Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders - featured image

Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

  • Author: Nora Winslow
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are coated in a crunchy breading and tossed in a sticky, sweet honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick, fuss-free dinner with less oil and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds (680g) chicken tenders, fresh or thawed
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 large eggs
  • 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
  • 3 tablespoons (60ml) honey (raw or clover honey recommended)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
  • Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the breading stick.
  2. Set up three bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; the second with beaten eggs; and the third with panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
  4. Dredge each tender first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the eggs, and finally coat thoroughly in the panko mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
  7. Cook for 6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden and crispy and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
  9. Add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  10. Stir in the honey and simmer for another minute until glossy and combined. Remove from heat.
  11. Transfer the hot tenders to a large bowl, pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over them, and toss gently to coat every piece.
  12. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

Patting the chicken dry before breading is crucial for a crispy coating. Cook tenders in a single layer to avoid steaming. Fresh garlic in the sauce is key for flavor. Leftover sauce can be used as a dip or drizzle. For reheating, use the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness. You can bake the tenders at 425°F for 15-20 minutes if you don’t have an air fryer.

  • Prep Time: 12 minutes
  • Cook Time: 13 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 7
  • Sodium: 480
  • Fat: 16
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 20
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey butter chicken, garlic chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, kid-friendly chicken

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Find it online: https://gentlerecipes.com/crispy-air-fryer-honey-butter-garlic-chicken-tenders-easy-recipe/