These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet, buttery garlic sauce. Made with a crunchy breading and air-fried to golden perfection, they’re an easy and delicious meal or snack. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you’re craving crispy, saucy chicken without deep frying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Juicy – The air fryer makes them perfectly crunchy outside and tender inside.
- Sweet & Savory Sauce – The honey butter garlic glaze takes them to the next level.
- Healthier Than Deep Frying – Less oil, but still super crispy.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes!
- Perfect for Dipping – Pairs well with ranch, honey mustard, or extra honey butter sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breasts)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- Butter
- Honey
- Garlic, minced
- Soy sauce
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Breading Station
- Set Up 3 Bowls – One with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Dredge the Chicken – Coat each tender in flour, then dip in the eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned panko mixture. Press gently for a crispy coating.
Step 3: Air Fry the Tenders
- Preheat the Air Fryer – Set to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the Chicken – Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying lightly with olive oil spray.
- Cook – Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- Melt Butter – In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add Garlic & Honey – Stir in minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
Step 5: Coat & Serve
- Toss the Chicken – Coat the crispy chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce.
- Serve & Enjoy – Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or drizzle with hot honey.
- Extra Crunchy – Double coat in the panko mixture for a thicker breading.
- Gluten-Free – Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Lemon Twist – Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a tangy kick.
- Asian-Inspired – Mix in sesame oil and a splash of rice vinegar to the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked breaded tenders for up to 2 months. Air fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?
Ranch, honey mustard, sriracha mayo, or extra honey butter garlic sauce.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips for the same result.
How do I make the breading stick better?
Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken and let them rest for 5 minutes before air frying.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
Yes, but panko gives a crispier texture.
How do I make these tenders dairy-free?
Use dairy-free butter or olive oil instead of butter.
Can I make the sauce thicker?
Yes! Simmer longer or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
Shallow fry in oil for 3-4 minutes per side or bake at 400°F.
Can I marinate the chicken before breading?
Yes! Marinate in buttermilk or a mix of soy sauce and garlic for extra tenderness.
What side dishes go well with this?
Coleslaw, fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad pair perfectly.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect blend of crispy, juicy, and sweet-savory flavors. Whether for a quick dinner, a party snack, or meal prep, they’re easy to make and absolutely delicious. Try them today and enjoy a homemade version of a restaurant favorite!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are coated in a crispy golden crust and tossed in a sweet, buttery garlic sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or snack, they’re easy, flavorful, and kid-friendly!
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
- Set up a breading station:
- Bowl 1: Flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Press lightly to adhere.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange tenders in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C).
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Toss & Serve
- Transfer crispy chicken tenders to a bowl and toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce.
- Serve warm with extra sauce and your favorite dipping sauces!
Notes
- Extra Crunchy? Double-coat the tenders by dipping in egg and breadcrumbs twice.
- Spicy Kick? Add more red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Serving Ideas: Pair with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or fries for a full meal.
- Storage & Reheating: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes.