Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Honey Garlic Mixture
Start by preparing the sweet-savory honey garlic sauce that will coat the chicken tenders and give them that irresistible flavor. In a bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple mixture is the foundation of the dish, creating a mouthwatering glaze that will coat each tender beautifully.
Once you’ve mixed the ingredients well, set aside half of the sauce to drizzle over the chicken tenders once they’re cooked. This step ensures that the tenders stay juicy and flavorful until the very last bite.
2. Coat the Chicken
Next, it’s time to prepare the chicken tenders for cooking. Take each chicken tender and dip it into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring the chicken is fully coated with the delicious sauce. After dipping, roll the tender in breadcrumbs (either panko or regular). The breadcrumbs will give the chicken a crisp, golden exterior once air fried.
For best results, press down lightly to ensure that the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken. This will help create a satisfying crunch on every bite.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer is an important step for ensuring that your chicken tenders cook evenly and come out crispy. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While the air fryer is preheating, it’s a good time to spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray to prevent the tenders from sticking and ensure they cook evenly.
4. Arrange and Cook
Once your air fryer is preheated, arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the tenders, as this will affect how evenly they cook. If necessary, you can work in batches.
Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides. The tenders should come out golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you’re unsure, use a meat thermometer to check the doneness.
5. Finish and Serve
Once the chicken tenders are perfectly crispy, remove them from the air fryer. Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the tenders just before serving. This extra sauce will elevate the flavor and give each bite a sweet and savory kick.
Serve the tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, barbecue sauce, or even more of that honey garlic sauce. Pair with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Use Fresh Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders will give you the best flavor and texture. You can also use chicken breast cut into strips, but tenders cook faster and remain more tender.
- Make Sure the Air Fryer is Preheated: Preheating the air fryer ensures that the tenders cook evenly and get that crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: It’s essential to give each chicken tender some space in the basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken.
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs tend to give a lighter, crispier coating, but regular breadcrumbs will work as well if you don’t have panko on hand.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Different Air Fryers: Cooking times can vary slightly depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, so keep an eye on your chicken tenders and adjust the time as needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 12 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Crispy Without the Frying: The air fryer delivers all the crispy goodness of traditional fried chicken tenders without the excess oil, making it a healthier alternative.
- Versatile: Serve these chicken tenders as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack. They pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, from crispy fries to a fresh garden salad.
- Kid-Friendly: If you’ve got little ones at home, they’ll love these chicken tenders. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic is a flavor profile that’s both mild and delicious, perfect for picky eaters.
Perfect Pairings
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are so versatile that you can pair them with a wide variety of side dishes to create the perfect meal. Here are a few of our favorites:
- Crispy Fries: A classic pairing with chicken tenders. Make them in the air fryer for a complete meal.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy, tangy slaw perfectly complements the sweet and savory chicken tenders.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting side that pairs wonderfully with the crispy tenders.
- Fresh Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the chicken.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make, and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders, then Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect recipe for you. The crispy exterior and juicy interior, paired with the irresistible honey butter garlic glaze, will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or a snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit at your next family meal or gathering.
So, grab your air fryer and give this recipe a try. We promise it will become a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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