If you're looking for a dish that's both crispy and tender with a sweet and savory glaze, these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a rich, flavorful honey butter garlic sauce that’s simply irresistible. Plus, they're made in the air fryer, which means less oil and less mess!
Ingredients
500 g chicken tenders
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 tablespoon milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
3 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt (if using) and pepper to taste.
Set up the coating:
In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, beat the egg with milk.
In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
Air fry: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with oil. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Make the sauce: While the tenders are cooking, melt the butter in a small pan. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, mix in the honey and soy sauce, stirring until well combined.
Coat and serve: Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce until well coated. Serve with rice or a side of veggies and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Servings: 4
Total Time: 25-30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Variations
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour to make this dish gluten-free.
Different protein: If you prefer, you can substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts or thighs. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the meat.
Crispy on the outside: For extra crispiness, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it back into the egg wash and then the panko for a second layer.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the tenders back in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 180°C (350°F) to restore their crispiness. Alternatively, you can reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes! If using frozen chicken tenders, just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
How do I make the sauce spicier?
To add some heat, you can mix in chili flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the honey butter garlic sauce.
Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?
Yes! You can use regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed crackers or cornflakes for a different texture, although panko tends to give the crispiest result.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While it's best served fresh, you can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time by coating them and storing them in the fridge for a few hours. Just air fry them when you're ready to serve.
Is it possible to make the chicken tenders without an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake these tenders in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes or until golden and crispy.
Conclusion
These air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are a deliciously easy recipe that packs a ton of flavor with minimal effort. The combination of crispy chicken and a sweet, savory glaze makes for the perfect meal or snack. Whether paired with rice or veggies, this dish is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. I know I'll be making these over and over again!
Recipe:
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in a mouth-watering honey butter garlic sauce. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal, delivering savory, sweet, and crispy goodness without the mess of deep frying. Made in the air fryer, these chicken tenders are healthier and just as delicious as the fried version!
Ingredients
500 g chicken tenders
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 egg
1 tbsp milk
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt (if using) and pepper to taste.
- Set up the coating: In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, and paprika. In another bowl, beat the egg with milk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
- Air fry: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with oil. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Make the sauce: While the tenders cook, melt the butter in a small pan. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce until well combined.
- Coat and serve: Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce until well coated. Serve with rice or veggies and enjoy!
Notes
For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping it again in the egg wash and panko.
Adjust cooking time for frozen chicken tenders or different cuts of chicken.
Spice things up by adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
