Juicy, golden chicken strips with a crispy crust and a sticky-sweet garlic butter glaze — made with love (and no oil splatter) in the air fryer!
Recipe Introduction:
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly crispy chicken tender — golden on the outside, juicy on the inside, and kissed with flavor in every bite. But take those tenders, skip the deep fryer, and toss them in a rich, buttery glaze made with garlic and honey, and now you’ve got a whole new level of delicious. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are sweet, savory, and seriously addictive — and best of all, they’re easy and mess-free thanks to the air fryer.
Whether you’re making these for your family, for guests, or just to treat yourself, this recipe is bound to be a repeat favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
• 1 pound chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into thin strips)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray or a light brush of olive oil
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (adds depth and balance)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prep the Chicken Tenders
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel. This helps the coating stick better and results in crispier tenders.
Set up your breading station with three shallow bowls:
1. In the first bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
3. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
Dip each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, then into the egg wash, and finally coat it fully in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs in gently to make sure they adhere well.
Place each breaded strip on a plate or tray while you finish the rest.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes.
Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded. Spray lightly with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to help them crisp up.
Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F or 74°C).
Tip: Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let the sauce simmer for 1–2 minutes until it slightly thickens and becomes glossy.
Step 4: Glaze the Chicken
Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Immediately pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss gently to coat each one evenly in that sticky, flavorful glaze.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
• On their own with a side of ranch, blue cheese, or extra honey mustard
• Over rice or mashed potatoes for a comforting meal
• In a sandwich or wrap with lettuce and pickles
• With a side of roasted veggies or coleslaw for a lighter option
• Cut up in a salad for a sweet-savory protein boost
Storage & Reheating:
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving — it makes the coating soggy.
Optional Variations:
• Spicy version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.
• Extra garlicky: Add roasted garlic or garlic powder to the breading.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Try the glaze on shrimp, tofu, or cauliflower for a tasty twist.
Final Thoughts:
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders strike the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and garlicky goodness, all while staying crispy and satisfying without the deep fryer mess. They’re easy enough for a weeknight dinner, yet special enough to serve when you’re craving something bold and delicious. Once you try them, you’ll be coming back to this recipe again and again.
