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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious weeknight meal, perfect for satisfying the whole family. The air fryer ensures the chicken is perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, all without the hassle of deep frying. The tenders are coated in an addictive sauce made from a simple blend of sweet honey, rich butter, and savory garlic, making for a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
  • Cooking spray

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Medium bowl
  • Shallow dish
  • Instant-read thermometer

Method
 

Instructions
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful marinade that makes the chicken so delicious.
  2. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the honey garlic mixture. Gently toss them until each piece is thoroughly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors.
  3. Spread your breadcrumbs out on a separate plate or in a shallow dish. This makes the breading process much easier and less messy.
  4. Take each chicken tender, one by one, from the marinade and press it firmly into the breadcrumbs. Make sure to cover all sides for a perfectly crispy coating.
  5. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Once it's hot, give the basket a light spritz with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they have a little space between them so the hot air can circulate.
  7. Air fry for 10-12 minutes. About halfway through the cooking time, pause the air fryer and carefully flip the chicken tenders over. This ensures they get golden brown and crispy on both sides.
  8. Once the chicken is cooked through and beautifully golden, remove the tenders from the air fryer. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving. Enjoy!

Notes

For the best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary to ensure the chicken gets crispy. Panko breadcrumbs are recommended over regular breadcrumbs for a superior crunch. To help the breading stick, pat the chicken dry before marinating and press the breadcrumbs on firmly. You can substitute chicken tenders with sliced boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. For variations, add red pepper flakes for heat or use maple syrup instead of honey. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.