If you’re looking for a dinner that’s quick, delicious, and packed with flavor, then let me introduce you to my favorite dish: air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders! These tenders are so juicy and crispy, you won’t believe they were made in an air fryer. The sweet and savory honey garlic sauce gets perfectly caramelized, creating a delightful crunch with every bite. I love making these for busy weeknights or when I have friends over because they’re super easy to whip up. Trust me, once you try these tenders, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen too!
Ingredients List
To make these mouthwatering air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a flavorful punch. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound chicken tenders – tender and perfect for quick cooking
- 1/4 cup honey – for that irresistible sweetness
- 1/4 cup soy sauce – adds a savory depth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – fresh garlic gives a fantastic aroma and taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the tenders crisp up nicely
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated – adds a warm, spicy kick
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – for a little heat
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – enhances all the flavors
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – ensures a crispy coating
These ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious, perfect for any night of the week!
How to Prepare Instructions
Making air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders is a breeze, and I’m here to guide you through every step! Let’s get cooking:
- First, grab a mixing bowl and combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, grated ginger, black pepper, and salt. Whisk it all together until it’s nicely blended. This is where the magic begins!
- Now, add your chicken tenders into the bowl. Make sure they’re well-coated in that luscious marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and let it marinate in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to really soak in!
- While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for that perfect crispiness!
- Once the chicken is done marinating, sprinkle the cornstarch over the tenders and toss them until they’re evenly coated. This will help create a delightful crunch when they cook.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; give them some space to breathe!
- Cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and get that golden-brown crispiness.
- When they’re done, take them out and serve hot with any extra honey garlic sauce you have. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
Nutritional Information
These air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders are not just delicious, but they’re also packed with a decent nutritional profile! Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 6g
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keep in mind these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods. They make for a satisfying meal without too much guilt, perfect for any night of the week!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in under an hour!
- Easy clean-up, especially with the air fryer
- Flavor-packed with a perfect balance of sweet and savory
- Juicy and crispy texture you’ll crave
- Gluten-free, making it suitable for various diets
Trust me, these tenders are a hit for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings!
Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, here are a few pro tips! First, adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken tenders; thinner pieces will cook faster, so keep an eye on them! Also, make sure to coat the chicken evenly with cornstarch—this is key for that crispy texture we all love. If you want extra flavor, don’t hesitate to let the tenders marinate a bit longer than 30 minutes; the longer they soak, the more delicious they become! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to mix things up with these air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders! For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the marinade. You can also switch things up by using chicken breasts cut into strips instead of tenders if that’s what you have on hand. Want to experiment with flavors? Try adding a splash of sesame oil or swapping out the honey for maple syrup for a different twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and have fun with it!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No problem! To store your air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders, simply place them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days—if they last that long! When it’s time to reheat, the best method is to pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help restore that crispy texture we all love. You can also use the oven if you prefer—just bake them on a baking sheet until heated through. Enjoy those tasty bites again!
FAQ Section
How long should I marinate the chicken tenders? For the best flavor, I recommend marinating the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, letting them sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge will enhance the taste even further!
What can I serve with these chicken tenders? These air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders are perfect on their own, but they pair wonderfully with rice, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with extra honey garlic sauce on the side for dipping!
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Absolutely! If chicken tenders aren’t available, simply cut chicken breasts into strips. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as the thickness may vary.
Can I make these tenders ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders in advance and marinate them. Just store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook! This makes weeknight dinners even easier!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out this honey garlic chicken recipe or these crispy baked chicken tenders.
Print
air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders: 5 reasons you’ll love them
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders are juicy, crispy, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, soy sauce, garlic, olive oil, ginger, black pepper, and salt.
- Add chicken tenders to the marinade and coat well. Let it marinate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the marinated chicken with cornstarch until coated.
- Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
- Serve hot with extra honey garlic sauce if desired.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken tenders.
- You can use chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders are not available.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders