Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a dish that’s as comforting as it is delicious, you’ve come to the right place! These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are an absolute delight. With their crispy exterior and juicy inside, they bring a wonderful blend of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun family gathering, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion, making it a true go-to in my kitchen.

What makes these chicken tenders even more special is how quickly they come together—ready in under 30 minutes! Plus, the air fryer gives them that irresistible crunch while using way less oil. Trust me, once you try these tenders coated in that sticky honey garlic glaze, you’ll want to keep making them again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be on your table in just 22 minutes, perfect for those hectic nights.
• Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chicken tenders! These are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Healthier Option: Cooking in an air fryer means less oil without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Flavor-Packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a tasty glaze that makes each bite memorable.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish or finger food at parties—these tenders are always a hit!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need anything fancy for this recipe—just some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your tastes or what you have on hand. Here are a few ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using boneless chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian version!
• Add some crunch: Coat the chicken tenders in breadcrumbs before air frying for an extra crispy texture.
• Change up the sauce: Mix in some sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy kick!
• Make it citrusy: Add orange juice instead of lemon juice for a sweeter tang.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken tenders in a bowl with olive oil and all those delightful spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. This step is essential because it infuses every piece of chicken with flavor before they even hit the air fryer.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating ensures that your chicken starts cooking immediately when placed inside, giving it that golden-brown finish we all crave.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place your seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook them for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While your chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let this simmer gently for 1–2 minutes—it’ll smell heavenly!

Step 5: Glaze the Tenders

Once the chicken is done cooking and golden brown, toss those hot tenders in your honey garlic butter sauce until they’re fully coated. This step really elevates them from regular to extraordinary!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley if you like and serve immediately. These tasty tenders are fantastic on their own but feel free to spoon any extra sauce over rice or veggies for a complete meal.

Now you’re ready to enjoy these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with friends or family—or perhaps just treat yourself! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Making these chicken tenders is a breeze, but a few little tricks can elevate them even more!

• Choose the Right Chicken: Using boneless, skinless chicken tenders helps ensure they cook evenly and stay juicy. If you can’t find tenders, you can easily slice chicken breasts into strips.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For maximum crispiness, make sure to place the tenders in a single layer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of frying, which affects that delightful crunch.

• Adjust the Spice Level: Tailor the crushed red pepper flakes to your taste. If you prefer milder flavors, feel free to omit them or reduce the amount for just a hint of heat.

• Let the Sauce Simmer: Allowing the garlic butter sauce to simmer for a minute or two enhances its flavor by letting the garlic infuse into the butter and honey. This step really brings out that rich taste!

• Rest Before Serving: Letting your chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after coating them in sauce allows the glaze to set slightly, making every bite even more delightful.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are not only delicious but also versatile in how you can serve them! Here are some ideas to make your meal extra special.

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up each serving.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide an additional layer of flavor and a nice crunch that complements the tender chicken.

Side Dishes

• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These sweet potato fries are not only a great companion with their natural sweetness but also add a fun texture contrast. Bake or air fry until crispy for the best results!

• Garlic Butter Rice: Fluffy rice tossed with garlic and butter makes for a perfect base to soak up any extra honey garlic sauce. It’s simple yet delicious!

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly seasoned steamed broccoli offers a nutritious green side that balances out the richness of the chicken tenders while adding vibrant color to your plate.

• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and tanginess, which pairs beautifully with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare ahead of time!

With these tips and serving suggestions, your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders will be an absolute hit at any meal! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prepping! You can whip up a batch ahead of time, making it easy to enjoy delicious, homemade meals throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Ensure to separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
• Alternatively, you can use a microwave, but this may result in less crispy tenders.

FAQs

Have questions about making these tasty chicken tenders? You’re not alone! Here are some common queries:

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

You can certainly use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking them in the air fryer for even cooking.

How do I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

To make these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Enjoy!

What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as much as I do! They bring together sweet and savory flavors while being quick and simple. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or enjoying them as a snack, they’re bound to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try!