Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are like a warm hug on a plate—crispy, golden, and oh-so-delicious. Picture tender chicken, coated in a sweet honey butter glaze with a punch of garlic that will have your taste buds dancing. stuffed poblano peppers Just thinking about these tenders makes me drool, and I’m pretty sure they’re the culinary equivalent of a high-five from your favorite chef.

Jump to:
- Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
- Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
- What sides pair well with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
- Can I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
- Conclusion for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders :
- 📖 Recipe Card
Now, let me take you down memory lane. I still remember the first time I made these for my family—chaos ensued! My toddler decided that the kitchen floor was the perfect place for an impromptu art project (with flour, of course). But the moment those tenders emerged from the air fryer, all was forgiven. The aroma wafting through the house made us all forget about the flour angel needing clean-up. Ideal for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, you’re in for an amazing flavor experience!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is quick and easy to whip up on busy weeknights.
- The flavor combination of sweet honey and robust garlic is simply irresistible.
- Visually stunning with their golden brown hue, these tenders are sure to impress any guest at your table.
- Perfect for serving as an appetizer or a main dish, they fit seamlessly into any meal plan!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
For more inspiration, check out this Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts for this recipe; adjust according to how many you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor; trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
- Honey: Use pure honey for that perfect sweetness; avoid anything overly processed—it makes all the difference.
- Butter: Unsalted butter lets you control the saltiness; it melts beautifully into our delicious sauce.
- Paprika: A dash adds color and a slight smokiness to counterbalance sweet flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite; don’t skimp on them!
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce so you can enjoy every bite without overwhelming saltiness.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Prepping the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken breasts dry with paper towels—no one likes soggy tenders! Then slice them into strips about one inch wide so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Seasoning Time
In a bowl, sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika generously over the chicken strips. Mix it up like you’re auditioning for a cooking show; just don’t let anyone see you drop seasoning everywhere!
Step 3: Making the Glaze
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt together butter and honey until smooth. Add minced garlic and soy sauce; stir well until fragrant—a heavenly aroma will waft through your kitchen!
Step 4: Coating Those Tenders
Dip each chicken strip into your buttery honey garlic mixture before placing them in your air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded—give them space to get crispy!
Step 5: Air Frying Magic
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through. Halfway through cooking, give them a shake or flip to ensure even cooking—nobody likes an uneven tan.
Step 6: Drizzle and Serve
Once done, drizzle any remaining glaze over your tenders before serving. Transfer them onto plates and watch as everyone rushes to grab one or five!
Enjoy these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders as part of your next family dinner or serve them at parties—they’re bound to be a hit!
You Must Know
- This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe brings a delightful crunch and an explosion of flavors.
- It’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal that even picky eaters will love.
- The sweet and savory combination is sure to impress at any dinner table.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in honey, butter, and garlic for maximum flavor. Preheat your air fryer while you coat the tenders in breadcrumbs. Cook them in batches to ensure even crispiness.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap honey for maple syrup if you’re looking for a different sweetness. Add chili flakes for an extra kick or toss in some herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate the flavor profile even more.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until they are crispy again.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always ensure your chicken is marinated long enough; overnight is best for flavor infusion.
- Keep your air fryer clean for optimal performance, and don’t overcrowd the basket to achieve that glorious crunch.
Sometimes, I whip up these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders when friends come over, and their delighted reactions never fail to make me smile. Cooking should always be this fun!
FAQs :
How long does it take to cook Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders typically take about 15 to 20 minutes to cook. Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before placing the chicken tenders inside. This helps achieve that golden crispy texture. Cook them at 400°F (200°C) for the best results. Remember to flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crispiness. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders when making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Typically, frozen tenders may require an additional 5-10 minutes of cooking time depending on their size and thickness. Ensure they are cooked through and reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before serving.
What sides pair well with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a fresh garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or crispy sweet potato fries. butter steak bites You could also enjoy them alongside rice or mashed potatoes for a heartier meal. The sweet and savory flavors of the chicken complement these sides beautifully.
Can I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders gluten-free, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour instead of regular breadcrumbs. Mediterranean chicken patties Also, ensure that any sauces or seasonings used are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy this delicious dish without compromising on dietary needs.
Conclusion for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders :
In conclusion, Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer a delightful combination of sweetness and savory garlic flavor in each bite. This recipe is quick and easy, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. With a cooking time of just 15-20 minutes, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time. pair with chicken tenders Feel free to experiment with different sides to create your ideal dining experience while keeping it gluten-free if needed! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver a mouthwatering combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and a satisfying crunch. These tender chicken strips are coated in a rich honey butter glaze that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings with friends. In just 15-20 minutes, you can create a dish that will impress everyone at your table!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Pat chicken breasts dry and slice into strips about one inch wide.
- Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter and honey until smooth. Stir in minced garlic and soy sauce until fragrant.
- Dip each chicken strip into the glaze for an even coating.
- Place coated strips in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, flipping halfway through.
- Drizzle remaining glaze over cooked tenders before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 70mg





