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### **3. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:**
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside (an internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
### **4. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:**
While the chicken tenders are cooking, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Once the garlic is soft and fragrant, remove the pan from the heat and stir in the honey, salt, pepper, and dried parsley (if using). This sauce will be a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness.
### **5. Coat the Chicken Tenders in Sauce:**
Once your chicken tenders are cooked to crispy perfection, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken tenders, tossing gently to coat them evenly. You can add more sauce if you want an extra flavorful kick!
### **6. Serve and Enjoy:**
Transfer the honey butter garlic chicken tenders to a serving plate. Optionally, garnish with a sprinkle of parsley or a drizzle of extra honey for a sweet finishing touch. These tenders are perfect as a standalone dish, served with a side of fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
### **Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:**
1. **Crispy Without the Guilt:** Using the air fryer means you get all the crispy crunch of deep-fried chicken tenders without the excess oil. It’s a healthier way to enjoy your favorite comfort food!
2. **Sweet and Savory Flavor:** The honey butter garlic sauce is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky. It’s rich and indulgent while still being balanced and delicious.
3. **Quick and Easy:** This recipe is simple to make, with only a few ingredients and minimal prep time. The air fryer does most of the work for you, and in less than 30 minutes, you’ll have perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tenders ready to enjoy.
4. **Versatile Dish:** These tenders are perfect as an appetizer, snack, or main course. Serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or even more honey butter garlic sauce for extra flavor. They’re also great for meal prepping or serving at parties.
5. **Family-Friendly:** Everyone loves crispy chicken tenders, and the honey butter garlic sauce makes them even more irresistible. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
### **Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders:**
– **Use Panko Breadcrumbs:** For the crispiest texture, always use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create that extra crunch that makes these tenders so irresistible.
– **Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket:** Make sure to cook the tenders in a single layer with enough space between them for the hot air to circulate properly. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
– **Make Extra Sauce:** If you’re a fan of extra sauce, double the honey butter garlic sauce recipe to drizzle more over the tenders or serve as a dipping sauce.
– **Customize the Spice:** If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading or the honey butter garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
### **Final Thoughts:**
These **Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders** are everything you love about comfort food—crispy, tender, and packed with flavor—without the mess and guilt of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a game night, or simply craving a tasty treat, these tenders are sure to satisfy. The best part? You can enjoy the crispy, golden goodness with a fraction of the calories and oil compared to traditional frying.
Try this recipe today, and get ready for your new favorite chicken tender dish!
