Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver everything you want in a quick chicken dinner—crackle-crisp coating, juicy interior, and a glossy sweet–savory sauce that clings to every bite. Thanks to the air fryer, you get deep-fried crispiness without the oil or fuss, making this recipe ideal for weeknights, parties, or game-day snacking. The honey butter garlic glaze sets these tenders apart: it’s sticky, rich, and perfectly balanced between sweetness and savory depth. I have made a lighter version using almond milk for the dredge, and it still produced wonderfully crisp results without sacrificing flavor. These tenders pair well with fries, rice, roasted vegetables, or even tucked into wraps. This easy, reliable recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again, especially when you’re craving something both comforting and irresistibly crunchy.
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Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: Sweet, Savory, Perfectly Crunchy Every Time
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are juicy, crunchy tenders coated in a sweet, buttery, garlicky glaze. This quick and easy recipe delivers restaurant-style crispiness with a sticky, flavor-packed finish — perfect for weeknight dinners or party appetizers.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Olive oil spray
- Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 20–30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
- In a bowl, mix flour, panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to coat well.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Spray air fryer basket with oil and place chicken tenders in a single layer. Spray tops lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, melt butter in a small saucepan. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds.
- Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss crispy tenders in the warm honey butter garlic sauce or drizzle over top.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauce or over rice.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, double dredge in the flour mixture.
- Adjust honey or garlic to taste — more honey for sweetness, more garlic for stronger flavor.
- Use chicken breast strips if tenders aren’t available.
- Great with ranch, spicy mayo, or extra honey drizzle.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Tenders
Tender, lean chicken tenders cook quickly and stay juicy inside their crispy coating.
Flour
All-purpose flour helps create a light batter that adheres well before air frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs
Crispy panko breadcrumbs provide the signature crunch that makes these tenders irresistible.
Eggs
Beaten eggs bind the coating to the chicken and help form a crisp crust.
Garlic Powder
A touch of garlic powder seasons the coating and adds warm, savory flavor.
Paprika
Smoky paprika adds color and gentle heat to the breading mixture.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper ensure the chicken is seasoned thoroughly and balanced.
Butter
Melted butter forms the base of the sticky honey garlic glaze.
Honey
Sweet, golden honey creates the glossy coating and balances the garlic.
Fresh Garlic
Minced fresh garlic adds depth and a classic savory note to the glaze.
Soy Sauce
A splash of soy sauce ties the glaze together with subtle umami.
Directions
Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Prepare a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; beaten eggs; and panko breadcrumbs. Pat the chicken tenders dry, then dredge each tender in the flour, dip into the eggs, and coat thoroughly in panko.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crisp, and cooked through.
Meanwhile, prepare the glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to bubble briefly into a glossy glaze.
When the tenders are done, transfer them to a bowl and drizzle the warm honey butter garlic glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece. Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and best flavor.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings. Preparation takes about 15 minutes, air frying requires 10–12 minutes, and the glaze adds about 3 minutes of cooking time.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 360°F (182°C) for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the breading crunchy.
Variations and Customizations
Extra-Spicy Tenders
Add cayenne or sriracha to the glaze for more heat.
Lemon Garlic Glaze
Stir fresh lemon juice into the glaze for brightness.
Asian-Inspired Twist
Add sesame oil and garnish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Ranch-Coated Tenders
Mix ranch seasoning into the flour dredge for a tangy upgrade.
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour blend.
Dairy-Free Option
Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil.
Smoky BBQ Glaze
Stir BBQ sauce into the honey mixture for a smoky-sweet finish.
Almond-Crusted Tenders
Use crushed almonds instead of panko for extra crunch and nutrition.
Sweet Chili Honey
Add sweet chili sauce to the glaze for more complexity.
Kid-Friendly Mild Version
Reduce garlic and omit soy sauce for a gentler, sweeter glaze.
FAQs
How do I keep the tenders extra crispy?
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer and flip halfway through cooking.
Can I use chicken breasts instead?
Yes, slice them into strips similar in size to tenders.
Should I preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even crisping.
Can I make these without panko?
Yes, but the coating will be less crunchy.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry and press gently when coating with panko.
Is the glaze very sweet?
It is sweet but balanced by garlic and soy; adjust honey to taste.
Can I freeze the cooked tenders?
Yes, freeze on a tray, then store in a freezer bag; reheat in the air fryer.
Can I use bottled minced garlic?
Yes, but fresh garlic gives the glaze better flavor.
Do these need dipping sauce?
They are flavorful on their own, but ranch or spicy mayo pairs well.
Can I bake these instead?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.
Conclusion
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver unbeatable crunch, juicy chicken, and a glossy sweet–savory glaze that makes every bite irresistible. They are quick, customizable, and ideal for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimal effort. With endless variations and consistently perfect results, this recipe is sure to become a frequent favorite in your kitchen.
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