Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders – Best Quick and Flavorful Recipe!

Introduction

Get ready to savor the deliciousness of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! These tender, juicy chicken strips are coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that takes them to a whole new level of flavor. The air fryer ensures they come out perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and succulent on the inside, making them a healthier alternative to traditional frying. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or family gatherings, these chicken tenders are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, these chicken tenders are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives the chicken a delightful crunch without the excess oil, making them healthier and just as tasty.
• Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Versatile Dish: Serve them as an appetizer, a main course, or in wraps and salads for a delicious meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these flavorful chicken tenders!

Ingredients List

For the Chicken Tenders:

• ✔️ 🔹 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup buttermilk
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon paprika
• ✔️ 🔹 1 teaspoon salt
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• ✔️ 🔹 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ✔️ 🔹 Cooking spray (or olive oil)

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 cup honey
• ✔️ 🔹 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
• ✔️ 🔹 1/2 teaspoon salt
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• ✔️ 🔹 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ✔️ 🔹 Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Note: For precise measurements, please refer to the recipe card on cookingforhome.com.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken

• Prepare Buttermilk Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
• Add Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to tenderize and flavor the chicken.

2. Prepare the Breading

• Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow dish, place the flour. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, and dredge each piece in the flour, coating evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set the Temperature: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

4. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

• Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook in batches.
• Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

5. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

• Melt Butter: While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
• Add Honey and Garlic: Add the honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and cook for 2-3 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce is heated through.

6. Coat the Chicken Tenders

• Combine Chicken and Sauce: Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a large bowl. Drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.

7. Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish: Transfer the coated chicken tenders to a serving platter and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, spray the chicken tenders with a little more cooking spray before air frying!

Variations & Substitutions

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
• Different Proteins: Substitute chicken tenders with shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
• Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to the honey butter garlic sauce for added flavor.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes! If using frozen chicken tenders, there’s no need to marinate them. Just cook them according to the air fryer instructions, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
These tenders pair well with a variety of sides, such as coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. They also make great sandwiches or wraps!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey butter garlic sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat before drizzling over the chicken.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic favorite with a healthier twist. With their crispy exterior and flavorful coating, they’re sure to be a hit at your dinner table. Try this recipe today, and don’t forget to share your thoughts and any variations you make in the comments below! For more delicious recipes, visit cookingforhome.com and follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more culinary inspiration. Enjoy your cooking adventure! 🍗🍯🧄

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Pin Recipe

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy and juicy dish that combines sweet honey, savory garlic, and tender chicken. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack, these easy chicken tenders are made in the air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic favorite. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or as part of a family meal! 🍗🍯✨

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and set aside.
2. Make Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
3. Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then into the beaten egg, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Ensure they are well-covered.
4. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Air Fry Chicken: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
6. Make Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic in a bowl. Stir until well mixed.
7. Coat Chicken: Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over them. Toss to coat evenly.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! ❤️🍽️

• Author: Sara