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This air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a sweet and savory delight that satisfies both kids and adults alike. The air fryer creates that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender, all with minimal oil compared to traditional frying methods.
My family discovered this recipe during our air fryer experimentation phase, and it instantly became our go to alternative to takeout chicken tenders. Even my pickiest eater requests these weekly now that we have perfected the honey butter ratio.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: 1 pound of fresh tenders gives you the best texture but you can use chicken breast cut into strips if needed
- Honey: provides natural sweetness and helps create a beautiful caramelization on the outside
- Unsalted butter: adds richness without making the seasoning too salty opt for high quality European style for deeper flavor
- Garlic: freshly minced cloves deliver much more flavor than pre minced jarred varieties
- Paprika: adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the finished tenders
- Salt: enhances all the flavors particularly important to balance the sweetness
- Black pepper: adds gentle heat that complements the honey garlic combination
- Breadcrumbs: panko creates the crispiest coating but regular breadcrumbs work well too
- Cooking spray: prevents sticking and helps achieve even browning
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Honey Garlic Mixture:
- Combine honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk until completely incorporated. The mixture should be smooth and have a golden amber color. Divide this mixture equally into two separate bowls one for coating the raw chicken and one for the final drizzle after cooking.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure better adhesion. Dip each tender into the honey garlic mixture, allowing excess to drip off before rolling in breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken to create an even coating all around. Place coated tenders on a plate while you finish the batch.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to preheat for 3 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving the crispy exterior as it allows the breading to start cooking immediately when placed in the basket.
- Arrange and Cook:
- Spray the air fryer basket thoroughly with cooking spray. Place chicken tenders in a single layer with small spaces between each piece for proper air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry for 5 minutes, then flip each tender carefully using tongs, and cook for another 5 7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Finish and Serve:
- Transfer cooked tenders to a serving plate and drizzle with the reserved honey garlic sauce while still hot. This final touch adds an extra burst of flavor and beautiful glaze to the finished dish. Allow to cool for 2 minutes before serving.
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The garlic is absolutely non negotiable in this recipe. I once tried making these without it when I ran out, and they were missing that distinctive savory dimension that makes them irresistible. My daughter actually asked what was different about her favorite chicken tenders that night!
Make Ahead Options
You can prepare these tenders up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply place them on a parchment lined tray with space between each tender, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, follow the air fryer instructions as written, adding 1 2 minutes to the cooking time since they'll be starting cold.
Serving Suggestions
These versatile chicken tenders pair beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. They're also fantastic with sweet potato fries or roasted vegetables. For dipping options beyond the honey garlic drizzle, try offering ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for those who enjoy some heat.
Flavor Variations
While the classic honey garlic butter combination is delicious, you can easily customize this recipe. For a spicy twist, add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the honey mixture. Craving something more herbal? Mix fresh chopped rosemary or thyme into the breadcrumbs. For an Asian inspired version, substitute half the honey with hoisin sauce and add a teaspoon of grated ginger to the mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I ensure the chicken stays crispy in the air fryer?
Spray the coated chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even crisping.
- → Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular breadcrumbs work well, but panko will give the tenders a crispier texture.
- → Can I make this dish without an air fryer?
Yes, bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- → What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
These chicken tenders pair well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or classic dips like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- → Is there a way to make this dish spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mixture to give the tenders a spicy kick.