Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Craving crispy, juicy chicken tenders with a sweet and savory kick? This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights, game-day snacks, or kid-friendly meals, these tenders are coated in a sticky, garlicky honey butter glaze that’s downright addictive. Plus, air frying cuts down on oil without sacrificing crunch. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Healthier: 50% less fat than deep-fried versions.
- Versatile: Great for meal prep, salads, or dipping.
- Crowd-pleaser: Kids and adults alike will devour them.
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the tenders dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
- Set up your breading station: In three shallow bowls, place (1) flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; (2) beaten egg + water; (3) panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the tenders: Dredge each tender in flour (shake off excess), dip in egg, then press into panko until fully coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Air fry: Arrange tenders in a single layer (no overlapping!) and cook for 8 minutes. Flip, then cook another 4–5 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Make the glaze: While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan. Stir in honey and minced garlic, simmering for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Toss & serve: Brush glaze over hot tenders or drizzle generously. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 mins | 12 mins | 22 mins | 4 |
Nutrition Per Serving (approx.)
| Calories | Carbs | Fat | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| 320 | 22g | 12g | 28g |
Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- Spritz with oil: Lightly coat breaded tenders with cooking spray for extra crunch.
- Double the glaze: For saucier tenders, make 1.5x the glaze recipe.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry to avoid soggy breading.
What dips pair well with these tenders?
Try ranch, sriracha mayo, or extra honey butter for dipping.
Can I bake these instead?
Absolutely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
There you have it—golden, sticky-sweet Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders that’ll steal the show. Happy cooking!
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