Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

without sacrificing flavor or texture.

The Ingredients:

To make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll need:

• 1 pound chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for coating)

For the honey butter garlic sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the Chicken Tenders:

Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up in the air fryer.

2. Create the Coating:

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg.

Dip each chicken tender first into the egg, ensuring it’s coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press lightly to make sure the flour sticks to the chicken. Set the coated chicken tenders aside.

3. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not overcrowded (you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer). Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray to help them crisp up.

Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

While the chicken tenders are cooking, make the honey butter garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

Stir in the honey and salt, mixing everything together until it’s fully combined and heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.

5. Toss the Chicken in Sauce:

Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders, tossing gently to coat each one evenly.

6. Serve and Garnish:

Serve the chicken tenders hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. You can enjoy them as is, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or side dishes.

Why This Recipe Works:

• Air Fryer Magic: The air fryer ensures the chicken tenders come out crispy and golden without the need for deep frying. This method significantly reduces the amount of oil used, making the dish lighter but just as delicious.
• Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and rich—making each bite of chicken irresistibly good. The sauce coats the chicken tenders without being overly greasy, adding a decadent finish without weighing the dish down.
• Quick & Convenient: The air fryer not only cuts down on cooking time but also makes cleanup a breeze. No need for a messy skillet or oven; just pop the tenders in the air fryer and get ready to enjoy!

Serving Suggestions:

• With Dipping Sauces: Pair your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with classic dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
• As a Meal: Serve these chicken tenders with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
• For Kids or Parties: These chicken tenders are perfect for kids’ meals or as an appetizer at parties. They’re easy to eat with your hands, making them a hit with all ages.
• Over Rice or Pasta: For a more filling meal, serve the chicken tenders over rice or pasta, drizzling any leftover honey butter garlic sauce on top.

Final Thoughts:

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory. Thanks to the air fryer, they’re healthier than traditional fried chicken tenders, while still delivering the same satisfying crunch and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack, these chicken tenders are sure to impress.

With the delightful honey butter garlic sauce bringing everything together, this recipe is destined to become a new favorite in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a deliciously crispy, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and hard to resist!