Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders — Crispy, Juicy & Irresistibly Sweet-Savory Perfection
If you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and absolutely addictive, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are your new go-to comfort food. They’re crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a golden glaze that perfectly balances sweet honey, rich butter, and aromatic garlic. What makes them even better? They’re made in the air fryer, so you get all the crunch without the heavy oil or messy frying. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or even game day snacks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create magic:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (for color and a hint of smokiness)
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- Cooking spray (to help them crisp beautifully)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey (sweet and sticky base)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (adds richness)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (for that bold savory punch)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for umami depth)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (adds tang and balance)
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep the Coating Stations
Start by setting up three shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- In the second, beat the egg until smooth.
- In the third, place the panko breadcrumbs.
This classic breading method ensures that every chicken tender gets a perfectly even, crispy coating.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to help the coating stick.
- Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip into the beaten egg to coat all sides.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
Repeat for all tenders and place them on a plate while you preheat the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer—avoid overcrowding for even cooking. Spray the tops with more cooking spray.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
The tenders should be golden brown, crisp, and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.
Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, make your irresistible glaze.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine:
- Honey
- Melted butter
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Red pepper flakes (if you like it spicy)
Stir continuously for 2–3 minutes until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and aromatic. Don’t let it boil — just warm enough for the flavors to blend beautifully.
Step 5: Toss and Coat
Once the chicken is ready, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and gently toss to coat every piece. The sauce will cling to the crispy crust, creating a shiny golden glaze that smells heavenly.
Serving Ideas
These chicken tenders are so versatile! Try serving them:
- Over a bed of steamed jasmine rice with extra sauce drizzled on top.
- With a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad for balance.
- As an appetizer with ranch, sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli for dipping.
- In a sandwich or wrap with lettuce and pickles for a quick meal.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. It prevents even crisping. Cook in batches if needed.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs — they make the coating lighter and crunchier.
- Add spice. A pinch of cayenne or hot honey can take the flavor to the next level.
- Double coat the tenders if you want an extra-crispy crust — dip them twice in the egg and panko.
- Serve immediately after tossing with the sauce to maintain that perfect crunch and glaze.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~315 kcal per serving
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe hits every flavor note — sweet, salty, buttery, garlicky, and just a hint of heat. Using an air fryer keeps the tenders crispy without deep-frying, saving calories while preserving crunch. The honey butter garlic sauce adds a glossy finish that turns a simple meal into something restaurant-worthy.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just treating yourself, these Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders will easily become a favorite in your weekly rotation.