Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: A Delicious Weeknight Wonder

There's something irresistible about perfectly crispy chicken tenders glazed with a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. Using an air fryer not only makes this dish healthier than traditional deep-fried versions but also delivers that satisfying crunch we all crave. This recipe combines the convenience of air frying with a mouthwatering sauce that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into an extraordinary meal the whole family will love.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

These honey butter garlic chicken tenders strike the perfect balance between crispy and juicy, sweet and savory. The air fryer provides that golden-brown exterior with minimal oil, while the honey butter garlic sauce adds layers of flavor that elevate these tenders from basic to gourmet. They're perfect for busy weeknights, weekend game days, or anytime you need a crowd-pleasing meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1½ pounds (680g) chicken tenderloins
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Three shallow bowls for dredging
• Small saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Whisk

Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

1. Prepare the dredging station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

2. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat for 3-5 minutes.

3. Dredge the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender into the flour mixture, coating completely. Shake off excess flour, then dip into the beaten eggs. Finally, press into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring even coverage.

4. Prepare for air frying: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer's size.

Air Frying the Chicken Tenders

1. Cook the tenders: Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.

2. Flip and continue: Flip the tenders, spray lightly with olive oil, and continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Keep warm: Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate and cover loosely with foil while you cook the remaining batches.

Making the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1. Melt the butter: While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add garlic: Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

3. Combine ingredients: Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4. Reduce the sauce: Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens. Add the red pepper flakes and stir to combine.

5. Remove from heat: Once the sauce has reached a syrupy consistency, remove from heat and stir in half of the chopped parsley.

Serving

1. Toss or drizzle: You can either toss the chicken tenders in the sauce or drizzle the sauce over the tenders on a serving plate.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle with remaining parsley for a fresh touch of color and flavor.

3. Serve immediately: These tenders are best enjoyed hot, while the exterior is still crispy and the sauce is warm.

Serving Suggestions

These versatile honey butter garlic chicken tenders pair beautifully with:

• Fresh vegetable sticks and ranch dressing
• A simple green salad
• Steamed rice or cauliflower rice
• Roasted vegetables
• Sweet potato fries

Tips for Success

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer: Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Check for doneness: The surest way to know your chicken is perfectly cooked is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should read 165°F (74°C).
• Sauce consistency: If your sauce gets too thick, thin it with a tablespoon of water. If it's too thin, simmer a bit longer.
• Make ahead: You can bread the chicken tenders up to 3 hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to cook.
• Spice it up: Adjust the red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference, or add a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the honey butter mixture.

Variations

• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
• Spicy version: Double the red pepper flakes and add a teaspoon of sriracha to the sauce.
• Lemon twist: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
• Maple variation: Replace the honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweet note.

Storage and Reheating

These chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer, but if you have leftovers:

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore some crispiness. Alternatively, use a toaster oven. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will make the coating soggy.

Enjoy this delicious combination of crispy chicken and sweet-savory sauce that's sure to become a new favorite in your mealtime rotation!