There’s something so satisfying about a crispy chicken tender—especially when it’s coated in a sticky-sweet, buttery garlic glaze that clings to every crunchy bite. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders hit that golden trifecta of flavor: savory, garlicky, and just sweet enough to make you lick your fingers clean.
I love how fast they come together (under 25 minutes!) and how that air fryer magic makes them crispy without needing a deep fry situation. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or just want something fast and delicious that doesn’t taste like another boring dinner, this one always delivers.
Here’s how I make them, plus some easy ideas to switch it up depending on your cravings.
Why These Chicken Tenders Work
- Crispy outside, juicy inside thanks to the panko and the air fryer
- Honey butter garlic glaze = flavor bomb you’ll want to put on everything
- No deep frying or messy clean-up—just quick, golden results
- Kid- and adult-approved (trust me, they vanish fast)
- Perfect for weeknight meals, game-day snacks, or even party bites
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Serves 3–4 | Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 12 mins)
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying or brushing)
Step-by-Step: How I Make Them
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
I set my air fryer to 375°F (190°C) so it’s ready to go by the time the tenders are breaded.
2. Mix the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
In a small bowl, I stir together the honey, melted butter, and garlic powder. I set it aside so the flavors can mingle while the chicken cooks.
3. Season and Bread the Chicken
I season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and paprika. Then I roll them in panko breadcrumbs, pressing slightly so the coating sticks well.
4. Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
I lightly spray the breaded chicken with olive oil, then place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. No crowding—give them space to crisp!
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. (I usually check with a meat thermometer—internal temp should hit 165°F.)
5. Toss in Honey Butter Goodness
Once the tenders are hot and crispy, I toss them gently in the honey butter garlic glaze until coated and glossy. A quick toss is all it takes—they soak it right up.
How I Serve Them
These tenders are amazing on their own, but here’s how I love to round them out:
- With sweet potato fries or crispy air fryer potatoes
- Over a fresh slaw for contrast and crunch
- On a toasted brioche bun for an epic sandwich
- Chopped up in a salad with avocado and ranch
- As a game day snack with extra glaze or hot sauce on the side
Variations to Try
- Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the honey butter if you like heat
- Swap panko for crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for a different texture
- Use maple syrup instead of honey for a deeper, caramel flavor
- Add fresh minced garlic to the glaze if you want it extra garlicky
- Toss in a little Dijon mustard to the glaze for tangy balance
FAQs From My Kitchen to Yours
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A: Totally—just cut them into strips so they cook evenly and adjust the cooking time if they’re thicker.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They’ll crisp up again beautifully.
Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yep—use gluten-free panko or crushed rice cereal as your coating.
Q: How do I keep them crispy after tossing in the glaze?
A: Toss lightly, don’t soak them, and serve immediately. You still get the stickiness without losing the crunch.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a little sweet, a little savory, and a whole lot of crispy comfort. They’re fast, flavorful, and endlessly customizable—and best of all, they taste like something you’d get at your favorite casual restaurant, but made right in your kitchen.
Try them once, and they just might become your new weeknight go-to. Or party staple. Or midnight snack. I won’t judge.
Just make sure you don’t forget the napkins—you’re gonna want to dive right in.
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for spraying or brushing)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and mix in the honey, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken tenders with olive oil and season with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the cooked chicken tenders and serve immediately.
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