Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and coated in a sweet-savory glaze that’s packed with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe I love making when I want something quick, satisfying, and just a little bit indulgent — all without turning on the oven or dealing with frying oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these chicken tenders come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer while staying juicy on the inside. The honey butter garlic sauce adds a sticky, buttery finish that makes them totally irresistible. They’re simple enough for a weeknight dinner but bold enough to feel like a treat — and cleanup is a breeze.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the chicken tenders:

• Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

• Panko or regular breadcrumbs

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Cooking spray or oil spray

For the honey butter garlic sauce:

• Butter

• Garlic, minced

• Honey

• Soy sauce (optional, for extra depth)

• Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

1. I preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

2. I season the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. I dredge the chicken tenders first in flour, then dip them in beaten eggs, and finally coat them in breadcrumbs.

4. I spray each tender lightly with cooking spray and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.

5. I cook them for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re crispy and golden.

6. While the chicken cooks, I melt butter in a small saucepan, add minced garlic, and let it cook for about a minute.

7. I stir in honey (and soy sauce if using), letting the sauce simmer for another 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

8. Once the tenders are done, I toss them in the warm honey butter garlic sauce or drizzle it over before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes swap the breadcrumbs for crushed cornflakes or seasoned coating mix for extra crunch.

• For a spicier version, I add more red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the glaze.

• When I want a sweeter glaze, I use maple syrup instead of honey.

• I occasionally add fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for color and freshness.

• These are also great over rice bowls or salads when I want a full meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–6 minutes to bring back the crispiness. I avoid microwaving if I want to keep the coating crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, I thaw them first and then proceed with the breading — the air fryer cooks them beautifully once prepped.

Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?

I prefer panko for extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. Even crushed crackers or cereal can make a great coating.

Can I bake these instead?

Yes, I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, though they won’t get quite as crispy as the air fryer version.

What’s the best way to keep them crispy after coating in sauce?

I toss them lightly or drizzle the sauce just before serving to preserve as much crispiness as possible.

Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I store it in the fridge and gently reheat it before using. It thickens slightly when chilled, but loosens up with a little heat.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are one of my favorite ways to enjoy something crunchy, sweet, and savory with hardly any effort. I love that they’re healthier than fried tenders but still just as satisfying — with a sticky, garlicky glaze that keeps me coming back for more. Whether I serve them with a side, in a wrap, or straight off the plate, they always disappear fast.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, golden, and coated in a sticky sweet-savory glaze made with garlic, honey, and butter. These no-fuss tenders are air-fried to perfection — juicy inside, crunchy outside — and make an irresistible weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer with less oil and more flavor.

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Ingredients

• For the Chicken Tenders:
• 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast strips
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko or regular breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil spray
• For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tsp soy sauce (optional)
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

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

2. In a bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. Dredge chicken tenders in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat with breadcrumbs.

4. Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and spray with cooking oil.

5. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.

6. While tenders cook, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute.

7. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

8. Toss hot tenders in sauce or drizzle over just before serving. Enjoy warm.

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Notes

• Swap panko with crushed cornflakes or seasoned coating for added crunch.
• Add hot sauce or more red pepper flakes for heat.
• Drizzle sauce instead of tossing to preserve crispiness.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey for a richer glaze.
• Serve over rice, in wraps, or with a dipping sauce for variety.