Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in a delicious sweet-savory sauce. The air fryer ensures a crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a rich glaze that perfectly complements the crispy tenders. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or looking for a tasty appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray or oil for air fryer

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
4. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

1. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
2. Dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring full coverage.
3. Coat with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Place the breaded tenders on a plate and let them rest for 5 minutes to help the coating stick.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
3. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
4. Lightly spray the tenders with oil for extra crispiness.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
4. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

1. Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a large bowl.
2. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss to coat evenly.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside rice, veggies, or fries.

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Extra Crunchy: Double-coat the tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb step.
• Oven-Baked Alternative: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes or in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?

Using panko breadcrumbs and lightly spraying the tenders with oil before air frying helps achieve a crispier texture.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking. If using pre-breaded frozen tenders, adjust the cooking time as needed.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.

What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?

Ranch, spicy mayo, BBQ sauce, or a simple honey mustard all complement these chicken tenders well.

Can I prepare the breaded chicken in advance?

Yes! Bread the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 6 hours before air frying.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Let the breaded tenders rest for a few minutes before air frying and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, slice the chicken breasts into strips for a similar effect.

Can I make the sauce thicker?

Yes, simmer the sauce longer to reduce it or add a small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon water).

How can I make a lower-carb version?

Use crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly alternative.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The air fryer makes them healthier without sacrificing texture, and the honey butter garlic sauce adds a delicious sweet-savory glaze. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

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