Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that everyone will love. The crispy coating combined with the sweet and savory honey garlic sauce makes for a delightful meal. Plus, using an air fryer keeps these chicken tenders lighter than traditional frying. They are perfect for family dinners, a quick snack, or even serving at gatherings.
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Why Make This Recipe
You might wonder why you should try making these chicken tenders. First, they are quick and easy to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, the air fryer cooks them to perfection, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy inside without needing much oil. Finally, the honey butter garlic sauce adds a unique flavor that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a simple way to elevate a classic dish!
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Directions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry. In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture to coat.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer and spray the tops. Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Stir in the honey and soy sauce; simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and toss them in the warm honey butter garlic sauce. Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Serve these chicken tenders hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or barbecue sauce. They go well with fresh vegetables, a simple salad, or even some crispy fries. It’s a perfect meal for a cozy family night or a fun get-together with friends.
How to Store Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
To store leftovers, place the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for about 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to keep them crispy.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Ensure the chicken tenders are dry before coating them for a better crunch.
- You can adjust the amount of honey in the sauce to make it sweeter or add more garlic for a stronger flavor.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Variation
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour. You can also try using chicken breasts cut into strips if you don’t have tenders.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure they cook through.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can cook these chicken tenders in the oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
3. Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour as a substitute for all-purpose flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 units eggs, beaten
- 1 tablespoon cooking spray
For the Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the chicken tenders dry.
- In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then in the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture to coat.
Cooking
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer and spray the tops.
- Cook at 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Making the Sauce
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
- Stir in the honey and soy sauce; simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
Serving
- Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and toss them in the warm honey butter garlic sauce.
- Serve hot and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
