Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will love, you’ve landed in the right place! These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a game changer. They’re not only crispy and juicy but also infused with a delightful sticky honey garlic glaze that makes each bite simply irresistible. Whether you’re juggling a busy weeknight or hosting friends for the weekend, this recipe fits perfectly into any occasion, bringing comfort-food vibes to your table without the fuss.

What I love about these chicken tenders is how easy they are to whip up. In less than 30 minutes, you can serve up something that feels special yet satisfies those cravings for something hearty. Trust me; once you try them, they’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

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 adore this sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Healthier Cooking: The air fryer gives you that crispy texture with much less oil than traditional frying.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, main course, or even meal prep for the week ahead!
• Mouthwatering Flavor: The honey garlic glaze takes these tenders to the next level—so delicious!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders is super simple because we’re using wholesome ingredients you might already have on hand! Let’s gather everything 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 Sauce

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how flexible it can be! Here are some fun variations to switch things up:

• Swap the protein: Feel free to use chicken breasts or even tofu if you’re looking for a vegetarian option.
• Add some heat: For those who love spice, toss in some cayenne pepper or sriracha into the sauce!
• Make it a wrap: Use these tenders in a wrap with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a tasty lunch.
• Change up the glaze: Try adding different herbs like rosemary or thyme for a unique twist on flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by tossing those chicken tenders in a bowl with olive oil and all your seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. This step is crucial because it infuses every bite with flavor!

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that crispiness we all love while ensuring even cooking.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry them for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This ensures they get golden brown on both sides and cook through perfectly.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While your chicken cooks, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant—around 30 seconds—then stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for about 1–2 minutes before removing from heat. This buttery sauce will coat your tenders beautifully!

Step 5: Glaze the Tenders

Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, toss those hot tenders in a bowl with your luscious honey garlic butter sauce until they’re fully coated. This step is where all that flavor magic happens!

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley if you’d like—it’s such a nice touch! Serve these delicious tenders immediately and don’t forget to spoon extra sauce over rice or veggies if you’re feeling fancy! Enjoy every last bite!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

To ensure your chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy and full of flavor, keep these handy tips in mind!

• Pat the Chicken Dry: Before seasoning, patting the chicken tenders dry helps the oil and spices adhere better, leading to a crispier exterior.

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For even cooking, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each tender, ensuring they cook evenly and get that golden color.

• Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: If your chicken tenders are thicker than average, be prepared to adjust the cooking time slightly. Always check for doneness using a meat thermometer—165°F (74°C) is the safe internal temperature.

• Toss in Sauce While Hot: Tossing the cooked tenders in the honey garlic sauce while they’re still hot allows them to absorb more flavor and ensures that the sauce clings beautifully.

• Experiment with Seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend! Adding herbs like thyme or rosemary can give a delightful twist, while different spices can bring new flavors to your dish.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Presentation can make all the difference when serving up these delectable chicken tenders. Here are some creative ideas!

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
• Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a lovely visual touch.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges on the side for a zesty kick that complements the sweetness of the sauce.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make for a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the honey butter garlic chicken.

• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a healthy element to your meal, providing color and nutrients while balancing out the richness of the tenders.

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender chicken. It’s perfect for adding texture and brightness to your plate.

• Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf seasoned with herbs is an excellent base for soaking up any extra honey garlic sauce, making every bite deliciously fulfilling.

These serving suggestions will elevate your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders experience, making it one that you and your guests will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch ahead of time to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and reheat them for maximum flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing.
• Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing

• To freeze, first let the cooked chicken tenders cool completely.
• Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible.
• Enjoy within 2–3 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes until heated through.
• You can also use a microwave, but this may make them less crispy. Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.

FAQs

Got questions? Let’s tackle some common queries about these scrumptious Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders!

Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken breasts cut into strips or even boneless thighs if you prefer. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they reach the proper internal temperature.

How do I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce. The rest of the recipe remains the same and just as delicious!

Can I prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders without honey?

Yes! If you’re looking for a sugar-free option, you can substitute honey with agave nectar or a sugar-free syrup alternative. This will still give you that delightful sweetness without using honey.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as much as I do! They’re such a delightful blend of flavors and textures that come together so quickly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these tenders are sure to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try—you might just find your new favorite dish!