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