I still remember the first time I made these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. It was a hectic weekday evening, and I needed something fast, flavorful, and satisfying. I had some chicken tenders in the fridge and a craving for something crispy with a sweet-savory glaze. After a bit of experimenting, this recipe was born—and it quickly became a household favorite.
There’s something incredibly comforting about the combination of garlic, butter, and honey. Add in a perfectly air-fried crispy chicken tender and it’s basically irresistible. The best part? It doesn’t require deep frying or complicated ingredients, just a few kitchen staples and about 20 minutes of your time. Whether I’m cooking for guests, family, or just myself, this dish always impresses without the stress.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These chicken tenders are crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky honey butter garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that tastes like it took hours—but actually comes together in minutes. You’ll love how the air fryer gives that fried texture with a fraction of the oil.
Another reason to love this recipe is its universal appeal. Kids love it, adults devour it, and it can easily be served as a main dish, party appetizer, or even stuffed in a sandwich. And with simple ingredient swaps or additions, you can tailor it to your tastes.
Versatile
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Serve the chicken tenders over rice or with roasted vegetables for a wholesome dinner. Want to switch things up? Toss them in a salad or wrap them in flatbread with some fresh greens and a drizzle of extra sauce. You can even double the sauce to coat noodles or steamed broccoli.
Affordable
The ingredients are budget-friendly and easy to find. There’s no need for specialty sauces or fancy equipment—just common pantry items and an air fryer. Since the recipe uses turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon, it’s more accessible for those looking for pork-free options, too.
Ingredients for the Recipe
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500g chicken tenders
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp paprika
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp black pepper
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2 eggs (beaten)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
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Olive oil spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1/4 cup honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
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1 tsp lemon juice
How to Prepare This Recipe
When I’m short on time but still want to serve something mouthwatering, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders never fail me. They’re quick, crunchy, and drenched in a sticky, buttery garlic glaze that’s both sweet and savory. Even better, they don’t need to be deep-fried. With the air fryer, you’ll get that perfect golden crisp without all the grease.
The preparation is easy and approachable, making this a perfect go-to for busy weeknights or even a fun weekend meal. You’ll only need a few bowls, a baking tray, and your trusty air fryer. Once you get the hang of the breading and cooking steps, you’ll want to make these tenders on repeat.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, pour the breadcrumbs. Arrange them in a line to make breading more efficient.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry using a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better. One by one, dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Press the crumbs gently onto the chicken to help them adhere.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F) for 3–5 minutes. This ensures even cooking and gives the tenders a head start on crisping.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Spray the tops lightly with more oil.
Air fry at 200°C for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, not browned. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 6: Glaze the Chicken Tenders
Once the chicken tenders are done, place them in a large bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the hot tenders. Toss gently to coat every piece evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Quick and Easy
This recipe is wonderfully quick. You can go from prep to plate in under 30 minutes, especially if you’re using pre-trimmed chicken tenders. There’s no need for marinating or complicated steps. Plus, the air fryer does most of the work, so you’ll have minimal cleanup.
Customizable
Want to turn up the heat? Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Prefer something tangier? Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a bit more lemon juice to the sauce. You can even make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Don’t eat poultry? Substitute the chicken tenders with beef strips or plant-based alternatives like tofu or meatless tenders. The sauce pairs well with all of them.
Popular with Many People
Every time I serve these tenders—whether at home, potlucks, or casual dinners—they disappear quickly. The combination of crunchy coating and sticky-sweet garlic glaze is simply too good to resist. It’s the kind of dish that earns requests for seconds (and the recipe!) every time.
PrintAir Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. Using an air fryer ensures a healthier version with less oil but all the flavor and crunch. Perfect for a quick dinner, appetizer, or snack.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 12
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 500g chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs (beaten)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
- Olive oil spray
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Set up three bowls: flour mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; beaten eggs; and breadcrumbs.
- Pat chicken tenders dry. Coat each in flour mixture, then egg, then breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C (400°F) for 3–5 minutes.
- Spray air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer, spray tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (75°C internal temp).
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan, add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
- Toss cooked tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
Ensure chicken tenders are dry before breading for a crispier coating.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed.
Adjust sauce sweetness or acidity by varying honey or lemon juice to taste.
Use turkey bacon bits as a garnish for extra flavor if desired.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking. This ensures even cooking and helps the coating stick properly.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
Q: Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate it. Warm it gently on the stove before tossing with the chicken tenders.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake the tenders in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: The standard recipe uses regular flour and breadcrumbs. For a gluten-free version, substitute with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.