Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a perfect blend of crispy, tender chicken coated in a flavorful honey butter garlic glaze. Ready in just 30 minutes, they make a delightful appetizer or main dish that’s quick, easy, and sure to impress.
- Author: Anna
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders – fresh, not frozen
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted real butter
- 2 tablespoons local honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
- Prep the Chicken and Breadcrumb Mixture: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, kosher salt, black pepper, and paprika. Press each chicken tender firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the coated chicken tenders into the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes total. At the 5-minute mark, flip each tender using tongs to promote even browning on both sides. The tenders are done when they reach a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Glaze with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and minced fresh garlic in a small bowl. When the tenders are nearly finished, brush the mixture evenly over each piece. Return the chicken tenders to the air fryer for an additional 2 minutes to allow the sauce to caramelize into a sticky, glossy coating.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken tenders rather than frozen.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs can be used if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of garlic and honey based on your taste preference.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Quick Chicken Recipe, Easy Air Fryer Recipes