Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Juicy, and Full of Flavor
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to prepare chicken tenders, Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect recipe to try. With the combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders and a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. The best part? You can make them in your air fryer for a healthier version of this classic comfort food without sacrificing flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or any time you’re craving crispy chicken tenders with a twist. In this article, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and instructions to make these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, plus share tips for customizing the recipe to suit your tastes.
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Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
This simple and flavorful recipe for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders requires just a few ingredients and can be made in no time. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 6-8 pieces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt and pepper. In three separate shallow bowls, place the flour with garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt in one; the beaten egg in another; and the panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg, and finally, coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure the breadcrumbs cover each tender evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Once preheated, lightly spray the basket with olive oil to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a bit of space between each one. Spray the chicken lightly with olive oil to help it crisp up. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden and crispy.
- Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey and red pepper flakes (if using). Let it simmer for another 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Coat the Chicken: Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken tenders and toss them gently to coat each one.
- Serve: Serve the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes.
Advanced Techniques for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Although the basic recipe is delicious on its own, there are some advanced techniques you can use to enhance the flavors and texture:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
For even juicier tenders, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in buttermilk, garlic, and herbs before breading and air frying. This will make the chicken even more tender and flavorful.
2. Use Fresh Herbs:
Incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the honey butter garlic sauce will elevate the flavor profile. Try finely chopping the herbs and adding them to the sauce as it simmers.
3. Spice It Up:
If you like a bit of heat, consider adding cayenne pepper to the breading or extra red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a smoky flavor, paprika or smoked paprika is a great addition.
4. Double Coat the Chicken:
For an extra crispy coating, you can double coat the chicken. After dipping it in the egg and panko breadcrumbs the first time, dip it back in the egg and coat it again with breadcrumbs before air frying.
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Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
If you have any leftover Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, here are some storage and maintenance tips:
1. Refrigeration:
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to restore their crispiness.
2. Freezing:
For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer the tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 months. Reheat them in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F (190°C).
3. Avoid Saucing Ahead of Time:
To maintain the crispiness of the chicken, only add the honey butter garlic sauce right before serving. If you store the tenders with the sauce, the coating may become soggy.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
There are several ways you can adapt this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe to meet different dietary preferences or restrictions:
1. Gluten-Free:
To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Make sure your chicken is thoroughly coated to keep the crust crispy.
2. Dairy-Free:
For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter substitute (such as Earth Balance or coconut oil) and choose a dairy-free alternative for the honey butter sauce.
3. Low-Carb/Keto:
To make the recipe keto-friendly, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the breading. You can also omit the honey or replace it with a keto-friendly sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
4. Spicy:
For those who enjoy spicy food, add hot sauce or sriracha to the honey butter garlic sauce. You can also coat the chicken tenders in a spicy seasoning mix before air frying.
FAQs About Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but you’ll need to slice them into strips to resemble tenders. Cooking time may vary slightly, so check for doneness by using a meat thermometer.
Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of air frying?
Yes! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the honey butter garlic sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just reheat it before pouring over the chicken.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. With their easy preparation, healthier air fryer cooking method, and delicious honey butter garlic sauce, these tenders are bound to become a family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as an appetizer, they’re sure to impress. Try this recipe today for a mouthwatering, low-effort meal that’s packed with flavor!