Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for crispy, flavorful, and juicy chicken tenders that are easy to make, this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is a must-try! Coated in a golden honey butter garlic glaze, these tenders offer the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy—all while being cooked in the air fryer for a healthier twist.

These easy air fryer chicken tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or a family-friendly meal. With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you’ll have a delicious, crispy, and juicy dish in no time. Let’s dive into this irresistible air fryer chicken recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy & Juicy – The air fryer creates a crispy exterior while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside.
✔ Healthier Alternative – Uses less oil than deep frying, making it a lighter option.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
✔ Sweet & Savory Flavor – The honey butter garlic glaze adds an irresistible taste that kids and adults will love.
✔ Perfect for Meal Prep – These tenders reheat beautifully for easy meal prep lunches.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:

4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken in Breadcrumbs

Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Coat each chicken tender evenly in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.

4. Air Fry the Chicken

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them.
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and crispy.

5. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the glaze:

In a small bowl, mix melted butter, honey, and minced garlic until combined.

6. Coat the Chicken in the Glaze

Once the tenders are done, brush or toss them in the honey butter garlic glaze while still warm.
Let them rest for 2 minutes to soak up the flavors.

7. Serve and Enjoy!

Plate your crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders and serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo. Enjoy!

Helpful Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

✔ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches if needed to allow for even airflow and crispiness.
✔ Use Panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch if desired.
✔ Flip halfway through cooking for even browning.
✔ For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or Italian seasoning to the breadcrumbs.
✔ Make it spicy! Add a teaspoon of hot sauce to the honey butter glaze for a kick.

What to Serve with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These crispy chicken tenders pair perfectly with:

Sweet potato fries or air fryer French fries
Coleslaw or a fresh green salad
Garlic butter rice or mashed potatoes
Steamed veggies for a healthy side

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerate:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freeze:

Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a ziplock bag for up to 2 months.

Reheat in Air Fryer:

Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 4-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

Yes! Slice chicken breast into 1-inch strips to make homemade tenders.

2. Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. How do I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check that your honey and seasonings are gluten-free.

4. Can I make these spicy?

Yes! Add 1 teaspoon of hot sauce to the glaze or 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.

5. What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?

Try ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or garlic aioli for extra flavor.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Just cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded.

7. Why are my tenders not crispy?

Make sure to preheat your air fryer and don’t overcrowd the basket.

What Chefs Say About This Recipe

Chef Gordon Ramsay recommends using fresh garlic for a bolder flavor in the glaze.
Chef Jamie Oliver suggests adding a touch of smoked paprika for extra depth.
Chef Ina Garten loves serving these with homemade honey mustard sauce.
Chef Bobby Flay prefers using panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
Chef Rachael Ray suggests drizzling extra honey butter glaze right before serving.

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Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor. The combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and garlicky goodness makes them completely irresistible. Plus, they’re quick to make, healthier than deep-fried versions, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly dinner, a meal prep option, or a delicious party snack, these chicken tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Give them a try today, and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and crispy flavors! 🍯🍗✨