Introduction

Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders coated in a rich honey butter garlic sauce—this is comfort food at its best. If you’ve been looking for an easy way to make restaurant-quality chicken tenders at home, this air fryer recipe is the answer.

Using an air fryer means you get all the crunch without the extra oil from deep frying. Plus, with a simple breading technique and a buttery, garlicky glaze, these tenders are bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or just because you’re craving something delicious, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

With just a handful of ingredients and under 25 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned home cooks alike. Let’s dive into what makes these tenders so special and how you can make them perfectly every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

• Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – Thanks to the air fryer, these tenders have that perfect crunch without being greasy.
• Healthier alternative to deep frying – Less oil means a lighter, better-for-you meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Quick and easy – Ready in just 22 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing – Everyone loves a good chicken tender, and the honey butter garlic sauce makes them irresistible.
• Perfect balance of sweet and savory – The combination of honey, butter, and garlic adds depth and richness to every bite.

Perfect For:

• A quick family dinner
• Meal prepping for the week
• A game-day snack
• A fun cooking project with kids

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Core Ingredients

• Chicken tenders – These cook quickly and stay juicy. If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips.
• All-purpose flour – Helps the breading stick and adds structure.
• Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor.
• Egg – Acts as the glue between the flour and the breadcrumbs.
• Panko breadcrumbs – Creates a crispier, crunchier coating than regular breadcrumbs.
• Olive oil spray – A light mist ensures even browning in the air fryer.

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps the sauce coat the chicken perfectly.
• Honey – Brings natural sweetness and balances the savory flavors.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce its signature depth.
• Fresh parsley (optional) – Adds a pop of freshness and color.

Substitutions & Tips

• No panko? Use crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs for a slightly different crunch.
• Prefer a spicier version? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
• Dairy-free option? Swap the butter for vegan butter or olive oil.
• Want extra crispiness? Double-dip the tenders in the egg and panko for a thicker coating.

Best Chicken for Air Fryer Tenders

Not all chicken cuts are created equal when it comes to making the perfect tenders.

• Chicken tenders – The best choice for this recipe because they are naturally tender and cook quickly.
• Chicken breasts – If you don’t have tenders, slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide.
• Chicken thighs – If you prefer dark meat, boneless, skinless thighs can be used. They have a richer flavor but may need an extra minute or two of cooking.

Tips for Juicy Chicken

• Pat the chicken dry before breading to help the coating stick better.
• Don’t skip the egg step – This acts as the glue for the breadcrumbs.
• Let the cooked tenders rest for a minute before drizzling with sauce. This helps them stay crispy.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

• Air fryer – A basket-style or oven-style air fryer will work for this recipe.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll need three: one for the flour mixture, one for the egg, and one for the panko.
• Tongs – For flipping the tenders without removing too much breading.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Kitchen thermometer – Ensures the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Pastry brush – Helps evenly coat the tenders with the honey butter garlic sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

1: Prep the Coating

Set up your breading station:

• In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
• In another bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
• In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.

2: Coat the Chicken

• Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
• Dip into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
• Press into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.

3: Air Fry to Perfection

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 5 minutes.
• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil.
• Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each one.
• Spray the tops with olive oil for extra crispiness.
• Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

This is where the magic happens. While the chicken tenders are crisping up in the air fryer, you’ll want to prepare the rich, sweet, and garlicky sauce that takes this dish to the next level. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly flavorful.

How to Make the Sauce

1. Melt the butter – In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. If using the microwave, heat it in 15-second intervals to prevent splattering.
2. Add the honey – Stir in the honey while the butter is still warm so it blends smoothly.
3. Mix in the garlic – Freshly minced garlic works best for bold flavor. If you prefer a milder taste, sauté the garlic in butter for 30 seconds before adding honey.
4. Finish with parsley (optional) – If using, stir in chopped fresh parsley for a hint of color and freshness.

Tips for the Perfect Sauce

• For a thicker glaze, let the sauce sit for a couple of minutes after mixing—it will naturally thicken as it cools.
• For an extra punch of flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness.
• To make ahead, prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it gently before serving.

