Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with a flavorful blend of honey, garlic, and butter. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack, they come together easily in the air fryer for a guilt-free treat.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crispiness)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for cooking.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken tenders evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic until well mixed.
4. Step 4: Coat each chicken tender thoroughly with the honey butter mixture.
5. Step 5: For an extra crunchy texture, optionally dredge the coated chicken tenders in breadcrumbs.
6. Step 6: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
7. Step 7: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Serve the chicken tenders warm, with extra honey butter sauce if you like for dipping.

Tips & Variations

• Use panko breadcrumbs for an even lighter, crispier coating.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness, or microwave briefly if short on time.

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 thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Do I need to flip the chicken tenders during air frying?

Flipping halfway through cooking helps achieve an even golden crisp on all sides, so it’s recommended for best results.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with sweet and savory flavors. Perfect for a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner or game day snack, they combine tender chicken with a luscious honey butter garlic glaze, cooked to perfection in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a crowd-pleasing favorite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Optional

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature before cooking the chicken tenders.
2. Season Chicken: Season the chicken tenders evenly with salt, black pepper, and paprika to add a balanced savory taste and a slight smoky hint.
3. Prepare Honey Butter Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic, stirring well to create a sweet and flavorful glaze.
4. Coat Chicken: Thoroughly coat each chicken tender with the honey butter garlic mixture, ensuring each piece is well covered for maximum flavor.
5. Add Breadcrumbs (Optional): For an extra crunchy texture, dredge the coated chicken tenders lightly in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
6. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking.
7. Cook: Air fry the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken is golden brown, crispy on the outside, and fully cooked inside (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
8. Serve: Serve the chicken tenders warm, optionally with extra honey butter garlic sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Notes

• You can skip the breadcrumbs if you prefer a lighter coating.
• Make sure to flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
• Adjust garlic quantity based on your spice tolerance.
• Internal temperature of chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• These tenders pair well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey butter garlic chicken, crispy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipes, easy dinner