Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful meal that the whole family will love, you’ve come to the right place! These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also super easy to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all drizzled with a sticky honey garlic glaze that’s simply irresistible. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, casual family gatherings, or even as a delightful appetizer for your next get-together.

What makes this recipe special is how it combines comforting flavors with a healthier cooking method. The air fryer makes these tenders crispy without the need for excessive oil, so you can indulge without the guilt. Trust me—once you try these chicken tenders, they’ll become a regular in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 12 minutes in the air fryer, dinner is served in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy these flavorful tenders—it’s hard to resist their sweet and savory goodness!
• Healthier Alternative: Using an air fryer means less oil without sacrificing that crispy texture we all crave.
• Versatile Dish: Great as a main course or appetizer; they fit perfectly into any meal plan!
• Make Ahead Convenience: These tenders are perfect for meal prep—just reheat them for a quick snack or lunch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity! You’ll find that all the ingredients are wholesome and easy to gather. Here’s what you’ll need to create your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

For the Chicken

• 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

For Garnish

• Chopped parsley (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or even tofu for a vegetarian option—just adjust cooking times accordingly.
• Add some zest: Toss in some lemon zest to the honey garlic sauce for an extra punch of citrus flavor.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add more crushed red pepper flakes or even some hot sauce to give it an extra kick.
• Change up the glaze: Substitute maple syrup instead of honey for a different but equally delicious sweetness.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken tenders in a large bowl with olive oil and all those lovely seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes. This step infuses each piece of chicken with flavor before they hit the air fryer—making every bite deliciously seasoned!

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; this helps achieve that golden-brown exterior we all love.

Step 3: Air Fry

Carefully place your seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry them for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This allows both sides to get nice and crispy while ensuring they are cooked through and juicy!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this brings out its rich flavor! Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes before removing from heat.

Step 5: Glaze the Tenders

Once those chicken tenders are beautifully golden brown, toss them in a bowl with your honey garlic butter sauce until they’re fully coated. This glaze is what takes your tenders from good to absolutely mouthwatering!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately! These tasty tenders pair perfectly with rice or veggies; feel free to spoon some extra sauce over them for an added layer of flavor!

Now you’re ready to enjoy these delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders any time you want! Happy cooking!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

To ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy and packed with flavor, here are some handy tips!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey can make a significant difference in flavor. Fresh garlic adds a robust taste, while pure honey brings a lovely sweetness that elevates the dish.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air frying works best when air can circulate freely around the food. Make sure to place the chicken tenders in a single layer for even cooking and crispiness.

• Check for Doneness: Since air fryers can vary in temperature, it’s always good to check if your chicken tenders have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures they are safe to eat while remaining juicy.

• Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasonings based on your preferences. If you like more heat, add extra crushed red pepper flakes or if you prefer milder flavors, reduce the amount of paprika.

• Let Them Rest Before Serving: Allowing the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after air frying helps redistribute the juices, making them even more tender and delicious.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are not only delicious on their own but can also be served in various creative ways that will impress your family and friends!

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the sweet glaze beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli florets add a nutritious element to your meal while balancing out the richness of the chicken tenders.

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic are a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the sticky honey butter sauce.

• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw made with cabbage and carrots drizzled in a tangy dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory tenders.

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and lemon vinaigrette offers a healthy and vibrant addition that complements the dish well.

Feel free to mix and match these garnishes and sides to create your perfect meal! Enjoy every bite of your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep! You can easily make them ahead of time and enjoy their deliciousness throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container or wrap in plastic wrap.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Cool cooked tenders completely before freezing.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually.
• Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• To reheat from the fridge, place tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through.
• For frozen tenders, preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making these chicken tenders!

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders in the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe?

Absolutely! Just cut chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders, and follow the same cooking instructions. Adjust cooking time if necessary, as they may take a bit longer.

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

These tasty tenders pair well with rice, salads, or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce!

How do I ensure my Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy?

Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in batches allows hot air to circulate properly around each tender, giving you that perfect crispiness.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time for the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

Yes! You can prepare the honey garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before tossing with your freshly cooked chicken tenders.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as I am! They truly bring together sweet, savory flavors and a delightful crunch that everyone will love. Whether you’re prepping for dinner or hosting friends, this recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy making this dish and savor every bite—happy cooking!