Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders combine a crispy, golden crust with a luscious honey garlic sauce for a dinner that feels both indulgent and simple to make. They come together quickly in the air fryer, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without much fuss.

I remember the first time I made this for my family we all ended up fighting over the last tender the perfect combination of crunchy coating and sweet garlic butter glaze won us over instantly

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: Choose fresh and evenly sized pieces for uniform cooking
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze
• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and a base for the garlic flavor
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings bold aromatic notes
• Paprika: Adds color and a subtle smoky depth
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing flavors
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity
• Breadcrumbs: Use panko for extra crunch or regular for a finer coating
• Cooking spray: Prevents sticking and helps the tenders crisp in the air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

Spoon the Sauce Mix into a Bowl:

In a medium bowl combine honey melted butter minced garlic paprika salt and black pepper. Stir these until they form a cohesive sauce that is smooth and fragrant.

Coat the Chicken Tenders:

Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and gently toss them ensuring every piece is evenly coated with the honey garlic sauce. This helps the flavor really infuse during cooking.

Prepare the Breadcrumbs:

Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on a plate. Bread crumbs will create the crisp exterior that gives these tenders their satisfying crunch.

Bread the Chicken:

Take each honey garlic coated tender and dredge it in the breadcrumbs pressing lightly to make sure it sticks to all sides.

Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit and spray the basket to prevent sticking and promote even browning.

Cook the Chicken Tenders:

Place the breaded chicken tenders in one layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes flipping halfway through so both sides become golden and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the tenders and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and coating to firm up nicely.

Save

When I first made this recipe I loved how the garlic infuses into the butter and honey mixture creating an irresistible aroma. It always brings back memories of cozy dinners spent laughing around the table.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer at a lower temperature for a few minutes to restore crispness rather than microwaving which can make the coating soggy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have honey you can swap with maple syrup or agave nectar for a slightly different but still sweet profile. Butter can be replaced with margarine or coconut oil but will alter the flavor slightly. Garlic powder can be used instead of fresh minced garlic in a pinch but fresh is best for depth.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken tenders with a fresh green salad coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. They also pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch barbecue or Dijon mustard for added flavor variety.

Pro Tips

• Make sure to coat the chicken evenly in the honey butter sauce before breading to maximize flavor and adhesion
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper circulation which yields crispier tenders
• Try double breading by repeating the dipping in honey mixture and breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy crust

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I get extra crunchy chicken tenders?

Double-dip the tenders by coating them in the honey butter garlic mixture, then breadcrumbs twice before air frying to increase crispiness.

→ What is the best temperature for air frying these tenders?

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) to cook the chicken evenly and achieve a golden crust without drying it out.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, either panko or regular breadcrumbs work well; panko gives a lighter, airier crunch while regular breadcrumbs offer a denser coating.

→ How long should the chicken rest after air frying?

Allow the tenders to rest for a few minutes post-cooking to help the juices redistribute and keep the meat tender.

→ Is it necessary to use cooking spray in the air fryer basket?

Lightly spraying the basket helps prevent sticking and enhances the crispy texture without adding extra oil to the tenders.

→ Can I prepare the honey butter garlic mixture in advance?

Yes, mix the honey, melted butter, garlic, and spices ahead of time to save prep time when ready to coat the chicken.