How to Coat the Chicken in the Sauce

Once your chicken tenders are perfectly crispy and golden brown, it’s time to bring everything together.

1. Drizzle or Toss – You can either drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders or toss them in a bowl for full coverage. If tossing, use tongs to gently mix the tenders with the sauce to ensure an even coating.
2. Serve immediately – These tenders are best enjoyed hot, while the sauce is still warm and glossy.

If you prefer an extra crunchy bite, serve the sauce on the side for dipping instead of coating the tenders.

Tips for Success

Even though this recipe is easy, a few small details can make all the difference. Here’s how to get the best results every time.

How to Get Extra Crispy Chicken

• Preheat the air fryer – Starting with a hot air fryer ensures the coating gets crispy right away.
• Use panko breadcrumbs – They create a lighter, crunchier crust compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Lightly spray with oil – A small amount of olive oil helps the tenders brown evenly. Avoid drenching them in oil, as too much can make them soggy.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

• Overcrowding the air fryer – Give the tenders space so air circulates properly. If needed, cook in batches.
• Skipping the flour step – The flour helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere, ensuring a well-coated, crispy tender.
• Not flipping halfway through – This allows for even cooking and browning on both sides.

How to Store & Reheat

If you have leftovers (which might be rare because they’re so good), here’s how to store and reheat them properly.

At Room Temperature

• Once cooked, the tenders can sit out for up to 2 hours before they should be refrigerated.

In the Refrigerator

• Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.

Freezing Tips

• Freezing cooked tenders – Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
• Freezing raw, breaded tenders – Coat the tenders as instructed, then freeze them before cooking. When ready to eat, air fry straight from frozen at 380°F for 15-18 minutes.

How to Reheat for Best Results

• Air fryer – Reheat at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Oven – Bake at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
• Microwave – This is the fastest method but will soften the breading. Heat in 30-second intervals.

If reheating frozen tenders, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but they should be thawed first for the best texture. If cooking from frozen, increase the air fryer time by 3-5 minutes and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Regular breadcrumbs work, but they won’t be as crunchy. Crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers are great alternatives for an ultra-crispy texture.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Absolutely. Bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What dipping sauces go well with these tenders?

Besides the honey butter garlic sauce, try serving them with:

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• Spicy mayo
• Barbecue sauce

Serving Suggestions

These crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders are incredibly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as a main course, an appetizer, or a snack, there are plenty of ways to enjoy them.

Best Ways to Serve

• As a main dish – Pair them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh side salad for a well-balanced meal.
• With dipping sauces – While the honey butter garlic sauce is delicious on its own, these tenders also pair well with ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo.
• In a sandwich – Tuck the tenders into a toasted brioche bun with lettuce, pickles, and a drizzle of extra sauce for an easy chicken sandwich.
• Over a salad – Slice the tenders and add them to a crisp salad with greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette.
• As a party snack – Serve them on a platter with a variety of dips for an easy game-day or gathering-friendly option.

For an extra indulgent twist, try serving these tenders over a plate of fluffy waffles with a drizzle of honey butter sauce for a homemade take on chicken and waffles.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe, check out these other delicious dishes:

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta – Creamy, cheesy pasta with bold garlic flavors.
• Shake and Bake Chicken Breast – A crispy, oven-baked chicken recipe perfect for quick meals.
• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites – Bite-sized, pan-fried chicken coated in a rich garlic sauce.
• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – A fun, flavorful take on crispy, garlicky chicken.
• Chicken Mushroom Pasta – A cozy, creamy pasta dish packed with flavor.

Final Thoughts

Making crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders at home doesn’t have to be complicated. With the air fryer, you can achieve restaurant-quality results with less oil and minimal effort. The combination of a crunchy panko coating and a rich honey butter garlic sauce creates a dish that’s both satisfying and full of flavor.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or simply when you’re craving something crispy and delicious. The best part? You can easily customize the flavors to suit your taste—whether you prefer a spicier kick, a cheesier coating, or an extra drizzle of honey.

If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out. Share your thoughts, tips, or any fun variations you come up with. And most importantly, enjoy every bite of these crispy, saucy, and irresistible air fryer chicken tenders.

Print