Name: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp butter; 1/4 cup honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crispy. I love how quick they are to make, and the air fryer gives them that golden crunch without the need for deep frying. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a rich glaze that coats the tenders beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this recipe to be a real game-changer for weeknight dinners or lazy weekends. It’s fast, fuss-free, and doesn’t require a ton of ingredients. The air fryer makes cleanup a breeze, and the flavor combo of honey, butter, and garlic feels indulgent while still being simple. Whether I’m feeding family or just craving something satisfying, these chicken tenders always hit the spot.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders
All-purpose flour
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt
Black pepper
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Butter
Honey
Minced garlic
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

I start by seasoning the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
I set up a dredging station with the seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Each chicken tender gets coated in flour, dipped in egg, and then pressed into the panko for an extra crispy crust.
I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then place the tenders in a single layer, spraying them lightly with cooking oil.
I cook them for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, I melt the butter in a small saucepan, then add the honey and minced garlic, letting it simmer for a minute or two.
Once the tenders are done, I toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce until fully coated.
I garnish with chopped parsley before serving, just to add a fresh touch.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 12 minutes to cook, so I can have it ready in around 25 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

I sometimes switch things up by adding a little heat—just a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the honey butter mix does the trick. For a more savory version, I skip the honey and go for a garlic parmesan coating instead. And if I don’t have tenders, I just slice chicken breasts into strips.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 4–5 minutes so they stay crispy. Microwaving works too, but the coating won’t be as crunchy.

FAQs

How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?

I always make sure the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C) with a meat thermometer. They should be golden and firm to the touch.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, I just thaw them completely before breading and air frying to ensure even cooking.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

I sometimes use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed crackers when I’m out of panko. The texture changes a bit, but it still works.

Is it possible to bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely. I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’re still delicious.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. I just warm it up before tossing it with the cooked tenders.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are one of my favorite ways to enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken without deep frying. The sweet-savory glaze and golden coating make each bite irresistible, and the quick cook time means I can whip them up whenever the craving hits. Whether I’m serving them as a main dish or a party snack, they always disappear fast.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, sweet, and savory with a rich garlic-honey-butter glaze. Quick to prepare and healthier than traditional fried versions, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or party snacks.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In a shallow bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Set up a dredging station with seasoned flour, beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Coat each chicken tender in flour, then egg, and finally panko breadcrumbs.
Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray lightly with cooking oil.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add honey and minced garlic, simmer for 1–2 minutes.
Toss cooked tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce until fully coated.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.