Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Warm, sticky, and perfectly crisp, these chicken tenders are coated in a sweet honey butter garlic glaze, delivering big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Others
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup honey, 2 tbsp melted butter, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Set aside half of the mixture to use as a drizzle.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring an even coating. Roll the tenders in 1 cup breadcrumbs to create a crispy layer.
Cooking
- Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the tenders for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately.
Notes
Pat tenders dry before coating so the breadcrumbs stick better. Don't overcrowd the basket; cook in batches for even crisping. Use a meat thermometer to ensure internal temp reaches 165°F. For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or double-dip for a thicker crust. Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.