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Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Enjoy tender chicken coated in a blend of honey, butter, and garlic, then rolled in crunchy breadcrumbs for a crisp finish. Everything is prepared in the air fryer for quick and even cooking, which helps achieve a golden brown exterior with juicy meat inside. A final drizzle of honey butter garlic adds a rich, sticky flavor you’ll love. This easy dish makes a delicious meal or appetizer in minutes, with minimal mess and maximum taste. Serve hot for best results and savor each bite of sweet and savory tenderness. Perfect for quick family dinners or gatherings.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:42:36 GMT
A plate of chicken with sauce. Save
A plate of chicken with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders quickly became my go to for busy weeknights when I wanted something flavorful yet simple The sweet savory sauce and crispy coating feel like comfort food without all the mess of frying

I first tried this for a game day potluck and everyone asked for the recipe Now it is a family favorite even the picky eaters clean their plates

Ingredients

  • Chicken tenders: tender and quick cooking For best results choose ones similar in size for even cooking
  • Breadcrumbs: help create a crunchy texture Use panko for extra crispiness or regular for a classic coating Try to select fresh breadcrumbs without added sugars
  • Cooking spray: prevents sticking and helps the coating turn golden Go for a neutral oil spray with a high smoke point
  • Honey: adds natural sweetness Choose raw or local honey for better depth of flavor
  • Unsalted butter: gives a creamy richness Unsalted lets you control the seasoning
  • Garlic: infuses the sauce with bold fresh aroma Always use freshly minced for best fragrance
  • Paprika: gives color and subtle warmth Opt for sweet or smoked for more complexity
  • Salt and black pepper: for savory balance Use freshly ground pepper for a little spicy kick

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Mixture:
Mix honey melted butter minced garlic paprika salt and black pepper in a small bowl Stir until fully combined Reserve half for later as a glaze
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic mixture to cover every surface Coat with breadcrumbs by rolling and pressing gently to make sure they adhere
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Turn your air fryer to four hundred degrees and let it heat for two to three minutes Preheating helps the chicken develop a crispy outer layer
Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer:
Spray the basket lightly with cooking spray Lay tenders in a single layer making sure they do not touch as this gives even browning and crispiness
Cook the Chicken:
Cook at four hundred degrees for ten to twelve minutes flipping halfway through The tenders should be golden on the outside and reach an internal temperature of one hundred sixty five degrees
Add the Final Glaze:
Once cooked immediately drizzle the reserved honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders This adds moisture and an extra layer of flavor Serve while hot
A bowl of chicken with a sauce. Save
A bowl of chicken with a sauce. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite part is brushing on that sweet buttery glaze right before serving It reminds me of my grandmother’s honey chicken but with a modern crispy twist My kids always ask for extra sauce for dipping alongside veggies

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container for up to two days in the refrigerator To reheat place in the air fryer for four to five minutes at three hundred fifty degrees This restores crispiness better than using a microwave

Ingredient Substitutions

Chicken tenders can be swapped for chicken breast strips or even boneless thighs For a gluten free version use gluten free breadcrumbs Swap paprika with a pinch of cayenne for extra heat or try maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness

Serving Suggestions

Serve these tenders alongside a fresh green salad steamed broccoli or oven roasted potatoes For a fun appetizer slice tenders into smaller bites and offer extra sauce for dipping They also pair well with simple rice or slaw for a balanced meal

A bowl of chicken wings with sauce. Save
A bowl of chicken wings with sauce. | sarahmeal.com

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I get the chicken tenders extra crispy in the air fryer?

Press the breadcrumbs gently onto each piece and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Flipping halfway through ensures a crisp texture on all sides.

→ Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Both panko and regular breadcrumbs work. Panko provides a lighter, crunchier bite while regular offers a classic coating.

→ Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can replace butter with a non-dairy alternative like margarine for a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

→ What internal temperature should the chicken reach?

Chicken tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a food thermometer to check.

→ How should I serve the honey butter garlic chicken tenders?

Serve hot right after adding the glaze, either as a main dish, party appetizer, or in wraps and salads for extra flavor.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken

Crispy chicken tenders glazed in honey butter garlic, made easily in the air fryer for quick flavor.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
12 minutes
Total Duration
22 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: American

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (12 chicken tenders)

Diet Preferences: ~

What You'll Need

→ Chicken Preparation

Ingredient 01 450 g chicken tenders
Ingredient 02 120 g breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Ingredient 03 Cooking spray

→ Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

Ingredient 04 60 ml honey
Ingredient 05 28 g unsalted butter, melted
Ingredient 06 3 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 07 1 teaspoon paprika
Ingredient 08 1 teaspoon salt
Ingredient 09 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make It

Instruction 01

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly blended. Reserve half of the mixture for glazing after cooking.

Instruction 02

Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic mixture, coating completely. Roll each piece in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly for an even crust.

Instruction 03

Preheat the air fryer to 200°C for 2 to 3 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crisp exterior.

Instruction 04

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, ensuring none are touching.

Instruction 05

Air fry the chicken tenders at 200°C for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. The coating should be golden brown and crisp, and the internal temperature should reach 74°C.

Instruction 06

Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a serving plate and drizzle with the reserved honey butter garlic sauce. Serve immediately while hot.

Additional Tips

  1. For maximum crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and work in batches if necessary.

Essential Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten)
  • Contains dairy (butter)

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 289
  • Fat Content: 10 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 27 grams
  • Protein Content: 24 grams