Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of savory and sweet, making them an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. These crispy chicken tenders are coated in a delicious honey garlic sauce that elevates their flavor profile, ensuring everyone will be coming back for seconds. Plus, they’re easy to make and require minimal cleanup, making them suitable for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer creates a satisfyingly crispy coating without the need for deep frying.
• Flavorful Sauce: The honey garlic sauce adds a unique blend of sweetness and savory goodness that enhances the chicken.
• Versatile Meal Option: Serve these tenders with sides like salad or veggies, or turn them into sandwiches for a fun twist.
• Kid-Friendly: These tenders are sure to please even the pickiest eaters, making mealtime enjoyable for the whole family.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Plate for breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: The star of this recipe, it cooks the chicken quickly while giving it that desired crispiness.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining the honey garlic sauce evenly with the chicken tenders.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
• Cooking spray: Helps prevent sticking and ensures an even cook on your chicken tenders.

Ingredients

Deliciously crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders coated in a savory and sweet honey garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 lb chicken tenders

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ¼ cup honey
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For Coating

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Garlic Mixture

1. In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
2. Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.

Step 2: Coat with Breadcrumbs

1. In a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs and ensure they are fully coated.

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
2. Spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders

1. Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer; avoid overlapping.
2. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

1. Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! They’re not only mouthwatering but also quick to prepare—perfect for any day of the week.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to elevate your meal experience.

Make it a Sandwich

• Serve the chicken tenders in a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a tasty sandwich.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Offer a selection of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ for a fun and interactive meal.

Create a Salad Bowl

• Slice the chicken tenders and place them over mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite dressing.

Serve with Rice or Quinoa

• Pair the tenders with steamed rice or quinoa for a wholesome meal that balances flavors and textures.

How to Perfect Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

To achieve the best results with your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh chicken and high-quality honey will enhance the flavors of your dish.
• Even Coating: Ensure that the chicken tenders are evenly coated in the honey garlic mixture for maximum flavor.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheating helps achieve that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
• Do Not Overcrowd: Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer for even cooking and crispiness.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Let Rest Before Serving: Allowing them to rest for a few minutes helps retain juiciness before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Pairing sides with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options:

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic complement the savory flavors of the chicken.
2. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal veggies roasted until tender adds color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made from cabbage and carrots provides a crunchy contrast to the tender chicken.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a hint of sweetness that pairs well with honey butter flavors.
5. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and is easy to prepare alongside your main dish.
6. Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad dressed in vinegar adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chicken tenders.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders can be straightforward, but there are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many chicken tenders in the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always arrange them in a single layer.
• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing chicken tenders to soak in the honey garlic mixture can result in bland flavors. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes.
• Ignoring Temperature Preheating: Failing to preheat your air fryer may cause longer cooking times and less crispy results. Always preheat before adding food.
• Not Checking Doneness: Relying solely on time can lead to undercooked chicken. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Using Regular Breadcrumbs Only: Only using regular breadcrumbs may not give you the desired crunch. Try panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Place fully cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid sogginess.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders.

How long do I cook Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

Cook them for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, just double the cooking time and ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

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

They pair well with salads, rice, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check your other ingredients for gluten.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, you can customize them by adding your favorite spices or dips. Give this recipe a try today!