Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Craving something crispy, juicy, and dripping with bold flavor? If you’re looking for a dish that’s quick to whip up yet absolutely decadent, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are just what you need! This recipe is a family favorite in my home because it balances sweet and savory flavors perfectly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table.

What makes this recipe truly special is how easy it is to prepare. You get all the comfort-food vibes without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, thanks to the air fryer, you can enjoy that delicious crunch with way less oil. So gather your loved ones, because this dish is perfect for any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the sweet and savory glaze.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Great for meal prep—just store and reheat when you’re ready!
• Crispy Texture: The air fryer gives these tenders a delightful crunch without the guilt of deep frying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them alone, toss them over salad or serve with rice—your choice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll find that the ingredients are simple and wholesome. This means you won’t have to hunt down any fancy items at the grocery store! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenders (boneless, skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For Garnish

• Chopped parsley (optional)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have on hand or your mood.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders for a different texture.
• Add some crunch: Throw in some chopped nuts like pecans or almonds for an added crunch in your sauce.
• Spice it up: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute chicken with tofu or cauliflower florets for a plant-based option.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken tenders in a bowl with olive oil and all those flavorful seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, some crushed red pepper flakes. This step is essential because it infuses every bite with delicious flavor.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

While you’re seasoning your chicken, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that perfect crispiness we all love!

Step 3: Air Fry

Carefully place your seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket of your air fryer. Cook them for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures they cook evenly and become golden brown—so mouthwatering!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let it simmer gently for 1–2 minutes before removing from heat. This sauce is what makes these tenders truly irresistible!

Step 5: Glaze the Tenders

Once your chicken is cooked through and crispy, toss those hot tenders in a bowl with your honey garlic butter sauce until they’re fully coated. This adds that sticky goodness that will leave everyone wanting more.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley if desired and serve immediately! These tenders are fantastic on their own but feel free to spoon extra sauce over rice or veggies for a complete meal.

Now you’re all set to impress yourself—and anyone lucky enough to share this dish with you! Enjoy every delicious bite of these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Making the perfect chicken tenders is all about the details, so here are some tips to help you achieve crispy, flavorful results every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality honey make a noticeable difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients enhance the dish’s overall taste and aroma, bringing out the best in your tenders.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy tenders, so it’s best to give each piece room to crisp up beautifully.

• Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This guarantees that your tenders are safe to eat while remaining juicy inside.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the crushed red pepper flakes based on your spice preference. Tailoring the heat level allows everyone at the table to enjoy this dish according to their tastes.

• Let Them Rest: After air frying, let the tenders rest for a few minutes before coating them in sauce. This helps retain their juiciness and ensures they’re not too hot to handle when tossing them in the glaze.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are not only delicious but also versatile! Here are some fun ways to present them for any occasion.

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Lemon Wedges: Offering lemon wedges on the side gives a refreshing squeeze of citrus that complements the honey-garlic flavor beautifully.
• Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds can add a delightful crunch and nuttiness that enhances both texture and presentation.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic make a comforting side that pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds color and nutrients to your meal. A simple drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of lemon juice elevates its flavor.
• Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut rice complements the honey butter sauce wonderfully, making it an enticing pairing.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast in texture, balancing out the rich flavors of the chicken tenders.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll be set to impress family or guests with your delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep! You can make a big batch ahead of time, ensuring you have delicious, savory chicken tenders ready to go whenever you need a quick meal or snack.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Let the cooked chicken tenders cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in softer texture.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some common inquiries about these tasty Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders!

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

While fresh chicken tenders are recommended for optimal texture and flavor, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

How do I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders healthier?

You can reduce the amount of honey or use a sugar substitute. Additionally, ensure you’re using minimal oil when seasoning the chicken to keep it lighter.

Can I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders without soy sauce?

Yes! You can replace soy sauce with coconut aminos or simply omit it if you prefer. The dish will still be flavorful with the honey and garlic.

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

These tenders pair wonderfully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh side salad. You could also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as much as I do! They’re not just quick and easy but also bursting with flavor that your whole family will love. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or enjoying them as a snack, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!