hese Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze. Made healthier in the air fryer, this recipe is quick, easy, and packed with flavor—perfect for a weeknight dinner or game-day snack!
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter , melted
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic , minced
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp up nicely.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to adhere.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for proper airflow. (You may need to cook in batches depending on your air fryer size.)
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes , flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) .
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, garlic powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and lemon juice. Stir until well combined and heated through (about 2-3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey butter garlic glaze over the chicken and toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the glazed chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or extra honey on the side.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or sesame seeds for a pop of color, if desired.
Tips for Success:
- Double-bread for extra crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the chicken tenders back into the beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs after the first round.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper airflow and crispiness in the air fryer.
- Customize the glaze: Add a splash of soy sauce or sriracha to the honey butter garlic glaze for a savory or spicy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, serves 4):
- Calories: ~320
- Protein: ~25g
- Carbohydrates: ~22g
- Fat: ~15g
Enjoy these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as a healthier alternative to fried chicken that doesn’t skimp on flavor or crunch. They’re perfect for kids, parties, or a quick and satisfying meal!