Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

This recipe combines the richness of butter with the sweetness of honey and the aromatic depth of garlic, creating a glaze that perfectly coats each chicken tender. The air fryer ensures a crispy texture with minimal oil, making the tenders both delicious and lighter than their deep-fried counterparts. With a preparation time of under 30 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy families seeking a flavorful meal.

Ingredients

For the chicken tenders:

1 lb chicken tenderloins
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the tenders are golden brown.
Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or a drizzle of additional honey.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
Total Time: 25-27 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy twist.
Gluten-Free: Ensure all ingredients, including any breadcrumbs used, are certified gluten-free.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate finely chopped fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the marinade for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken?

Marinating enhances the flavor, but if you’re short on time, you can cook the chicken immediately after coating it with the honey butter garlic mixture.

Can I bake these in the oven instead?

Yes, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are these tenders spicy?

The original recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade to introduce some heat.

Can I freeze the cooked tenders?

Yes, allow the cooked tenders to cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?

Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayo complement the sweet and savory flavors of the tenders.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

While margarine can be used, unsalted butter provides a richer flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

How do I know when the chicken is done?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the recipe. Just ensure you cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.

Are these tenders kid-friendly?

Yes, the mild sweetness and savory flavors make them appealing to children. Adjust the seasoning to suit your child’s taste preferences.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer a delectable combination of sweet, savory, and garlicky flavors with a crispy texture, all achieved with minimal oil. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy families seeking a delicious meal without the hassle of deep frying. Whether served as a main dish or a snack, these tenders are sure to satisfy your taste buds.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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Savor the crispy, juicy goodness of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. This quick and flavorful recipe combines the sweetness of honey, the richness of butter, and the aromatic depth of garlic, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional frying, making it ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 25–27 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for 5 minutes.
Arrange the Chicken: Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket; avoid overcrowding.
Cook: Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and tenders are golden brown.
Serve: Remove from air fryer and serve immediately with dipping sauces.

Notes

For extra crispiness, lightly spray chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
Ensure chicken tenders are uniform in size for even cooking.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer for best texture.