Nothing hits the spot quite like this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe—a mouthwatering blend of crispy, juicy chicken perfectly coated in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. It’s that golden combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness that transforms simple chicken tenders into a family favorite or crowd-pleasing weeknight meal. Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, this recipe brings that comforting, crispy delight with the added magic of air frying for a healthier twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building flavors and textures that make this dish so unforgettable. From the tenderizing buttermilk marinade to the golden panko crust and the rich honey butter garlic sauce, it all comes together simply and beautifully.
- 1 lb chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and quick-cooking, perfect for air frying.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a subtle tanginess.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the meat with savory depth.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Brings color and subtle warmth to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives a bit of gentle heat and bite.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of the crispy coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Responsible for that irresistible crunch.
- 2 large eggs: Act as the binding agent between flour and crumbs.
- 1/4 cup honey: Provides sweet balance in the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the sauce.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): For that unmistakable fragrant punch in the butter sauce.
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer: Ensures the tenders turn out golden without sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by soaking your chicken tenders in a flavorful buttermilk marinade mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This step is crucial not only for infusing the meat with seasoning but also for tenderizing it to juicy perfection. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or even overnight if you have the time—good things come to those who wait!
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
Prepare three shallow bowls to create your breading station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This classic setup ensures your chicken tenders get a perfectly crispy coating once air fried. The flour helps the egg stick, and the crumbs provide that satisfying crunch we all crave.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Remove each tender from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Dredge it first in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs. Don’t rush this part—make sure every piece is evenly coated to really lock in tenderness and crunch.
Step 4: Preheat and Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Spray the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking. Place the tenders in a single layer without overcrowding, spray the tops lightly, and air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until the exterior is golden brown and the inside is cooked through. That crunchy crust and juicy interior combo is what dreams are made of.
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken sizzles, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until that garlicky aroma fills your kitchen. Stir in honey and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully. This sauce is the soul of the recipe, adding a luscious, sweet, and aromatic finish.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once your chicken tenders come out of the air fryer, brush or toss them gently in the honey butter garlic sauce to coat every bite. Serve these beauties immediately to enjoy that perfect contrast of crispy coating and sticky sweet sauce while it’s still warm and fragrant.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a lovely pop of color and a subtle freshness that elevates the dish. Sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat to contrast the sweetness. A lemon wedge on the side also brightens each bite with a zesty tang.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, crisp side salads, roasted vegetables, or even some creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra honey butter sauce. For a casual meal, serve alongside crunchy carrot sticks and celery with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these tenders on top of a fluffy biscuit or slider bun with a slaw for a finger-friendly sandwich. You could also chop them up and toss with a fresh garden salad or even add to a wrap with crisp lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce. The Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is versatile enough for all kinds of presentations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any extra chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They stay surprisingly crispy, especially if you place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked tenders for up to 2 months. Arrange on a baking sheet in a single layer to freeze first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This helps them stay separate and you can pull out just what you need later.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that perfect crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Absolutely! Regular breadcrumbs will work fine but won’t give you quite the same extra crunch that panko offers. If you prefer a denser coating, regular breadcrumbs are a good choice.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
While not absolutely mandatory, marinating in buttermilk is highly recommended—it tenderizes the meat and adds flavor depth, leading to juicier, more flavorful tenders.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, you can enjoy a gluten-free version without sacrificing taste or texture.
How long do the tenders need to cook in the air fryer?
Chicken tenders will typically cook in 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your air fryer model.
Can I add a spicy kick to the sauce?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey butter garlic sauce will elevate it with a sweet and spicy contrast that many find irresistible.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a new go-to recipe that feels indulgent but is easy to make, the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly a winner. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even entertaining friends. Give it a try—you might just find it becoming your new favorite finger food! Trust me, once you taste that golden crisp combined with the luscious honey butter garlic glaze, you’ll be hooked.
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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
Deliciously crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders marinated in flavorful spices and buttermilk, air-fried to perfection, and coated in a rich honey butter garlic sauce. This kid-friendly main course is quick to prepare, juicy on the inside, and offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Breading
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator to tenderize and infuse flavors.
- Prepare Breading Station: Set up three separate bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This will allow for efficient coating of the chicken tenders.
- Bread the Chicken: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere the crumbs well to the meat.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for 5 minutes to ensure a hot cooking environment for crispiness.
- Cook the Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray or a light mist of oil. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Prepare Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. Stir in honey and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes to blend flavors and thicken the sauce slightly.
- Coat Chicken with Sauce: Once cooked, immediately brush or toss the hot chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce to evenly coat them, ensuring a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Serve: Serve the honey butter garlic chicken tenders hot and fresh for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-coat the tenders by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey butter sauce for a sweet and spicy kick.
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
