Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delightful combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a rich, buttery honey garlic sauce. This dish brings together the crunch of perfectly fried chicken without the excess oil, making it a healthier yet equally delicious alternative to traditional deep-fried tenders. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, a party appetizer, or a quick snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit. With the air fryer, you achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The honey butter garlic glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness, richness, and a hint of savory garlic. Let’s dive into the recipe and make these irresistible tenders!

Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs
• Basting brush
• Baking sheet (optional, for resting cooked tenders)
• Parchment paper (optional)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, and additional seasonings.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk.
2. Dip each tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Roll the chicken in the flour and panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
4. Set the breaded tenders on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket.
4. Spray the tops with cooking spray to help crisp up the coating.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Brush or toss the cooked tenders in the sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add extra hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade and a pinch of cayenne to the breading.
• Parmesan Twist: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the breading for extra flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of sesame oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.

Cooking Note

• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
• Adjust air fryer time based on the size of your chicken tenders.
• If your tenders are not crisp enough, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with extra honey butter garlic sauce on the side for dipping.
• Pair with coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad.
• Drizzle with a bit of extra honey for added sweetness.
• Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Tips

• Marinating the chicken for longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
• Press the breading onto the chicken firmly to prevent it from falling off.
• For extra crispiness, lightly spray tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
• Serve immediately for the best texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 25g
• Sodium: 450mg

FAQs

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can air fry them in advance and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

Q: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

A: Yes, but thaw them first for even cooking.

Q: How do I store leftovers?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

• Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
• Serve on a wooden platter with dipping sauces.
• Arrange tenders in a basket lined with parchment paper.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Leads to uneven cooking; cook in batches.
• Skipping the Cooking Spray: Helps achieve a crispy exterior.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are an irresistible dish that is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. This easy, healthier alternative to deep-frying makes it perfect for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delicious homemade meal!

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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• Author: anassbourouti
• Total Time: 27 minutes

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Ingredients

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for maximum flavor).

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

1. In a shallow bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, baking powder, salt, and additional seasonings.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and hot sauce.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

1. Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk.
2. Dip each tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Roll the chicken in the flour and panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
4. Set the breaded tenders on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket.
4. Spray the tops with cooking spray to help crisp up the coating.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
4. Remove from heat and let the sauce thicken slightly.
5. Brush or toss the cooked tenders in the sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 350
• Sodium: 450mg
• Protein: 25g