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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Sweet and Savory Delight

If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy chicken tenders with a flavorful twist, then this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is a game-changer. These tenders are coated in a mouthwatering honey butter garlic sauce and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer. The result is a crispy exterior, tender interior, and an irresistible sweet and savory flavor profile.

Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner or prepping them for a weekend family gathering, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get that crispy texture with far less oil than traditional frying, making this a lighter (but still delicious) option.

Let’s dive into how you can make this flavorful dish at home in just a few simple steps.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

  1. Crispy and Tender
    The air fryer works wonders to create that perfect crispy coating on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy on the inside. It’s the best of both worlds!
  2. Sweet and Savory Flavor
    The honey butter garlic sauce brings a wonderful balance of sweet and savory flavors, making each bite a flavor explosion.
  3. Quick and Easy
    With the air fryer, you can have these chicken tenders ready in no time, making them the perfect meal for busy days. No need for deep frying or waiting for the oven to preheat.
  4. Healthier Alternative
    Air frying uses little to no oil, which means you get the same crispy texture as deep-frying but without the extra calories and fat.
  5. Kid-Friendly
    These tenders are great for kids and adults alike! They’re easy to dip, perfect for dipping sauces, and simply irresistible.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 egg (beaten)
  • 1 tbsp milk
  • Cooking spray (for spraying the basket)

For the honey butter garlic sauce:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice (optional, for added freshness)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
    Begin by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the breading stick better and ensures that they cook evenly.
  2. Coat the Chicken
    In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk. Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-coated, and then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture. Press the flour onto the chicken to ensure a good coating.
  3. Preheat the Air Fryer
    Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up nicely.
  4. Cook the Chicken
    Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent the chicken tenders from sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders into the basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You may need to cook the tenders in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
    Air fry the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and fully cooked on the inside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  5. Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
    While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Remove from the heat and stir in th