Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders – A Quick, Sweet, and Savory Chicken Recipe

Looking for a delicious and easy chicken dinner that’s quick to make and full of flavor? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution! With tender chicken strips coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, this recipe is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a tasty snack, this dish will become your go-to for crispy, flavorful chicken tenders.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

1 lb chicken tenders
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

1. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken tenders cook evenly and get crispy.

2. Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated.

3. Coat the Chicken Tenders

Place the chicken tenders in a shallow bowl or dish and pour the honey butter garlic sauce over them. Toss the chicken tenders gently, making sure they are evenly coated with the sauce.

4. Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. You can drizzle with extra honey butter garlic sauce for an added boost of flavor.

Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Quick & Easy: These chicken tenders cook in the air fryer in just 12 minutes, making them an ideal choice for a busy weeknight meal.
Sweet and Savory Flavor: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory flavors that everyone will love.
Healthy Alternative: Air frying gives you crispy chicken tenders without the excess oil, making them a healthier option compared to traditional frying.
Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are perfect for kids and picky eaters thanks to their irresistible honey garlic coating.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh chicken tenders. Frozen tenders may not cook as evenly or absorb the sauce as well.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Make sure the chicken tenders have enough space in the air fryer basket to allow air circulation, ensuring they cook evenly and get crispy.
Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can increase the amount of honey. For a more savory dish, reduce the honey slightly and add extra garlic.
Reheat Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, simply reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to keep them crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, you can use chicken breast cut into strips, but the cooking time may be slightly longer. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just reheat it before using.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of crispy and tender with a deliciously sweet and savory flavor. With just a few ingredients and under 20 minutes of cooking time, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal that’s both easy and satisfying. Whether you’re serving them for dinner or as a snack, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit!

Related Recipes You May Like:

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders: Perfectly crispy and golden chicken tenders, made without all the extra oil.
Honey Garlic Chicken Wings: A deliciously sticky, sweet, and savory chicken wing recipe you can make in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan: A healthy, crispy chicken Parmesan made in the air fryer.

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