Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders – Crispy, Sweet, and Garlicky Goodness in Every Bite 🍯🧄🍗
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver crispy perfection on the outside with juicy, tender chicken on the inside. The irresistible glaze of honey, butter, and garlic adds just the right balance of sweet and savory, making this a family-friendly dinner or game-day snack you’ll want on repeat.
This recipe takes only 10 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The air fryer ensures a crunchy coating without all the oil, and the honey garlic drizzle at the end takes these tenders to another level. They’re so good, you won’t even miss the deep fryer.
Ingredients to prepare this crowd-pleasing recipe, you’ll need:
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
Optional substitutions:
Use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness
Add a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick
Swap garlic for garlic powder if you’re in a pinch
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Make the Honey Garlic Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Divide the mixture in half—one part for coating the chicken and one part for drizzling after cooking.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
Step 4: Arrange and Cook
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd; work in batches if necessary. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle with the reserved honey garlic sauce while they’re still warm. Garnish with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or a dash of extra black pepper if desired.
Helpful Tips
Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
Don’t skip flipping halfway for even browning
Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving to lock in juiciness
If the sauce thickens as it cools, microwave it for a few seconds to loosen it up
Serving Suggestions
Serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad
Dip in ranch, honey mustard, or extra honey garlic sauce
Add to wraps or sandwiches with lettuce and pickles for a delicious lunch
What Chefs Say About This Recipe
Gordon Ramsay – “Simple, flavorful, and cooked to perfection—this is how you do chicken tenders right.”
Ina Garten – “I love how the honey butter brings depth to something so easy to make. It’s comfort food at its best.”
Ree Drummond – “These are always a hit at my house. Crispy, sweet, garlicky—what’s not to love?”
Martha Stewart – “Crispy without the mess of frying. This recipe is perfect for weeknights.”
Jamie Oliver – “Fast, affordable, and packed with flavor. Great with a fresh herb salad or roasted veg.”
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders? Yes, just cut the breast into strips of equal size.
- How do I know when the chicken is done? Use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
- Can I bake these instead of air frying? Yes! Bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Can I freeze these tenders? Yes. Freeze before cooking or after cooling, then reheat in the air fryer.
- Can I make these spicy? Add hot sauce to the honey mixture or sprinkle cayenne into the breadcrumbs.
- Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic? Yes, use ½ tsp garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
- How long does the honey garlic sauce last? Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before drizzling.
- Can I make this dairy-free? Use plant-based butter or omit the butter for a lighter version.
- Are panko or regular breadcrumbs better? Panko gives more crunch, but both work well.
- What dipping sauces go well with these tenders? Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or more honey garlic sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 290
Protein: 23g
Fat: 12g
Carbs: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 560mg
Cholesterol: 70mg
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness
Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then store in freezer bags for up to 2 months
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Stuffed Mozzarella Bacon Bombs
Cheesy Hamburger Potato Soup
Crispy Fish Batter Recipe
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders check all the boxes—quick, crispy, sweet, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re feeding kids, meal prepping for the week, or making a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe is a guaranteed win. Once you taste that garlicky honey butter drizzle over the crunchy coating, you’ll understand why these tenders are a regular favorite in so many kitchens.