Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy chicken tenders with honey butter garlic promise a delightful culinary adventure that’ll make you smile.

Unexpected flavors dance together in this simple yet impressive dish.

Tender meat gets coated in a magical glaze that melts right into every crevice.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with this ultra-quick recipe.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum satisfaction for hungry folks looking to impress.

Whipping up these golden-brown morsels takes less effort than ordering takeout.

Why Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are Sweet, Sticky, and Crisp

• Perfectly seasoned panko coating delivers restaurant-quality crunch with simple pantry ingredients.
• Sweet honey butter sauce and crispy chicken make this a guaranteed family dinner winner that satisfies both children and adults.
• Works brilliantly as a main dish, game day snack, or party appetizer with zero complicated techniques required.

What You’ll Need for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender protein base for the crispy air-fried dish, choose fresh or thawed chicken for best results.

• Flour: Helps create the first layer of coating for chicken, all-purpose flour works best.
• Eggs: Acts as a binding agent to help breading stick to chicken, use fresh large eggs.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides extra crispy texture, Japanese-style breadcrumbs are ideal for crunchiness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Creates a flavorful and well-balanced seasoning mix for the breading, use freshly ground spices for maximum flavor.

• Butter: Provides rich and creamy base for honey garlic sauce, unsalted butter recommended.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create sticky glaze, choose pure honey.
• Garlic: Brings sharp and aromatic flavor to the sauce, fresh minced garlic preferred.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce, low-sodium option works well.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers subtle heat and spice, adjust amount to personal preference.

• Parsley: Fresh herb for bright color and mild flavor, chopped just before serving.

• Olive Oil Spray: Helps prevent sticking and promotes even browning in air fryer.

How to Air Fry Chicken Tenders to Golden Perfection

Step 1: Create Crispy Coating Station

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Step 2: Transform Chicken Tenders

Dunk each chicken tender first into flour, ensuring complete coverage. Shake off excess. Dip coated tender into whisked eggs. Transfer immediately to seasoned breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help coating adhere perfectly.

Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Warm air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray basket with olive oil. Arrange chicken tenders in single layer without overcrowding. Sprinkle extra seasoning if desired. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip midway through cooking process. Look for crispy golden exterior.

Step 4: Whip Up Magical Sauce

• Minced garlic
• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Red pepper flakes

Stir continuously. Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes until flavors blend beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Plate

Gently toss crispy chicken tenders in warm honey butter sauce. Ensure complete coverage. Transfer to serving plate. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately with preferred dipping sauces.

Cooking Tips for Flavorful, Evenly Coated Chicken

• Optimize Coating Technique: Press panko mixture firmly onto chicken tenders to create an extra crispy, evenly distributed breading that locks in moisture and ensures maximum crunch.
• Prevent Sticking Trick: Lightly spray air fryer basket with olive oil before adding chicken tenders to guarantee easy removal and prevent breading from tearing.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe, perfectly cooked tenders without drying out the meat.
• Sauce Consistency Control: Simmer honey butter garlic sauce briefly to blend flavors and slightly thicken, creating a smooth, clingy coating that adheres beautifully to crispy chicken.
• Customize Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize heat intensity, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish according to their preferred spiciness.

Best Way to Save and Reheat Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat air fryer to 350°F. Place tenders in a single layer and heat for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crunchiness.
• Spread tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil. Warm at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, removing foil for the last 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.

Pairing Ideas for These Bold and Sweet Tenders

• Bright, tangy lemonade cuts through the rich, sweet-savory chicken tenders, refreshing the palate with each sip.
• Crunchy, cool coleslaw provides a perfect textural contrast to the crispy, saucy chicken, balancing the meal's richness.
• Herb-seasoned roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and carrots add nutritional depth and vibrant colors to the plate.
• Cool, herbal ranch dressing offers a smooth counterpoint to the spicy-sweet honey garlic sauce, enhancing the chicken's flavor profile.

Fun Twists to Change Up Chicken Tender Night

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Lovers' Version: Add extra red pepper flakes or cayenne powder to the breading mix and sauce for an intensified heat kick.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal, and use a sugar-free honey substitute like monk fruit syrup to maintain flavor while reducing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute butter with coconut oil or olive oil in the sauce, and ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with milk allergies or lactose intolerance.

FAQs About Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• What makes the breading extra crispy?

The combination of flour, egg wash, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs creates a perfect crispy texture. Pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken and using olive oil spray helps achieve a golden, crunchy coating.

• Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

While an air fryer provides the best crispy results, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

• How spicy is the honey butter garlic sauce?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that can be easily adjusted. Use less or omit them completely for a milder sauce, or add more if you prefer a spicier kick.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Always check the labels of soy sauce and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders elevate weeknight dinners with their irresistible golden crunch and sweet-savory glaze. Crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these tenders offer a delightful meal that invites you to savor every delicious bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (90 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika

Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:

• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Arrange three separate vessels for breading: one containing flour, another with whisked eggs, and the final bowl filled with panko crumbs seasoned with aromatic spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Transform each chicken tender into a crispy delight by methodically dredging through the flour, thoroughly coating in egg wash, then generously rolling in the spiced panko mixture, ensuring a firm press to create a textured exterior.
3. Initialize the air fryer to 375°F, preparing a clean cooking surface by lightly misting with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and enhance golden crispiness.
4. Carefully position chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing for even circulation of hot air.
5. Rotate tenders midway through cooking cycle, allowing approximately 10-12 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and reach optimal internal temperature.
6. Simultaneously craft the signature honey butter garlic sauce by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat.
7. Introduce minced garlic, liquid honey, savory soy sauce, and a hint of red pepper flakes to the melted butter, simmering briefly to harmonize flavors and create a glossy, aromatic coating.
8. Generously enrobe the freshly crisped chicken tenders in the luscious honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
9. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling finely chopped parsley and accompanying with preferred dipping condiments for a delightful culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize breading by ensuring each tender is evenly coated, using a light touch to prevent thick, heavy layers that can become soggy.
• Replace panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive diets, maintaining the same crispy texture and seasoning.
• Control sauce spiciness by adjusting red pepper flakes, ranging from zero for mild palates to extra for heat lovers.
• Elevate protein options by substituting chicken tenders with tofu, turkey strips, or cauliflower florets for diverse dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg