Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a dish that all ages will adore, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a revelation. Juicy chicken tenders coated in a savory sweet honey butter garlic glaze and crisped to perfection in the air fryer—this dish is the epitome of comfort food with a twist! Easy to whip up as a weeknight dinner or a fun addition to a casual gathering, these tenders are sure to please.

What makes this recipe particularly special is the combination of flavors: the sweetness of honey perfectly complements the garlicky goodness, while the buttery richness adds a touch of indulgence. Serve these chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them vanish off the plate! Your family and friends will rave about them, and it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your culinary repertoire.

This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Gather your ingredients for delicious chicken tenders!

Directions

1. In a bowl, mix together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated with the honey garlic mixture.
3. On a separate plate, spread out the breadcrumbs for dredging.
4. Carefully dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
6. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap for even cooking.
7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
8. Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Ingredient substitutions: You can use chicken breasts cut into strips if you can’t find tenders. For a healthier twist, try substituting honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Optional variations: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey garlic mixture or use spicy breadcrumbs.
• Storage or reheating tips: Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispy texture.

Recipe Information

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Total time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Difficulty level: Easy

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Image showing air-fried chicken tenders ready to serve.