Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
This air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe delivers sweet, savory, and crispy in under 30 minutes. Tender chicken strips are coated in a glossy honey-butter-garlic mix and a crunchy breadcrumb crust for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
For the honey-garlic sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tbsp)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the chicken tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 6–8 pieces)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch or regular)
- 1 can cooking spray for air frying
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove and reserve half (about 2–3 tablespoons) in a separate small bowl for drizzling later.
- Dip each chicken tender into the remaining honey-garlic mixture so it’s well-coated. Let excess drip off, then press the tender into the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Shake off loose crumbs.
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for 3–5 minutes.
Cooking
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place tenders in a single layer without overlapping (cook in batches if needed).
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serving
- Transfer tenders to a platter and drizzle with the reserved honey-garlic sauce. Serve immediately while hot and crisp.
Notes
For a less sweet flavor, reduce honey to 2 tbsp and add a splash of soy sauce. Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Freeze in a single layer for up to 2 months.