Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy dish to make for any meal. These chicken tenders are marinated in buttermilk, coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic mixture, and cooked to perfection in an air fryer. They are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or fun gatherings.
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Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is great for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish. Second, using an air fryer means you can enjoy crispy chicken tenders without all the extra oil. This makes it a healthier option compared to traditional frying. Lastly, the combination of honey and garlic creates a mouth-watering flavor that everyone will love.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Making Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders is simple. Just follow the steps below for a tasty dish that will impress your family or guests.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for air frying
Directions:
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, then dip each tender into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are best served hot and crispy. Place them on a plate, and you can pair them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or sweet and sour sauce. They also make a tasty addition to salads or can be enjoyed as a sandwich filling.
How to Store Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers, allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you are ready to eat them, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- For extra crispy chicken, try dredging the coated tenders in a little bit of breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Make sure the chicken is not overcrowded in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of honey and garlic based on your personal taste.
Variation
You can switch up this recipe by adding spices like paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick of heat. Alternatively, you can use different types of chicken cuts, like drumsticks or wings.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time, as they may take a few extra minutes to cook through.
Q2: Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
A2: Marinating in buttermilk makes the chicken tender and juicy, but if you’re short on time, you can skip this step.
Q3: Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of the air fryer?
A3: Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are cooked through.
Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders! They are sure to be a hit!
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the marinade
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
For the coating
- 1 egg
- 0.5 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- to taste Salt and pepper
- as needed Cooking spray or oil for air frying
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, then dip each tender into the egg mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
Cooking
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with oil.
- Cook in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Serving
- Serve hot and crispy with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or sweet and sour sauce.
