Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer a perfect balance of crispy texture and a rich sweet and savory flavor. They make a quick and satisfying dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste, ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

I first made these tenders when I wanted something that felt indulgent but was still quick to put together. Since then, they have become a go-to in my house, especially when my kids ask for something sweet and crunchy after school.

Gather Your Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: one pound fresh and preferably trimmed of excess fat for even cooking
• Honey: quarter cup for natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully during cooking
• Unsalted butter: two tablespoons melted adds rich smoothness and helps the coating stick
• Garlic: three cloves minced because fresh garlic delivers the best pungent flavor and aroma
• Paprika: one teaspoon provides mild smokiness and a pop of color choose sweet or smoked based on preference
• Salt: one teaspoon essential for enhancing all the flavors evenly throughout the sauce
• Black pepper: half teaspoon freshly ground packs a subtle heat and depth
• Breadcrumbs: one cup panko or regular for that perfect crunchy texture panko yields lighter crispier coating
• Cooking spray: to prevent sticking inside the air fryer basket and help crisp the breading

How to Make It

Savor the Sauce:

Mix honey melted butter garlic paprika salt and black pepper in a bowl until fully blended creating a luscious marinade that coats the chicken beautifully

Coat the Chicken:

Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the sauce and toss thoroughly ensuring every piece is evenly covered in the flavorful mixture

Prep the Breading:

Spread breadcrumbs out on a separate plate allowing you to dredge each tender easily without mess

Bread the Tenders:

Take each honey-coated chicken tender and press into the breadcrumbs coating all sides completely for maximum crispiness

Heat Up the Air Fryer:

Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit that ensures even cooking and prevents sticking spray the basket lightly with cooking spray

Cook the Chicken:

Place the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket making sure they do not overlap for proper airflow air fry for 10 to 12 minutes flip halfway through until golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit

Rest and Serve:

Remove the chicken tenders and let them rest for a few minutes this allows the juices to redistribute resulting in juicy flavorful bites

My favorite part of this recipe has to be the garlic butter honey sauce since its simple yet packs so much flavor. One evening my whole family gathered around the kitchen while the aroma filled the air and caught everyone’s attention before dinner was even served.

Flavor Boosters

Storage Tips Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven to keep the breading crisp instead of the microwave which often makes it soggy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tenders with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables to keep things light. They are fantastic paired with a cool ranch dip or honey mustard sauce for dipping. Add a side of fries or mashed potatoes if you want a hearty meal.

Creative Twists

Ingredient Substitutions Try maple syrup or agave nectar instead of honey for a different note on the sweet side. Use almond flour or crushed cornflakes for breadcrumbs if you prefer a gluten-free or grain-free option. Swap paprika with cayenne or chili powder if you want a spicier kick.

This recipe balances ease and flavor perfectly making it a staple for weeknight dinners. Don’t skip preheating the air fryer for the best crispy results.

Recipe FAQs

→ What temperature should I set my air fryer for cooking?

Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for optimal crispiness and thorough cooking.

→ How can I make the chicken tenders extra crispy?

Double bread the chicken by dipping them again in the honey butter mixture and breadcrumbs before air frying.

→ What type of breadcrumbs works best for coating?

Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs also yield good results.

→ Can I prepare the chicken tenders in advance?

Yes, coat the tenders ahead of time and refrigerate them for up to a few hours before air frying to save time.

→ How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken tenders are done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to confirm.