Introduction:
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy chicken tenders with a sweet and savory honey butter garlic glaze.
Using the air fryer results in a healthier, crispy coating without the need for deep frying.
These chicken tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a satisfying snack, or even as an appetizer for gatherings.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 large eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil (for brushing)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons honey
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). In a shallow bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Repeat for all chicken tenders.
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:
Lightly brush or spray the chicken tenders with olive oil. Place the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
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 about 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey and red pepper flakes (if using), and cook for another 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Toss the Chicken in the Sauce:
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the honey butter garlic sauce over them. Toss to coat the tenders evenly in the sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot. Enjoy your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces!
Description: These crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful honey butter garlic sauce that combines sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes. The air fryer cooks the chicken perfectly, giving it a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The sauce adds a mouthwatering glaze, making each bite irresistible. It’s an easy and quick meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
Tips:
If you prefer spicier chicken tenders, add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
For an even crispier texture, you can lightly spray the tenders with olive oil before air frying.
You can substitute the panko breadcrumbs with regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture.
If you want to make this dish even healthier, use whole wheat breadcrumbs or skip the breading entirely for a keto-friendly option.
Variations:
Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders: Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the panko breadcrumbs for an extra layer of flavor.
Spicy Honey Butter Chicken Tenders: Add a tablespoon of sriracha or hot sauce to the honey butter garlic sauce for a spicy kick.
Lemon Garlic Chicken Tenders: Add the zest of 1 lemon to the honey butter sauce for a refreshing citrus twist.
Correction: Make sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders to ensure they are fully cooked. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. If the tenders are not cooked through, simply return them to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Enjoy:
Savor your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with a side of fries, a crisp salad, or your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy the crispy, sweet, and savory goodness!