Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy, golden air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders dance with irresistible flavors that will make your taste buds sing.

Honey and garlic create a magical coating that transforms simple ingredients into something spectacular.

Butter adds a rich, velvety touch to these tender morsels.

Crunchy on the outside and juicy within, these chicken tenders promise a quick and delightful meal.

Marinating the chicken helps infuse deep, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish.

Minimal ingredients, maximum taste, this recipe proves cooking can be both simple and extraordinary.

You won’t believe how easy it is to create restaurant-quality chicken at home with just a few pantry staples.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

  • Boost Flavor Instantly: Honey butter garlic sauce transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a mouthwatering dish packed with sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors that'll make taste buds dance.
  • Quick Kitchen Magic: Air fryer technology delivers crispy exterior and juicy interior without excess oil, giving you restaurant-quality chicken in minutes with minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.
  • Family Dinner Champion: Kids and adults will love these golden-brown chicken tenders, making it a perfect meal that pleases everyone and eliminates mealtime negotiations with its irresistible taste.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for busy weeknights, casual gatherings, or game day snacks, these chicken tenders adapt easily to different dining scenarios and complement various side dishes.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender meat that serves as the main protein source for this crispy dish.
For the Coating:
  • Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy exterior and golden-brown texture to the chicken tenders.
For the Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Melted Butter: Adds richness and helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
  • Honey: Brings a sweet element and helps create a glossy, caramelized exterior.
  • Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall seasoning and brings out the chicken's natural taste.
For the Cooking Preparation:
  • Cooking Spray: Prevents the chicken tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket.

How to Cook Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up the Air Fryer

Crank up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 5 minutes to create the perfect cooking environment.

Step 2: Whip Up the Flavor Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:
  • Melted butter
  • Honey
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix everything until you’ve got a mouthwatering sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating

Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish, creating a perfect bed for your chicken tenders to get their crunch on.

Step 4: Give Chicken a Flavor Bath

Dunk each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic sauce, making sure every inch gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Create the Crispy Exterior

Roll the saucy chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure a perfect, even crispy jacket.

Step 6: Prep the Air Fryer Basket

Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 7: Arrange the Chicken

Carefully place the coated chicken tenders in the basket, keeping them in a single layer without any overlapping.

Step 8: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Flip them halfway through to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Pull out the chicken tenders and let them chill for a few minutes.

This helps the juices redistribute and keeps them super tender.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your crispy, saucy chicken tenders.

Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds!

Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

  • Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to ensure easy chicken removal and no residue left behind.
  • Press breadcrumbs gently onto chicken tenders to create a thick, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe and perfectly cooked tenders.
  • Cook chicken tenders in a single layer to guarantee even cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides.
  • Experiment with different breadcrumb types like panko, seasoned, or herb-infused for unique taste profiles.

Variations to Try on Honey Butter Chicken Tenders

  • Spicy Honey Chipotle Tenders: Add chipotle powder and red pepper flakes to the honey butter sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Replace breadcrumbs with a mix of dried oregano, thyme, and crushed rosemary for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Parmesan Crusted Version: Mix grated parmesan cheese into breadcrumbs for a crispy, cheesy exterior that adds rich, savory notes.
  • Asian Sesame Glazed Tenders: Swap honey with soy sauce and sesame oil, then sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished chicken for an Asian-inspired variation.

Pairings That Complement Chicken Tenders

  • Elevate Sweet-Savory Pairings: Crisp white wine like Riesling complements the honey's sweetness and cuts through the garlic's richness.
  • Match Dipping Delights: Creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing creates perfect flavor balance with the chicken's golden, crispy exterior.
  • Refresh with Sides: Cucumber tomato salad or coleslaw adds bright, cool contrast to the warm, buttery chicken tenders.
  • Complete the Meal: Roasted garlic green beans provide a complementary herb note that echoes the dish's garlic undertones.

Best Storage for Honey Butter Chicken Tenders

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, place in freezer-safe bag, and store for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.

Preheat air fryer to 350F, place tenders in single layer, cook 3-4 minutes until crispy and internal temperature reaches 165F. Avoid overcrowding to maintain crispiness.

Spread tenders on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes. Remove foil last 2 minutes to restore crunchiness.

FAQs

  • Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, thaw them completely first and pat dry before coating to ensure crispy results.

  • How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for a similar crispy texture.

  • What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake these chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 425F (218C) for 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through cooking.

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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
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Description

Crispy, golden air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders bring succulent flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. Glazed with sweet and savory notes, these tender bites deliver restaurant-quality excitement you can easily create at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Seasoning and Flavoring:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter, melted
  • 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 grams) salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 grams) black pepper

Coating and Preparation:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the air fryer by heating it to 400F (200C) for 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
  2. Craft a luscious coating by whisking together melted butter, golden honey, aromatic minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl.
  3. Pour breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish, creating a crispy exterior station for the chicken tenders.
  4. Generously drench each chicken tender in the honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  5. Carefully roll the sauce-coated chicken tenders in breadcrumbs, gently pressing to create a uniform, crunchy layer.
  6. Prevent potential sticking by lightly misting the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  7. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap to promote even cooking.
  8. Cook the chicken tenders at 400F (200C) for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway through the cooking process to achieve a golden, crispy exterior and ensure thorough internal cooking.
  9. Allow the freshly cooked chicken tenders to rest for a brief moment, allowing the juices to redistribute and enhance overall flavor.
  10. Present the crispy tenders with your preferred dipping sauce or alongside a vibrant, fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken tenders are uniform in size for even cooking, preventing undercooked or overcooked sections.
  • Pat chicken dry before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch and lighter texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
  • Adjust cooking time slightly for thicker or thinner chicken tenders, checking internal temperature reaches 165F for food safety.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 317 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 398 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 86 mg

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Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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