Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Hey there, friends! I can’t tell you how excited I am to share this special recipe with you. Picture this: a cozy evening, the aroma of sizzling garlic wafting through the kitchen, and a plate of golden, crunchy chicken tenders waiting on the table, all slathered in a honey butter garlic sauce that’s absolutely to die for. That’s right—the recipe for today is for Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders!

This dish reminds me of family gatherings when my mom would whip up her famous chicken tenders. The way everyone gathered around the table, fighting for the last piece, always made me smile. Every crispy morsel is packed with flavor, and thanks to the air fryer, you get the same deliciousness with much less oil. Trust me, once you make these tenders, they’ll become a regular feature in your kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Bursting with comforting flavors that everyone will adore.
• Healthier than traditional fried chicken, thanks to the air fryer.
• Budget-friendly and uses simple ingredients.
• Great for kids and adults alike—who doesn’t love chicken tenders?

Ingredients

Let’s gather the goodness! Here’s what you’ll need to make your Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

• 1 pound chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating; you can make your own with milk and vinegar)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced; fresh garlic adds a punch!)
• Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil for frying

Feel free to enhance the spice mix or marinade to your liking! If you want some heat, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, it’s time to cook! Let’s dive into the steps to make these chicken tenders so irresistible:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will make the chicken tender and juicy.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dip the tenders into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Shake off any excess flour.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This is essential for that beautiful crispy exterior!
5. Air Fry the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops of the tenders with a little more cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil to help them crisp up.
6. Cook Until Golden: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 165°F).
7. Make the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl.
8. Combine: Once the chicken is ready, toss the tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce until fully coated. Watch them glisten!

And there you have it! Simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. But hold on; we’re not done with all the fun yet!

Pro Tips & Variations

Here are some delightful tweaks you can make to this already fabulous recipe:

• Spice it Up: Add some cayenne or chili powder for a spicy kick!
• Herb it Up: Toss in some dried herbs like oregano or thyme into the flour mixture for additional flavor.
• Try Different Sauces: Swap out the honey for maple syrup for a different twist, or make a sweet and spicy version by adding some sriracha to your honey sauce.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken tenders with firm tofu or tempeh, following the same marinade and coating steps.

There are so many creative variations to keep things exciting every time you make this recipe. Imagine your kitchen filled with delicious aromas and your family gathered, each bite making memories!

Serving Suggestions

Now for the best part—serving these delicious chicken tenders! I love to plate them up with:

• Freshly made coleslaw for a nice crunch and tang.
• Crispy fries or sweet potato fries for that extra indulgence.
• A refreshing side salad to balance out the richness of the sauce.
• Sliced baguette to soak up any leftover honey butter sauce—yes, please!

And don’t forget to pair it with your favorite beverage. A cold iced tea or a sprightly lemon soda would be perfect! Ah, can you just imagine that cozy, candlelight dinner vibe?

Storage Tips

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how you can store and reheat your chicken tenders without losing that fabulous flavor:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freezing is also an option! Place cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, pop them in the air fryer at 360°F (180°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also use the oven, but the air fryer keeps them crunchier!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them until they reach that perfect golden color!

Can I make the sweet garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can! Prepare the honey butter garlic sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to give it a good stir before using.

Is there a gluten-free option for the coating?

For sure! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, almond flour, or even crushed cornflakes for a crunchy coating!

How can I make these chicken tenders less sweet?

If you prefer a less sweet option, simply reduce the amount of honey in the sauce. You can also balance it out with a splash of soy sauce or a dash of Worcestershire sauce for a savory kick.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders that’ll have everyone asking for seconds! I hope you feel inspired to try making this dish at home. As always, I’d love to hear how your chicken tenders turn out, so be sure to drop a comment below! Happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with warmth and deliciousness!

Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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• Author: antaki
• Total Time: 42 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Discover how to make air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders that are crispy and flavorful! A quick and delicious meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)

3 cloves garlic (minced)

Cooking spray or olive oil for frying

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Instructions

In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip into the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer and spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil.

Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

While the chicken is cooking, whisk together melted butter, honey, and minced garlic in a small bowl.

Once the chicken is ready, toss the tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce until fully coated.

Notes

Delicious air fryer chicken tenders marinated in buttermilk, coated in a crispy flour mixture, and tossed in a sweet honey butter garlic sauce.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 7g
• Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 24g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 23g

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey butter garlic chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, dinner recipe