey for a glossy finish on your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

Side Dishes

These chicken tenders are versatile stars! Serve with fluffy white rice, roasted green beans, corn on the cob, or a refreshing side salad. They’re also fantastic alongside homemade fries or some sautéed veggies for a more complete meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the tenders high on a platter with toothpicks for easy parties, tuck them inside sandwich buns or fresh lettuce wraps, or slice them over a big salad. Yes, you can use Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as the protein in a rice bowl with pickled veggies for a trendy bistro-style feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover tenders keep really well in the fridge for up to three days. Let them cool completely before arranging in an airtight container—this helps preserve their texture and flavor. Pop a paper towel at the bottom to catch any moisture and keep your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as crisp as possible.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the chicken tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This helps them hold their shape and not stick together. For best results, freeze them before tossing in the honey butter garlic sauce—reheat and glaze just before serving for the freshest flavor.

Reheating

The air fryer is your best friend for reheating! Simply air fry at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until hot and crispy again. If reheating after glazing, keep a close eye so the sauce doesn’t burn. Microwave works in a pinch, but the breading will be softer.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips or use boneless, skinless thighs cut into pieces. Keep an eye on cook time, as thickness may alter how long they take in the air fryer.

How do I make these tenders spicier?

You can sprinkle a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the flour mixture, or stir hot sauce right into the honey butter garlic glaze for a sweet-heat finish that’s amazing on Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

What’s the best way to keep the coating from falling off?

Press the panko on firmly and make sure your dredging stations are set up in order. If possible, let coated chicken rest for a few minutes before air frying—this helps everything bind tightly and gives you that signature crunch.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! You may need to air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Keeping the cooked tenders warm in a low oven until all are done is a great tip for serving them at the same time.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions. The method and flavor of your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders will still be fantastic.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a no-fail, family-friendly recipe that feels special but is secretly easy, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders absolutely deliver. You’ll be amazed at how simple ingredients come together for a crowd-pleasing, craveable dish. Give them a try and enjoy some truly memorable bites—you deserve it!

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders, coated in a crispy panko crust and tossed in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. They are easy to make and perfect for a quick and tasty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Breading:

2 large eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs

Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Prepare Coating: In separate dishes, set up one with flour and spices, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then eggs, and finally breadcrumbs.
Air Fry: Place tenders in the air fryer basket, cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Make Sauce: Melt butter, add honey and garlic, cook until fragrant.
Coat Tenders: Toss cooked tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve hot.