Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These golden chicken tenders are crisp on the outside, juicy inside, and brushed with a glossy honey butter garlic glaze that tastes like comfort food turned festive. They come together quickly in the air fryer for a fuss free weeknight dinner or a crowd pleasing appetizer. The recipe is simple enough for busy evenings yet special enough for guests, and it pairs beautifully with a crunchy slaw or roasted veggies. If you love bold garlic flavors, you might also enjoy this Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta for another cozy meal idea.

Why This Recipe Is a Great Choice

This dish hits the sweet spot between homey and irresistible. Using an air fryer gives you the deep fried texture you crave without the extra oil, so cleanup is easier and the kitchen stays cooler. The honey and butter create a caramelized sheen that clings to the breadcrumbs, while the garlic keeps every bite savory and bright. It is a versatile recipe: serve them with a dipping sauce, tuck into wraps, or add to a salad for protein. The short ingredient list makes grocery runs simple, and the steps are straightforward enough for cooks of any level. For a playful twist on wings that also bakes well, try these Baked Peanut Butter Jelly Chicken Wings another time.

Flavor and Texture

The coating becomes crisp and golden thanks to the air fryer’s circulating heat, and the panko or regular breadcrumbs give just the right amount of crunch. The honey and melted butter blend into the garlic to deliver a sticky, slightly sweet glaze that contrasts with the mild paprika and pepper. Inside, the tenders stay tender and moist, so you get a satisfying contrast between the exterior crunch and the juicy interior. Serve fresh from the basket so the crispiness holds, and the glaze still has that glossy finish that makes these so visually appealing.

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

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.
3. In a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs and ensure they are fully coated.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
6. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
8. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips for Best Results

Pat the tenders dry before tossing them in the honey butter mixture so the coating adheres better. If you prefer extra crunch use panko breadcrumbs and press them gently into the tenders for a thicker crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to keep the exterior evenly crisp. Flip once halfway through so both sides brown evenly and the glaze caramelizes. For a brighter finish, squeeze a little lemon over the cooked tenders just before serving.

Storage and Make Ahead

Cooked tenders keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness rather than using the microwave which can make them soggy. You can also prepare the honey garlic mixture and breadcrumb coating ahead of time then assemble and air fry when ready to serve. For freezer storage, freeze the breaded uncooked tenders on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag and cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to the air fry time.

Final Thought

These air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are an easy way to turn simple ingredients into something special. They are quick, visually appealing, and packed with comforting flavors that both kids and adults love. Keep the recipe handy for nights when you want a winner with minimal fuss.

Conclusion

For a similar take on honey garlic flavors and air fryer technique, check out this recipe: Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders – My Air Fryer Kitchen.

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