Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for delicious meals that come together quickly and efficiently. And when you can get that perfect crispy texture without a deep fryer, it’s an absolute win! Today, we’re making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders—a dish that delivers on all fronts: tender, juicy chicken coated in an irresistible sweet, savory, and garlicky glaze, all made easy in your air fryer. It’s a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for more!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders because they are the epitome of effortless deliciousness. They are incredibly fast to prepare, with minimal active cooking time, making them ideal for even the busiest weeknights. The air fryer works its magic to give the tenders a fantastic crispy exterior while keeping the inside wonderfully juicy and tender. The honey butter garlic sauce is simply divine – a perfect balance of sweet and savory that clings beautifully to the chicken. Plus, the cleanup is a breeze! This recipe is a game-changer for quick, satisfying, and flavorful chicken.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these fantastic Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/3 cup honey
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken tenders are perfect for this recipe due to their uniform size and quick cooking time. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch strips, but adjust cooking time as needed.
• Honey: Any type of honey will work here. For a slightly different flavor, you could try maple syrup, though the distinct honey taste will change.
• Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred to control the saltiness. If using salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. Jarred minced garlic can be used in a pinch.
• Seasoning: Adjust the salt, pepper, paprika, and thyme to your personal preference. A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper can be added to the sauce for a subtle kick.
• Air Fryer Models: Air fryer cooking times can vary depending on the model and wattage. Always use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté gently for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
2. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the honey, salt, black pepper, paprika, and dried thyme. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld. Remove the saucepan from the heat.
3. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200∘C) according to your model’s instructions.
4. Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the prepared honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated on all sides. Allow any excess sauce to drip off.
5. Air Fry: Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispness.
6. Cook & Flip: Air fry at 400°F (200∘C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken tenders halfway through (around the 5-6 minute mark). Cook until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74∘C) and the tenders are golden brown and crispy.
7. Serve Hot: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer. If desired, you can brush them with any remaining sauce from the dipping bowl (after they’re cooked) for an extra glaze. Serve hot and enjoy immediately!

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: This is crucial for crispiness! Air needs to circulate around each piece of chicken. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Before coating, pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the sauce adhere better and promotes a crispier finish.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Air fryers vary. Start checking your chicken around the 8-minute mark, especially if your tenders are thinner. Use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Flip for Evenness: Flipping halfway through ensures both sides get equally crispy and golden.
• Sauce Consistency: If your sauce hardens slightly while waiting for batches, gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop for a few seconds to make it pourable again.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:

• Main Course: Serve as a stand-alone main dish with a simple side of rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
• Sandwiches/Sliders: Chop them up for delicious sliders, similar to my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
• Salad Topping: Slice and add them to a green salad for a flavorful protein boost. For another great chicken salad idea, check out my Light Tangy Chicken Salad (with no mayo in sight!).
• Meal Prep: Perfect for meal prepping healthy lunches throughout the week.
• Southern Favorites: They’d be a great protein addition to a hearty dish like my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole or served alongside a comforting bowl of Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. They are great cold, sliced into salads or wraps. To reheat, the best method for maintaining crispness is to warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175∘C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. An oven can also work (375°F/190∘C for 8-10 minutes). Avoid microwaving, as it can make them tough and less crispy.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and deliciousness of these chicken tenders, and you’re a fan of satisfying chicken dishes, you’ll definitely want to check out some of my other popular recipes:

• For another great chicken meal that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, these Chicken Enchiladas are simply irresistible!
• If you’re a fan of convenient, all-in-one dishes that are great for sharing, my Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

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Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a fantastic example of how simple ingredients, combined with the magic of the air fryer, can create an incredibly flavorful and convenient meal. They’re crispy, juicy, and packed with that irresistible sweet and savory glaze. Give them a try – you’ll be amazed at how quickly this delicious dish becomes a regular in your rotation!

What are your favorite air fryer hacks or go-to chicken tender recipes? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.