Name: Delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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These crispy and tender Delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic dish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick snack, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their chicken tenders with minimal effort.

Delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders

½ cup all-purpose flour

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

¼ teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 egg, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup unsalted butter, melted

2 tablespoons honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon lemon juice

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In a separate bowl, beat the egg.

Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.

Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

While the chicken cooks, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, garlic, and lemon juice, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat.

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Variations

If I want to switch things up, I like to experiment with the seasoning in the flour mixture. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika can give the tenders an extra kick. For a gluten-free option, I’ll swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative. If I’m craving a tangy twist, I sometimes add a squeeze of lime instead of lemon in the sauce. The possibilities are endless!

Storage/Reheating

I recommend storing any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When I’m ready to reheat, I like to pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again. You can also reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes. Just be sure not to overcook them, as they might dry out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, I can definitely use chicken breasts, but I would suggest cutting them into strips to ensure they cook evenly and quickly, similar to tenders.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! I often make the honey butter garlic sauce in advance. I just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and heat it up when I’m ready to serve the tenders.

How do I make these tenders spicier?

To add some heat, I like to sprinkle some cayenne pepper or chili flakes into the flour mixture. You could also add a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce for a spicy kick.

Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

Yes, I can freeze the breaded, uncooked tenders for up to 3 months. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, I can air fry them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve these with?

These tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides. I love serving them with a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or even a side of creamy coleslaw. For a lighter option, roasted vegetables or air-fried potatoes are also great choices.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. The best part is that they’re easy to make, and the honey butter garlic sauce adds an irresistible touch. Whether I’m preparing them for a family dinner or as a quick snack, this recipe is one that I always enjoy and recommend. So, next time you’re craving a healthier version of crispy chicken tenders, this recipe will be the one to try!

Recipe:

Delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These crispy and tender chicken tenders are coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, made effortlessly in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic dish.

Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow bowl.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it in the panko breadcrumbs.
Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
While the chicken cooks, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce by melting the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the honey, garlic, and lemon juice, and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.