Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell like a warm hug on a chilly evening. These tender, juicy pieces of chicken are coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce and then air-fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re whipping these up for a busy weeknight meal or serving them at a cozy family gathering, they’re bound to become a new favorite in your household. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, making these tenders at home is not just easy—it’s downright fun!
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why you’ll love this dish? Let me tell you! Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders hit that sweet spot of comfort and ease. They’re not just quick and simple to prepare; they’re also fabulously flavorful. The honey and garlic mingle together to create a delicious glaze that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. Plus, this dish is budget-friendly and great for families, making it a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or festive potlucks.
"These chicken tenders turned out so crunchy and flavorful! My kids couldn’t get enough of them—definitely making this again!"
Step-by-step Overview
Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is a breeze. You’ll be mixing a sweet and savory marinade, coating the chicken tenders in breadcrumbs, and then letting your air fryer work its magic. This recipe is straightforward, with no complicated techniques. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.
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Ingredients
Gather these items to create a delicious meal:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
Feel free to substitute ingredients as needed; for example, you can use olive oil instead of butter if you’re looking for a dairy-free option.
Directions to Follow
Now comes the fun part! Here are the step-by-step instructions to make your tenders come alive:
- In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.
- On a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
For best results, keep an eye on the chicken as every air fryer can cook a little differently.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, the world is your oyster! They’re delicious served with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a simple garden salad. You can even toss them into a wrap with some fresh veggies and a drizzle of ranch dressing for a tasty lunch. Don’t forget to pair them with dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue for extra yumminess!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which is a big "if" if you ask the kiddos), you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag once frozen solid. To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes for that crispy finish.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t Rush the Coating Process: Make sure your chicken is well-coated in the honey mixture before dredging in breadcrumbs.
- Keep It Single Layer: For optimal crispness, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket—overcrowding can lead to sogginess.
- Resting Time is Key: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices.
Recipe Variations
Mix it up a bit! You can swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different sweetness or add some heat with a dash of cayenne pepper. For added flair, experiment with different spices like Italian herb blends or even a bit of lemon zest for brightness!
Common Questions
What’s the prep time for this recipe?
Prep time is about 10-15 minutes, and cooking takes about 10-12 minutes, making this a quick meal.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into tenders for a similar effect, but you may need to adjust the cooking time a bit.
Are these tenders gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensuring your ingredients, like honey, are gluten-free certified.
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Juicy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce and air-fried to golden perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.
- On a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For best results, keep an eye on the chicken as every air fryer can cook a little differently. Serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or barbecue for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg