If you’re craving a dish that hits every note of sweet, savory, and buttery goodness, then the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe brings together tender, juicy chicken enveloped in a luscious honey butter garlic glaze, all made effortlessly crisp in the air fryer. It’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers where everyone will be asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one has a role to play, from creating that irresistible glaze to ensuring perfectly cooked, flavorful chicken every time.
- 1 lb chicken tenders: The star of the show—naturally tender and quick to cook, ideal for air frying.
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce that clings to each tender.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Brings a beautiful sweetness that balances the garlic’s bite and complements the butter.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory punch that elevates the flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken is perfectly seasoned.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and depth.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This helps ensure your chicken tenders cook evenly and develop that beautiful golden exterior right from the moment they hit the basket.
Step 2: Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the recipe, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory that will coat the chicken beautifully.
Step 3: Dry the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. Removing excess moisture is key—this helps the sauce stick better and allows the tenders to crisp up nicely during air frying rather than steaming.
Step 4: Coat the Tenders
Brush or toss the chicken tenders with half of the honey butter garlic mixture. This first layer starts building that intense flavor and makes sure every bite is packed with deliciousness.
Step 5: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Place the tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overlapping. Space is important for even cooking and optimal crispness.
Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken
Cook the chicken tenders for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’re aiming for a gorgeous golden brown outside while reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure juiciness and safety.
Step 7: Toss with Remaining Sauce
As soon as the tenders come out, toss them with the rest of the honey butter garlic sauce. This final step coats each piece in a glossy, flavorful finish that’s simply irresistible.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these warm, fresh from the air fryer, and watch them disappear fast. The combination of crisp edges and saucy sweetness makes these chicken tenders pure comfort food perfection.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions can add a pop of color and a fresh herbaceous note to balance the richness of the honey butter garlic sauce. For a touch of crunch, try toasted sesame seeds—they also add a lovely nutty flavor.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides like a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy mashed potatoes that soak up every bit of sauce. For something heartier, crispy air-fried fries or steamed jasmine rice work like a charm.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a fun finger-food platter for parties by serving the tenders with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty chipotle mayo. Layer them on soft sandwich rolls for honey butter garlic chicken sliders that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken tenders store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the sauce separate until reheating helps maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe, place the cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the tenders back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes. This method crisps them up without drying them out, recreating that fresh-from-the-air-fryer texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best to thaw them fully before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper absorption of the honey butter garlic sauce.
Is this recipe very sweet because of the honey?
The honey provides a gentle sweetness that balances with the butter and garlic, creating a harmonious flavor rather than overpowering sweetness.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it uses simple ingredients without any wheat-based products.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can achieve a similar result by baking the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though you won’t get quite the same crispiness as with an air fryer.
Can I add spices to make it spicier?
Definitely! Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the honey butter garlic sauce is a great way to add a spicy kick while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe truly brings joy to the table with its perfect blend of flavors that are easy to create and impossible to resist. I encourage you to give it a try—you’re going to love how quickly it comes together and how delicious it turns out every time. Trust me, it’s a recipe worth making again and again for yourself, family, and friends!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe offers a deliciously crispy, golden brown chicken dish infused with the perfect blend of sweet honey, savory garlic, and rich butter. Quick and easy to prepare, these tenders are cooked to juicy perfection using an air fryer, making them a healthier and flavorful choice for a family-friendly meal or snack.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s hot enough to cook the chicken tenders evenly and give them a crispy outside.
- Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will infuse the tenders with a rich, sweet, and garlicky flavor.
- Dry the Chicken Tenders: Use a paper towel to pat the chicken tenders dry. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a crispy exterior when air frying.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly brush or toss the chicken tenders with half of the prepared honey butter garlic sauce to evenly coat them for flavor and moisture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap so they cook evenly.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking process to ensure both sides get golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Toss with Remaining Sauce: Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and immediately toss them with the remaining honey butter garlic mixture to enhance flavor and add a glossy finish.
- Serve Warm: Plate the tenders and enjoy them hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry well to get a crispy crust.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness; chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
- For extra crispiness, consider a light coating of cooking spray on the tenders before air frying.
- This recipe can be doubled but cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
