Description
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet, buttery garlic glaze. Made without deep frying, these golden chicken strips are a lighter take on comfort food and come together in under 25 minutes. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or kid-friendly lunches, and taste even better than takeout.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 2 cups crushed cornflakes (or panko breadcrumbs)
- Cooking spray
- For the honey butter garlic sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Bread the Tenders:
Dip each piece into the beaten eggs, then coat in crushed cornflakes or panko. Press firmly so the coating sticks. - Air Fry:
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray basket with cooking spray. Place tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. - Make the Sauce:
In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened. - Toss and Serve:
Toss hot chicken tenders in the sauce or drizzle it over them. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat.
- Substitute coconut aminos or tamari for soy sauce.
- Bake instead at 425°F for 18–20 minutes on a rack.
- Panko breadcrumbs or Parmesan can be used in the coating for variation.
- Rest breaded tenders for 5 minutes before air frying to help coating adhere.
