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If you’re searching for a dish that offers an irresistible blend of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness, look no further! Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the answer to your cravings. These tender strips of chicken are coated in a mouthwatering mixture of honey, garlic, and melted butter, creating a golden crust that’s perfectly crispy. The air fryer makes this dish quick and easy, so you can whip it up even on a busy weeknight. It’s a delightful meal that promises to fill your kitchen with an inviting aroma. Plus, it’s simple enough for everyone to get involved in making. Who doesn’t love a warm plate of crispy chicken tenders that are comforting and delicious?

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders (Creamy, Easy, and Cozy)

These chicken tenders are not just tasty; they’re also super satisfying and a total crowd-pleaser! With a golden, crunchy exterior and juicy, flavorful insides, you’ll want to dive right in. Here’s why they’re a must-try:

Quick Cooking Time: These tenders are ready in about 20 minutes thanks to the air fryer.
Perfectly Crispy: The air fryer gives them an amazing crunch without all the oil.
Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need at home!
Meal Prep Ready: Make a batch for easy lunches or snacks throughout the week.
Easy Cleanup: Less mess than traditional frying means more time to enjoy your meal.
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves chicken tenders! They’re perfect for little ones.
Customizable: Add your favorite spices or side dishes for a personalized touch.

Key Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken tenders – The main player for tender, juicy bites.
¼ cup honey – Adds sweet richness that balances the garlic.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted – Brings a creamy, comforting element.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Packs a punch of savory flavor.
1 tsp paprika – Enhances color and subtle warmth.
1 tsp salt – Essential for bringing out the best flavors.
½ tsp black pepper – Just enough kick to elevate every bite.
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – For that irresistible crunch.
Cooking spray – Helps achieve that golden-brown finish.

Ready to cook? See the recipe card for exact measurements below.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Phase 1 – Prep

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Phase 2 – Cook/Assemble

Dip each chicken tender into the honey-butter mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Roll the tenders in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray, then place the tenders inside in a single layer.

Phase 3 – Serve

Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the air fryer, let them cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Results

Choose Quality Chicken: Fresh chicken tenders will be juicier and more flavorful.
Adjust the Spice Level: Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for extra heat.
Air Fryer Check: Don’t crowd the air fryer; cook in batches for even crispness.
Storage Tip: After cooling, place tenders in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Leftover Magic: Use any extra tenders in salads or wraps for a tasty lunch.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

One common mistake is overcrowding the air fryer. This can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken. Always give your tenders some space so they can crisp up beautifully.

Another pitfall is not preheating your air fryer. Skipping this step can mean that your chicken doesn’t cook evenly or get that crispiness we all love. Always chat with your air fryer before cooking!

Finally, neglecting to check for doneness is a mistake. Cooking times can vary, so always use a thermometer to check if chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).

Recipe Variations

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour.
Dairy-Free: Swap unsalted butter for olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Spicy Option: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce for a kick.
Herbal Twist: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for extra flavor.
Cooking Method: These can also be made in the oven or stovetop if desired.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Best Pairings: Dip in ranch or honey mustard for an extra layer of flavor.
Toppings: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Sides: Serve with a side of coleslaw, french fries, or steamed veggies for a complete meal.

Make Ahead & Storage

Can I Meal Prep This?

Yes! These chicken tenders are perfect for meal prepping. Just make a big batch and store them in the fridge for quick meals.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked tenders for up to 2 months. Just make sure they’re in a freezer-safe container to keep them fresh.

Reheating

To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. If using the microwave, heat on medium for 1-2 minutes, then check and stir to ensure even heating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time, likely adding a few minutes to ensure they’re fully cooked through.

How to make it extra creamy without cream?

Adding a bit more melted butter or a dollop of sour cream can give you that extra creaminess without using heavy cream.

Can I double it?

Absolutely! Just make sure your air fryer basket isn’t crowded for optimal cooking.

How to fix a too-thick marinade?

If your marinade is too thick, simply thin it out with a splash of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency.

Ready to create these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders? They’re a delicious twist on a classic favorite—perfect for dinner, lunch, or any time you want something yummy! Grab the recipe card above for the exact measurements and enjoy crunching into that flavorful goodness. Don’t forget to rate and share your thoughts!

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

A delicious blend of sweet, savory, and buttery chicken tenders cooked to crispy perfection in an air fryer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 8

Cook Time 12

Total Time 20

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders The main player for tender, juicy bites.
¼ cup honey Adds sweet richness that balances the garlic.
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted Brings a creamy, comforting element.
3 cloves garlic, minced Packs a punch of savory flavor.
1 tsp paprika Enhances color and subtle warmth.
1 tsp salt Essential for bringing out the best flavors.
½ tsp black pepper Just enough kick to elevate every bite.
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) For that irresistible crunch.
as needed cooking spray Helps achieve that golden-brown finish.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a bowl, mix together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

Cooking

Dip each chicken tender into the honey-butter mixture, letting any excess drip off.
Roll the tenders in the breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray, then place the tenders inside in a single layer.
Cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from the air fryer, let them cool for a few minutes, and serve warm.

Notes

These chicken tenders are perfect for meal prepping. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.

Keyword Air Fryer Chicken, Crispy Chicken Tenders, Easy Chicken Recipe, Honey Butter Garlic Chicken, Quick Dinner