Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crisp on the outside, sticky-sweet, and packed with garlic flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or sharing at game day.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Other
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup honey, 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until well combined.
- Add 1 lb chicken tenders to the bowl and toss so each piece is evenly coated in the honey garlic mixture.
- On a separate plate, spread out 1 cup breadcrumbs for dredging.
- Dredge each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they are fully covered.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket lightly with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through; remove and let rest a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed to keep tenders crisp. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or lightly spray breaded tenders with cooking spray before air frying. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer—165°F is safe for chicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days and reheat in the air fryer.