Air fryer recipes have taken the cooking world by storm, and for good reason! They make creating crispy, delicious meals so much easier and quicker. One of my absolute favorites is air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders. Imagine juicy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the air fryer. Yum! These tenders have become a family dinner staple in my house, with my kids begging for more every time I make them. The balance of flavors is simply irresistible, and I love how they come out perfectly crispy without all the oil. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a go-to for your weeknight meals, too!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders – Tender and juicy pieces of chicken, perfect for coating.
- 1/2 cup honey – Adds a delightful sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Creates that rich, buttery base for the sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Provides a punch of flavor and aroma that elevates the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the flavors and brings everything together.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a gentle kick to the tenders.
- 1 teaspoon paprika – Gives a nice color and a subtle smoky note.
How to Prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Making these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders is a breeze, and I promise you’ll love the process! Let’s dive into the steps to create this delicious dish.
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because it helps achieve that crispy, golden texture we’re all after. Trust me, a well-preheated air fryer makes all the difference!
Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While your air fryer is warming up, grab a saucepan and melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s all melted, add in the honey and minced garlic. Stir everything together until it’s nicely combined and fragrant. You’ll love the aroma filling your kitchen—it’s pure magic!
Season the Chicken Tenders
Now, let’s get the chicken tenders ready. In a bowl, season them with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Give them a good toss to make sure each tender is coated in those tasty spices. This step adds layers of flavor that really elevate the dish!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Time to get messy! Dip each seasoned chicken tender into the honey butter mixture, making sure they’re thoroughly coated. I like to let the excess sauce drip off a bit before placing them in the air fryer. This way, you won’t have too much sauce pooling at the bottom.
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! Air fry for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. To check for doneness, make sure they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should look so tempting, you might want to sneak one before serving!
Serve and Enjoy
Once they’re done, brush on some additional honey butter for that extra burst of flavor before serving. These tenders are perfect on their own, but feel free to pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an added touch. Enjoy every crispy, sweet, and savory bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: Whip these up in just 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy cleanup: The air fryer minimizes mess, so you’ll spend less time washing dishes.
- Flavorful taste: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering glaze that everyone will love.
- Gluten-free: Enjoy these tenders without worrying about gluten, making them suitable for various diets.
- Kid-approved: My kids can’t get enough of these crispy, sweet tenders—they’re always a hit at the dinner table!
Tips for Success
- Adjust Cooking Time: If you’re using thicker chicken tenders, you may need to increase the cooking time by a couple of minutes. Just keep an eye on them and check for that golden brown color!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, make sure to place the tenders in a single layer with space in between. If you crowd the basket, they won’t cook evenly.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). This way, you’ll avoid any guesswork!
- Let Them Rest: After air frying, let the chicken tenders sit for a few minutes before serving. This helps them stay juicy and allows the flavors to settle in.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to play around with different spices or herbs to add your own twist! A dash of cayenne pepper can give them a nice kick if you like some heat.
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a friendly reminder that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use in this recipe. While I’ve done my best to provide a general idea of the nutrition in these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, precise values may differ. Always feel free to calculate based on your exact ingredients for the most accurate information! Enjoy cooking and savoring these delicious tenders without worrying too much about the numbers!
FAQ About Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Absolutely! Using frozen chicken tenders can be a time-saver. Just pop them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, and you’ll want to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time—around 15-18 minutes should do the trick. Make sure to check that they reach the same internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This way, you can enjoy your crispy tenders without any thawing fuss!
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these tenders with a sweet and tangy barbecue sauce or a creamy ranch dressing for that classic combo. Honey mustard is another favorite, as it complements the honey flavor beautifully. You can even whip up a sriracha mayo for a spicy kick! Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, just reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that crispy goodness!
Can I make this recipe in an oven instead?
Yes, you can definitely adapt this recipe for the oven! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Just keep an eye on them, as oven times can vary a bit!
Equipment Needed
- Air Fryer: The star of the show! This handy appliance cooks food quickly and gives you that crispy texture without all the oil.
- Medium Saucepan: Perfect for melting the butter and combining it with honey and garlic. It should be sturdy enough to handle medium heat.
- Tongs: A must-have for flipping the chicken tenders in the air fryer without making a mess. Plus, they help keep your fingers clean!
- Mixing Bowl: Use this for seasoning the chicken tenders. A medium-sized bowl works well for tossing them with spices.
- Meat Thermometer (optional): If you want to be super sure your chicken is cooked perfectly, this tool will help you check the internal temperature easily.
For more information on cooking chicken safely, check out this USDA guide.
For additional air fryer recipes, visit our blog for more delicious ideas!
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Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders made easy
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add honey and minced garlic to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter mixture, coating well.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Brush with additional honey butter before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken tenders.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders
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