Name: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 4 tablespoons butter, melted; 3 tablespoons honey; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup breadcrumbs; as needed cooking spray (for air fryer basket)

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! These tenders are not just juicy and flavorful; they bring a wonderful combination of sweetness and savoriness that will have your taste buds dancing. Imagine tender pieces of chicken slathered in a rich honey butter garlic sauce, then kissed by a crispy coating—pure bliss! I remember making these for my family last weekend, and they disappeared in minutes! It’s no wonder that this dish has become a family favorite. Plus, they’re a breeze to whip up, making dinner a stress-free affair. If you enjoy recipes like our classic Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken Wings, you’ll love these tenders too! Get your apron on; this recipe will surely keep your family coming back for more.

What is Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

So, what exactly are Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders? Well, it’s a dish that has made me rethink how I cook chicken! The name says it all—tender chicken pieces are marinated in a delightful honey, butter, and garlic sauce before being air-fried to crispy perfection. Ever heard the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? This dish is your ticket there! It’s perfect for impressing loved ones or simply treating yourself. Who wouldn’t want to dig into these tasty morsels? Join me in savoring this fantastic recipe—you won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This

You’re going to love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders for so many reasons! First, the star of the show is the tender chicken, which becomes even juicier as it soaks in that heavenly honey-butter-garlic blend. Second, making these tasty tenders at home allows you to save money and control the ingredients, ensuring they’re free from unnecessary additives. Finally, the crispy breadcrumb coating adds an irresistible crunch, making every bite a delightful experience. If you love the flavors of Chicken Parmesan, you’ll find this recipe equally enticing! Why not gather the ingredients and discover the joy of cooking this scrumptious dish right in your kitchen?

How to Make

Quick Overview

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not just delicious; they are incredibly easy to make! With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of around 12 minutes, you’ll have a satisfying meal on the table in no time. The standout elements include the fragrant garlic and the sweet touch from honey, combined with the crispy air-fried exterior—what’s not to love?

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs
Cooking spray

Step-by-Step

Preheat the Air Fryer: Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step is crucial to achieve that perfect golden-brown finish!
Prepare the Honey Butter Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well until everything is nicely blended.
Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dip it into the honey butter mixture, making sure it’s thoroughly coated. Let the excess mixture drip off.
Add Breadcrumbs: Roll each coated tender in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick well to the chicken.
Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Air Fry the Chicken Tendies: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to achieve even cooking. They should be golden brown and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, serve your honey butter garlic chicken tenders warm. Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy inside—perfect with your favorite dipping sauce!

What to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders With

These delectable chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving them with crisp coleslaw for refreshing crunch or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch. Not in the mood for heavy sides? Toss together a vibrant garden salad to complement the richness of the tenders. And don’t forget a zesty dipping sauce, such as ranch or a honey mustard blend, to enhance the flavors!

Top Tips for Perfecting

To ensure perfect results, here are my top tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh garlic and quality chicken for the best flavor.
Adjust the Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model, cooking times might vary. It’s a good idea to check for doneness as you approach the end of the suggested time.
Experiment With Seasonings: Feel free to mix up the spices! Add paprika or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.

Storing and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the cooked tenders for future meals. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes until heated through, ensuring they retain that delightful crunch!

FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time accordingly since chicken breasts may take longer to cook through.

Q: Can these tenders be made gluten-free?
A: Yes! Simply substitute breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for the coating.

Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes, you can bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Just be sure to flip them halfway through!

Conclusion

In just under 30 minutes, you can create a scrumptious dish that everyone will love. Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not only quick to prepare but full of flavor. Your family and friends will be asking for seconds—and maybe even thirds! So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and bring this fantastic recipe to life! You won’t be disappointed!