These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a glossy sweet-savory glaze that makes every bite irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These chicken tenders blend comforting flavors—honey, butter, and garlic—with air-fried crispiness for a lighter, faster meal. They cook quickly, use simple pantry ingredients, and work perfectly for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party platters.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken tenders:
1 lb chicken tenders
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
For the honey butter garlic sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Directions
In a bowl, whisk the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
In another bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
Lightly grease the air fryer basket, then arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Stir in honey, paprika, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Transfer the cooked tenders to a bowl and pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly.
– Spicy version: Add 1/2–1 teaspoon chili flakes to the sauce.
– Gluten-free option: Replace the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
– Crispier coating: Double-dip the tenders (egg → flour → egg → flour).
– Lemon twist: Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice to the sauce for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
– Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
– Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (177°C) for 3–5 minutes to restore crispiness.
– The sauce may thicken in the fridge; it loosens as it reheats.
FAQs
How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy in the air fryer?
Cook them in a single layer and avoid overcrowding so air can circulate properly.
Can I use chicken breast cut into strips instead of tenders?
Yes, just slice evenly so they cook at the same rate.
Can I make these without eggs?
You can dip the tenders in a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of flour as a substitute.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes, coat the chicken and refrigerate up to 6 hours before air frying.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry before dipping and press the flour mixture onto each piece.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Simmer it an additional 1–2 minutes until it reduces slightly.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild, sweet, and not spicy unless you add heat.
Can I freeze the cooked tenders?
Yes, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer until hot.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver a perfect balance of crisp texture and rich, sweet-savory flavor. Easy to prepare and versatile, they’re ideal for fast dinners, family meals, or entertaining. Enjoy them fresh from the air fryer for maximum crunch and tenderness.
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders made in the air fryer and coated in a sweet-savory honey butter garlic glaze. A fast, flavorful meal perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or parties.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
Instructions
In a bowl, mix flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg.
Dip each chicken tender into the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to coat.
Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly grease the basket.
Arrange tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Add honey, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Transfer cooked tenders to a bowl and pour sauce over. Toss to coat.
Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer—cook in batches if needed.
Double-dip for a thicker, crunchier coating.
For a gluten-free version, use GF flour.
To add spice, stir chili flakes into the sauce.
Chicken breast strips work if tenders aren’t available.
