Crispy, juicy, and coated with a sweet-savory glaze that’s absolutely irresistible—these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are about to become your new favorite weeknight dinner. Perfect for busy families, picky eaters, and anyone who appreciates restaurant-quality food made easily at home.
Using your air fryer delivers that coveted crispy exterior without the mess and excess oil of traditional frying methods. The magic happens when these golden tenders meet the rich honey butter garlic sauce—a simple yet luxurious combination that transforms ordinary chicken into something truly special.
Whether you’re serving these up for a quick dinner, preparing them for game day snacks, or including them in your meal prep routine, this versatile recipe checks all the boxes. Ready in under 30 minutes and requiring minimal cleanup, these chicken tenders prove that delicious doesn’t have to be difficult. Get ready to watch them disappear from the plate faster than you can say “seconds, please!”
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated with a sweet, buttery garlic glaze that will have everyone asking for seconds. Using the air fryer means less oil and mess than traditional frying, but you’ll still get that perfect golden crunch.
Pure Comfort
There’s something undeniably comforting about biting into a perfectly cooked chicken tender. The combination of honey and butter creates a nostalgic sweetness, while the garlic adds a savory depth that elevates this dish beyond basic chicken strips. It’s familiar enough for picky eaters but sophisticated enough for adults to enjoy just as much.
Ingredients
What You Need
- 1½ pounds chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
For the honey butter garlic sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Time to Cook
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
Steps to Make It
Make It Perfect
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and paprika.
- Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks well.
- Dip each chicken tenderloin first in the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coating.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch (you may need to cook in batches).
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help them brown.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes, then flip the tenders, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Once the chicken tenders are done, brush them with the honey butter garlic sauce or toss them gently in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Mix It Up
Try these delicious variations:
- Add a tablespoon of soy sauce to the honey butter mixture for an Asian-inspired twist
- Incorporate a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into the sauce for tangy depth
- Swap the panko for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch
- Mix Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy coating
Perfect Partners
Serve these chicken tenders with:
- Fresh garden salad with ranch dressing
- Sweet potato fries
- Steamed broccoli
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Buttermilk biscuits
Busy Day Hero
These chicken tenders can be prepped ahead of time! Bread the chicken in the morning and store covered in the refrigerator. When it’s dinner time, simply pop them in the air fryer and make the sauce while they cook. Dinner will be ready in under 15 minutes!
Work Ahead
You can season and bread the chicken tenders up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. The honey butter sauce can also be made ahead and gently reheated just before serving.
Save Some For Later
Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. The sauce may be stored separately and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Everyone’s Happy
These chicken tenders are perfect for families with picky eaters. For those who don’t enjoy the honey butter sauce, set some plain tenders aside before coating. Offer different dipping options like ketchup, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing to please every palate at the table.
Good For You Too
Using an air fryer reduces the amount of oil needed compared to traditional frying, making these tenders a healthier alternative. For an even more nutritious option, use whole wheat panko breadcrumbs and serve with plenty of vegetables on the side.
Easy Clean Up
One of the best things about air fryer cooking is the minimal cleanup. The basket and tray can be easily washed with warm soapy water or placed in the dishwasher if yours is dishwasher safe. Use parchment paper liners designed for air fryers to make cleanup even easier.
Switch It Up
This recipe works beautifully with other proteins too:
- Substitute shrimp for a quick 8-minute cook time
- Try pork tenderloin cut into strips
- Use firm white fish like cod for a fish and chips alternative
- Try cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option
Simply Perfect
The key to perfectly crispy tenders is ensuring your air fryer is properly preheated and not overcrowding the basket. Cook in batches if necessary – it’s worth the extra few minutes for the perfect texture. For maximum juiciness, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before tossing in the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make these chicken tenders without an air fryer?
Yes! Bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are done cooking?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. The coating should be golden brown and crispy.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch thick. You may need to adjust cooking time slightly.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Yes, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the recipe remains the same.
Can I make the sauce less sweet?
Definitely. Reduce the honey to 1-2 tablespoons and add an extra garlic clove for a more savory profile.
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Make sure to pat the chicken completely dry before starting the breading process, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken.
Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes! Freeze them after cooking but before adding the sauce. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 6-8 minutes, then toss with freshly made sauce.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders prove that delicious, restaurant-quality food can be made easily at home. With their irresistible combination of crispy coating and sweet-savory glaze, they’re sure to become a regular request in your household. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability – it’s perfect for everyone from beginner cooks to seasoned chefs. Whether served as a main dish for dinner or as an appetizer for gatherings, these tenders will always be a hit. Give them a try tonight and watch them disappear from the table!