Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious dinner that will please the whole family, you’ve come to the right place! These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a go-to in my kitchen. They are crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect not just for busy weeknights but also for gatherings and parties. The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates a sticky glaze that makes each bite irresistible. Plus, they’re ready in under 30 minutes, allowing you to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

I love how this recipe brings comfort-food vibes without all the excess oil. The air fryer gives these chicken tenders a delightful crunch while keeping them moist and tender inside. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a staple in your meal rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: In just 22 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a delicious meal.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love these sticky, sweet chicken tenders—making dinnertime a breeze.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch ahead of time for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as an appetizer or main course; serve them with rice or veggies!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple and wholesome, making it easy to create this mouthwatering dish at home. Gather these essentials for your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

• 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)
• 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

This recipe is flexible and can be adapted to suit your taste! Here are some fun variations you might want to try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders for a different texture.
• Add some zest: Incorporate lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy twist in the sauce.
• Make it spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add some sriracha to the glaze for an extra kick.
• Go green: Toss in some sautéed veggies like bell peppers or broccoli into the air fryer basket alongside the chicken.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Season the Chicken

First things first! Toss those chicken tenders in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous. This step is crucial because it coats each piece with flavor before they hit the air fryer.

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 ensures that your chicken tenders cook evenly and get that lovely golden-brown color.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place your seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This is where the magic happens—the air fryer will transform them into crispy perfection!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

While those beauties are cooking, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about 30 seconds. Then stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let this simmer for 1–2 minutes before removing it from heat. The aroma will have you drooling!

Step 5: Glaze the Tenders

Once your chicken is cooked through and golden brown, toss them in that luscious honey garlic butter sauce until fully coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately and don’t forget to spoon any extra sauce over rice or veggies—it’s too good to waste!

Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Getting the perfect chicken tenders is easier than you think! Here are some handy tips to elevate your dish and impress your family or guests.

• Marinate for Extra Flavor: Letting the chicken sit with the seasoning for at least 30 minutes (or even overnight) allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, resulting in more flavorful tenders.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cooking in batches if necessary ensures that each tender gets that beautiful golden crust. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger, more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options. It truly enhances the richness of your sauce!
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste preferences! Adding a pinch of cayenne or swapping smoked paprika for regular paprika can give it an extra kick.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Serving your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders beautifully is just as important as making them delicious! Here are some creative ideas to make your dish visually appealing and enjoyable.

Garnishes

• Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkling chopped green onions adds a pop of color and freshness that balances the rich flavors.
• Sesame Seeds: A light sprinkle of sesame seeds brings a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the honey garlic sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Steamed Broccoli: This vibrant green vegetable adds both color and nutrition, providing a nice contrast to the sweetness of the chicken.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic create a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the bold flavors of the tenders.
• Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: The natural sweetness of sweet potatoes complements the honey garlic sauce, making them an irresistible pairing.
• Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness and freshness, balancing out the richness of the dish.

With these serving suggestions, your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders will not only taste amazing but also look stunning on the table! Enjoy creating memorable meals that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious homemade meals throughout the week. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or planning dinner, these tenders will save you time while delivering flavor.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
• Reheat them gently in the air fryer or microwave before serving.

Freezing

• Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before freezing.
• Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last up to 2 months.

Reheating

• To reheat frozen chicken tenders, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
• Air fry for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until heated through and crispy.
• For refrigerated leftovers, reheat in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this recipe, here are some common inquiries that might help!

Can I use different sauces with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

Absolutely! While the honey garlic sauce is delightful, feel free to experiment with different flavors such as BBQ sauce or teriyaki for a unique twist.

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

To make these chicken tenders gluten-free, simply substitute regular soy sauce with gluten-free soy sauce or coconut aminos.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes! You can use boneless skinless chicken breasts; just adjust the cooking time accordingly as they may take a few more minutes to cook through.

What sides pair well with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with steamed veggies, rice, or a fresh salad. For a comforting meal, try serving them with mashed potatoes!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Their crispy texture and sweet-savory flavor are sure to impress anyone at your table. Remember that cooking is about having fun and creating memories, so don’t hesitate to get creative with this recipe. Enjoy every bite!