Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
There’s just something magical about the combination of sweet honey, rich butter, and punchy garlic that turns chicken tenders into a full-blown obsession. When I first made these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, I didn’t expect them to become an instant family favorite. But the moment they hit the table, the tender, golden-brown crust, sticky-sweet glaze, and buttery richness had everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
I love how effortless this recipe is. The air fryer does all the heavy lifting, creating crispy edges and juicy centers without a drop of oil. The sauce, meanwhile, is a quick melt-and-mix miracle: honey, butter, and garlic coming together into something greater than the sum of its parts. It’s weeknight gold. And let’s be real, when cooking feels this indulgent yet easy, it becomes your go-to.
What surprised me most was how versatile this recipe turned out to be. I’ve served these tenders with fluffy mashed potatoes, fresh garden salads, and even in wraps for lunch the next day. Each time, they brought a different kind of delicious comfort. If you’re a fan of recipes like my Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts or the viral Marry Me Chicken Pasta, this one will fit right in with your flavor-loving favorites.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
This recipe takes the best parts of crispy fried chicken and rich honey-garlic flavor and makes them easier, faster, and healthier thanks to the air fryer. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, and the glaze is so good you’ll want to lick your fingers. Plus, there’s minimal cleanup, no greasy frying smells, and it’s kid-approved. What’s not to love?
How to Make the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up better in the air fryer. Season them on both sides with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Let them rest for a few minutes to absorb the seasoning.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with a little oil. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in honey and a touch of soy sauce for balance. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a bowl and pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
You can switch things up in countless ways with this dish. For a spicier version, add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of chili flakes to the honey butter mixture. If you’re avoiding dairy, substitute the butter with vegan butter or olive oil. Prefer boneless chicken thighs over tenders? Go for it — just adjust the cook time slightly.
For a gluten-free option, ensure your soy sauce is certified gluten-free or swap it out with tamari. And if you’re looking to make it extra crispy, try a light coating of seasoned cornstarch or gluten-free breadcrumbs before air frying.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
These honey butter garlic chicken tenders shine on their own, but they’re also a dream to pair. I often serve them alongside buttery mashed potatoes or a simple green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness. For a quick dinner, they’re excellent tucked into a warm brioche bun with some slaw. You can even serve them over rice or creamy polenta to soak up that irresistible sauce.
If you’re planning a larger spread, consider adding Broccoli Salad or Mexican Potatoes as hearty, flavorful companions. A cool cucumber salad or grilled vegetables also make great additions.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep them crisp when reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again at 350°F for 5-6 minutes. You can also reheat in the oven or a skillet. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. If you’ve glazed the tenders already, reheat them gently to avoid burning the honey.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
They should reach an internal temperature of 165°F. The exterior will be golden and crispy, and the juices should run clear.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and air frying. This ensures even cooking and crispiness.
What can I use instead of honey?
You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives. The flavor profile will change slightly, but both provide a nice sweetness.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all in its basic form. However, you can add spice easily with chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can lead to uneven cooking.
Related Recipe You’ll Like
If you loved these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, then you’ll definitely want to try a few more delicious dishes from my kitchen. The Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts bring similar garlicky richness in a luscious sauce, perfect for spooning over rice or mashed potatoes. Another great one is the Marry Me Chicken, a creamy, flavor-packed meal that feels gourmet but is totally doable on a weeknight.
And if you’re loving the air fryer life, don’t miss my round-up of The Best Air Fryer Recipes where you’ll find quick, satisfying meals like the Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites and crispy veggie sides to complete your spread.
Save and Share This Recipe for Later
Make sure to pin this recipe to your Pinterest board so you’ll have it handy next time you’re craving something sweet, buttery, and savory all in one bite. Share it on Facebook or send it to a friend who’s always on the lookout for easy air fryer meals. And don’t forget to tag me if you make it — I love seeing your creations and how you make these recipes your own!
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are juicy, golden-brown, and coated in a sticky-sweet and savory glaze that’s irresistible. The air fryer method keeps them crisp without deep frying, while the butter, garlic, and honey sauce infuses every bite with comforting, craveable flavor. This dish is perfect for weeknight meals, family dinners, or even quick lunches. It’s an easy and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, packed with flavor and minimal effort. Whether served with sides or tucked into wraps, these tenders will win over both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
- Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F for 5 minutes. Lightly grease the basket.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in honey and soy sauce; simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Transfer cooked tenders to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
- Swap butter for vegan alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Make it spicy by adding hot sauce or chili flakes to the sauce.
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat tenders in seasoned cornstarch before air frying.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer for best texture.
