There’s something magical about the combination of crispy chicken, buttery garlic, and sweet honey—it’s the kind of flavor combo that makes you close your eyes and savor every bite. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders take your classic chicken tenders to the next level with a rich, golden glaze that’s both sweet and savory. The best part? They’re air-fried to crispy perfection, so you get all the crunch without the excess oil.
Perfect for a quick dinner, game-day snack, or even meal prep, these chicken tenders are ridiculously easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit with everyone at the table. Trust me, once you taste that honey butter garlic glaze, there’s no going back!
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Is this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe for you? Let’s see. These tenders are…
- Crispy and golden – Thanks to the air fryer, they come out perfectly crunchy without deep frying.
- Sweet and savory – The honey butter garlic glaze is the perfect mix of rich and flavorful.
- Quick and easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and just minutes to cook.
- Kid-friendly – A crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love.
- Healthier than deep frying – Less oil, but still incredibly crispy and delicious.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Here’s what makes these tenders absolutely irresistible:
- Chicken Tenders: The perfect cut for this recipe, ensuring juicy, tender bites every time.
- Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the glaze coat the chicken beautifully.
- Honey: The key to that sweet, sticky finish that balances out the garlic.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for a bold, aromatic flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken just right.
- Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy, golden coating that locks in all the flavor.
- Cooking Spray: Helps crisp up the tenders in the air fryer.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Let’s dive into the steps to create these mouthwatering tenders:
Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating ensures even cooking and the crispiest results.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and black pepper for a simple but essential flavor base.
Bread the Chicken: Dip each tender into the melted butter, then coat it evenly with breadcrumbs. Lightly press to help the coating stick.
Air Fry: Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the tenders cook, mix melted butter, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl. Microwave for 20-30 seconds to meld the flavors together.
Glaze the Tenders: Once the tenders are cooked, toss them in the warm honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring each piece gets coated in that rich, sticky goodness.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy on their own or pair with your favorite dipping sauces!
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- With a side of fries: Crispy chicken and fries are always a winning combo.
- Over rice or salad: The honey butter glaze makes these perfect for serving over fluffy rice or a crisp green salad.
- As sliders: Tuck them into mini buns with lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- With dipping sauces: Try ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy sriracha mayo for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Additional Tips & Variations
- Make them extra crispy: Add a little grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for a crunchier coating.
- Spice it up: A dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the glaze adds a nice kick.
- No air fryer? Bake in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try—easy, crispy, and packed with incredible flavor. Once you make them, they’re sure to become a regular on your menu. Enjoy!
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken TendersAir Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken TendersAir Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 4 tbsp butter melted
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic.
- In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter mixture, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- Brush with any remaining honey butter mixture before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Pairs well with ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli.
