When I’m craving something crispy, juicy, and packed with flavor, these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are my answer. They’re perfectly golden on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a sweet and garlicky glaze that’s completely irresistible. I first made these on a whim when I was experimenting with my air fryer, and they quickly became one of those recipes my family begs for. The best part? They come together quickly with ingredients I always have on hand, making them perfect for weeknights or game-day snacks.
Let me show you why these chicken tenders are such a hit and how easy they are to make at home.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe has everything I love in a weeknight dinner or snack:
- Crispy, juicy tenders without deep-frying: The air fryer does all the magic.
- Sweet, buttery glaze with a garlicky kick: It coats each bite perfectly without overpowering.
- Fast and easy: Done in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple pantry ingredients: You probably have everything you need already.
- Perfect for kids and adults alike: A crowd-pleasing dish for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 4 | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Non-stick cooking spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Optional garnish: chopped parsley or sesame seeds
How I Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Chicken
I start by seasoning the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
I mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in one bowl and place the beaten eggs in another.
3. Bread the Tenders
I dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, then coat it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help the coating stick.
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
I arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in my air fryer basket, spraying them lightly with cooking spray. I cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
5. Make the Glaze
While the chicken cooks, I melt the butter in a small saucepan, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about a minute. Then I stir in the honey and soy sauce, simmering for another minute until everything is combined and glossy.
6. Toss and Serve
Once the tenders are done, I drizzle the honey butter garlic glaze over them or toss gently in a bowl to coat every piece. I garnish with parsley or sesame seeds for a little extra touch.
My Favorite Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket: Give the tenders space so they crisp up evenly.
- Use panko for extra crunch: It makes the coating lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Add the glaze right before serving: This keeps the tenders crispy on the outside and sticky on the inside.
- For extra heat: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze if you like a spicy kick.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer: They’ll crisp right back up in just a few minutes.
What I Serve with Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but here’s how I love to round out the meal:
- With a side of crispy fries or sweet potato wedges
- A fresh cucumber salad for something cool and crunchy
- Steamed rice or garlic butter noodles for a complete dinner
- Extra honey garlic glaze on the side for dipping
- A cold, sparkling lemonade or iced tea to balance the flavors
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes! Bake at 425°F for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I make them ahead of time?
A: You can prep and bread the tenders ahead and air fry just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Can I use chicken breasts or thighs?
A: Absolutely — just cut them into strips and follow the same process.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
Why These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Belong in Your Recipe Box
These chicken tenders are everything I want in an easy, comforting dish — crispy, juicy, sweet, and savory all at once. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, making snacks for game day, or just indulging in some comfort food, this recipe is fast, flavorful, and foolproof.
Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a regular favorite in your kitchen, just like they are in mine.
My Favorite Air Fryer Chicken Tender Recipe with Honey, Butter, and Garlic Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 3 cups honey
- 4 cups unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, melt the unsalted butter and mix in honey and soy sauce to create the glaze.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter glaze, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the air fryer, drizzle with any remaining honey butter glaze, and serve hot.
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