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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Carefully position chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining adequate spacing for even circulation of hot air.
- Rotate tenders midway through cooking cycle, allowing approximately 10-12 minutes until they develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and reach optimal internal temperature.
- Simultaneously craft the signature honey butter garlic sauce by gently melting butter in a small saucepan over moderate heat.
- 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.
- Generously enrobe the freshly crisped chicken tenders in the luscious honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- 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