Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders*! I stumbled upon this recipe one evening when I was craving something crispy and flavorful, but I wanted it to be quick and easy—because, let’s be honest, who has time for complicated recipes after a long day? So, I decided to combine my love for honey, garlic, and butter (seriously, what’s not to love?) with the magic of the air fryer. The result? Tender, juicy chicken with a crispy coating that’s just divine! The sweet and savory honey butter garlic mixture makes every bite a flavor explosion. Trust me, these tenders will quickly become a family favorite, and you’ll find yourself making them over and over again. Plus, they’re gluten-free, so everyone can enjoy them!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed, trimmed of excess fat)
- 1/4 cup honey (preferably pure and raw for a rich flavor)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted, so it blends easily)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (freshly minced for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground if you can)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoky or sweet, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works great for extra crunch)
How to Prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, let’s get that air fryer ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it ensures your chicken tenders cook evenly and get that golden, crispy exterior. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Create the Honey Butter Mixture
Now, let’s whip up that delicious honey butter garlic mixture. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat—be patient, we don’t want it to burn! Once it’s melted, stir in the honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix it all together until it’s well combined and you can smell that heavenly aroma wafting from the pan. It’s like a little hug in a bowl!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Next up, it’s time to get your hands a little messy, and I promise it’ll be worth it! Take each chicken tender and dip it into the honey butter mixture, coating it generously. Let any excess drip off before rolling it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure they’re fully coated for that extra crunch! If you’re using panko, you’ll be rewarded with an unbeatable crispy texture.
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Now, place your beautifully coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re not overcrowded; we want them to cook evenly! Set the timer for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure both sides get that perfect crunch. To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once done, you’ll have these delicious, golden tenders ready to devour!
Tips for Success
Okay, let’s make sure your *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders* turn out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my favorite tips that I’ve learned along the way:
- Adjust Cooking Time: The size of your chicken tenders can really affect the cooking time. If you have larger tenders, they might need a minute or two more. Just keep an eye on them, and remember that it’s always better to check for doneness a little early than to overcook!
- Don’t Skip the Preheating: Preheating your air fryer is crucial! It not only helps achieve that crispy exterior but also ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Trust me, skipping this step can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: If you want an extra crunchy coating, go for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They’re lighter and crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, giving you that satisfying crunch we all love!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Give your chicken tenders some space! Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. If you have a lot of tenders, cook them in batches to ensure each one gets that beautiful crispiness.
- Let Them Rest: After cooking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, keeping them juicy and flavorful!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to make the most amazing chicken tenders that will wow everyone at the table! Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s talk numbers! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these scrumptious *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders*. Keep in mind, these values can vary based on specific brands and ingredients, but this will give you a pretty good idea:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 20g
This dish is not only delicious but also packs a good punch of protein, making it a great option for a hearty meal. Enjoy these tenders guilt-free, knowing they’re a tasty treat that fits into your diet!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders* all ready to go, let’s talk about what to serve alongside these little bites of heaven! The right sides can really elevate your meal, and I have some favorites that pair perfectly.
- Crispy French Fries: You can’t go wrong with classic fries! Whether you make them in the air fryer or oven, their salty crunch complements the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken tenders beautifully.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes with a hint of garlic make for a comforting side. They’re great for soaking up any extra honey butter sauce!
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds a nice crunch and tang to balance the rich flavors of the chicken. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up in advance.
- Steamed Veggies: Bright, colorful veggies like broccoli, carrots, or green beans bring some freshness to the plate. Just steam them lightly to keep their vibrant color and crispness.
- Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve your chicken tenders over a bed of fluffy rice or protein-packed quinoa. You can even drizzle some of that honey butter sauce over the grains for extra flavor!
- Dipping Sauces: Don’t forget to have some delicious dipping sauces on the side! A sweet chili sauce, ranch, or even a tangy honey mustard can take these tenders to the next level.
With these serving suggestions, your meal will be nothing short of spectacular! Enjoy mixing and matching to find your perfect plate. Happy feasting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these amazing *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders* and there are some leftovers? No worries! Storing them properly is key to keeping that delicious flavor and texture intact. Here’s how I do it:
- Storing Leftovers: Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. Place them in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days—if they last that long!
- Freezing Option: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze them! Just make sure they’re completely cooled, then layer them in a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag, separating each layer with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll be good for up to 2 months in the freezer.
Now, let’s talk reheating. We want to make sure they taste just as good as when they first came out of the air fryer!
- Reheating in the Air Fryer: This is my favorite method! Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and pop the chicken tenders in for about 5-7 minutes. This way, they’ll crisp up beautifully again, just like fresh!
- Oven Method: If you don’t have your air fryer handy, you can reheat them in the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave Care: I’d recommend avoiding the microwave if you can, as it tends to make them a bit rubbery. But if you’re in a pinch, place them on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Heat for about 30 seconds, check, and repeat as needed.
With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders* again and again without sacrificing that delightful crunch and flavor. Enjoy every bite!
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! If you have chicken breasts on hand, you can cut them into strips to use as tenders. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly since the thickness can change the cooking duration.
How can I make these chicken tenders spicier?
If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter mixture. It’ll give those *air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders* a nice kick that complements the sweetness beautifully!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time! Just coat them in the honey butter mixture and breadcrumbs, then store them in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. When you’re ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer and adjust the cooking time as needed.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving them with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. You could even try a sweet chili sauce for a delicious contrast to the savory flavors!
Can I make these chicken tenders in the oven instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they reach that perfect golden color!
For more information on the benefits of using an air fryer, check out this article on Healthline.
For tips on how to properly store chicken, visit USDA Food Safety.
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in 20 Minutes!
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Add honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika to the butter; mix well.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter mixture.
- Coat chicken tenders with breadcrumbs.
- Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of chicken tenders.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders
