Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re craving crispy, juicy chicken tenders that are full of flavor but healthier than their deep-fried counterparts, then look no further than these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. This recipe combines the convenience of the air fryer with a rich, mouthwatering honey butter garlic sauce, giving you a dish that’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with a sweet-savory punch.

Why Choose an Air Fryer for Chicken Tenders?

An air fryer offers the best of both worlds: it creates crispy, golden-brown food without the need for excessive oil. This kitchen gadget circulates hot air around the food, resulting in a crispy texture similar to deep frying but with fewer calories and less fat. It’s no wonder why the air fryer has become a must-have in modern kitchens.

For tips on maximizing your air fryer use, check out Bon Appétit’s Air Fryer Cleaning Guide, which helps ensure that your appliance stays in excellent condition. You can also explore Food & Wine’s Air Fryer Chicken Recipes for additional ideas on how to make the most out of your air fryer.

By choosing to use the air fryer for this recipe, you’re not only getting a healthier meal but also saving time. These air fryer chicken tenders cook faster than traditional oven-baked ones, and without the need for any oil splatters, cleanup is a breeze!

The Secret Ingredient: Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

The honey butter garlic sauce used in this recipe is a game changer. A perfect balance of sweetness and savory richness, this sauce is what elevates simple chicken tenders into a show-stopping dish. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic adds layers of flavor that will keep you coming back for more.

This sauce is versatile, too. It can be used on chicken, pork, shrimp, or even vegetables. However, in this recipe, it perfectly complements the crispiness of the chicken tenders while keeping them juicy and flavorful on the inside.

In case you’re interested in experimenting with other air fryer recipes, check out Real Simple’s Surprising Air Fryer Uses for a wealth of ideas that will keep you cooking with this convenient tool.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

To make this dish, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, but don’t let their simplicity fool you—these ingredients create the perfect combination of flavors.

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound of chicken tenders (you can substitute with boneless, skinless chicken breasts if desired)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• Olive oil spray (for light coating)

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, adds depth to the sauce)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)

Equipment Needed:

• Air fryer
• Small mixing bowls
• Basting brush (for the sauce)
• Tongs or spatula (for flipping the chicken tenders)

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

This recipe is straightforward, quick, and easy to follow, even for beginners.

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by rinsing your chicken tenders under cold water and patting them dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and prevent it from becoming soggy during the cooking process.

• If you want your tenders to have a crunchier texture, coat them with panko breadcrumbs. This will give your tenders a golden, crispy exterior.
• Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, ensuring both sides are well-coated.

2. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, and minced garlic. Stir until the ingredients are well-mixed, and the garlic has infused the butter and honey. You can adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or tweak the garlic quantity depending on how bold you want the flavor.

For added depth, mix in a tablespoon of soy sauce. It complements the sweet and savory elements of the sauce, balancing out the flavors.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer and Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Make sure there’s enough space between the pieces to allow the air to circulate properly, which ensures they cook evenly and become crispy.

• Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil spray to promote crispiness, especially if you are using panko breadcrumbs.
• Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.

4. Coat with the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and immediately coat them with the honey butter garlic sauce using a basting brush. The hot tenders will absorb the sauce, ensuring a sticky, flavorful coating.

If you love extra sauce, feel free to drizzle some over the tenders or serve it as a dip on the side.

5. Serve and Enjoy!

Now that your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are ready, serve them alongside your favorite sides. This could be a refreshing salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.

For a fun twist, pair the tenders with a garlic butter dipping sauce or some ranch dressing for dipping. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs like parsley on top for extra freshness.

Pro Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

To make sure your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders turn out perfect every time, here are some helpful tips:

• Check the cooking time: Depending on the size and thickness of your tenders, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Thicker tenders will require a longer cook time, while thinner pieces may need less time.
• Even coating: For an extra crispy texture, ensure that the chicken is evenly coated with panko breadcrumbs and lightly sprayed with oil.
• Alternative ingredients: If you’re looking for a lower-fat version, you can substitute butter with olive oil or margarine and use a sugar-free honey substitute.

Variations You Can Try

The Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is versatile. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Spicy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: Add some cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Lemon-Infused Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: Squeeze in some fresh lemon juice for a zesty, tangy flavor.
• Herbed Chicken Tenders: Add some rosemary or thyme to the sauce for a fragrant, herby finish.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders (approximately 4 servings) contains the following:

• Calories: ~350-400 per serving
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 25g
• Carbs: 10g
• Sugar: 8g

If you’re looking to reduce the calorie count, you can use less butter or choose a sugar-free honey alternative.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

How Do I Prevent the Chicken Tenders From Becoming Soggy?

To avoid soggy chicken, ensure the tenders are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket, allowing the air to circulate evenly around each piece. Also, don’t skip the step of lightly spraying with olive oil or cooking spray.

Can I Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce in Advance?

Yes! You can make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it before using it to coat your chicken tenders.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken Tenders?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just be sure to increase the cooking time by an additional 5-7 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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

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Description

Crispy, juicy air fryer chicken tenders coated in a mouthwatering honey butter garlic sauce for the perfect sweet-savory flavor balance.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
• Olive oil spray
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season chicken tenders with salt and black pepper. Coat with panko breadcrumbs if using.
3. Lightly spray tenders with olive oil and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
4. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. While the chicken cooks, mix honey, melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes in a small bowl.
6. Once the chicken is done, brush or toss with the honey butter garlic sauce.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite sides or dipping sauce.

Notes

For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes. Serve with ranch or garlic butter dipping sauce for extra flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 portion
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 520mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken, honey garlic, crispy tenders, healthy fried chicken