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
Scale
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.
