Craving something crispy, sweet, garlicky, and finger-licking good? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are your new obsession. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a warm, sticky honey butter garlic glaze—they’re everything comfort food should be, without the deep fryer guilt.
With the air fryer taking the lead in healthy cooking trends, this recipe is perfect for home cooks who want restaurant-style flavor with a light, golden crunch. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or hosting game night, these tenders hit the spot every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Crispy without the grease – Get that irresistible crunch without deep frying.
- Simple ingredients – No fancy tools or hard-to-find spices—just pantry staples.
- Quick cook time – Ready in under 30 minutes start to finish.
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved – Sweet, savory, and ultra craveable.
- Perfect for meal prep – Great for leftovers or next-day lunch wraps.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Chicken tenders – Juicy and tender, these are the perfect size for even cooking.
- Buttermilk – Tenderizes the chicken and enhances the flavor while marinating.
- Eggs and breadcrumbs – Create a golden, crispy coating when air fried.
- Garlic cloves – Freshly minced for deep, savory flavor in the glaze.
- Butter – Rich and creamy base for the honey garlic glaze.
- Honey – Adds natural sweetness and stickiness for that signature “crackly” coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes—or up to 4 hours for max flavor.
2. Prepare the Breading Station
Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs, another with a mix of flour and breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Tenders
Remove chicken from marinade. Dip each piece in the egg wash, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere coating.
4. Air Fry Until Golden
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Arrange tenders in a single layer (do in batches if needed). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
5. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small pan. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in honey and a pinch of salt. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
6. Toss and Serve
Drizzle or toss the cooked chicken tenders with the warm honey butter garlic sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy the sticky, savory goodness!
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot honey to the glaze.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour alternatives.
- No buttermilk? Use a mix of milk + lemon juice (1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice).
- Extra crispy hack: Chill the breaded tenders in the fridge for 10 minutes before air frying.
How to Store & Reheat
To Store:
Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
To Reheat:
Air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to regain crispiness, or bake in a toaster oven until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re loving the crispy, sweet-savory combo of these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’re in for a treat with these other easy and delicious recipes!
- Strawberry Honeybun Cake – A moist, tender cake swirled with cinnamon sugar and topped with a sweet strawberry glaze. Perfect for dessert or brunch!
- Air Fryer Cheeseburger Wraps – Juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and crispy tortillas all cooked to perfection in the air fryer.
- Air Fryer Grilled Cheese Hot Dogs – The ultimate mash-up of comfort food classics, made extra crispy and melty thanks to the air fryer.
These recipes are just as fun, easy, and satisfying—perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend bites!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate and bread the tenders ahead, then air fry fresh when ready to serve.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Just slice them into similar-sized strips to ensure even cooking.
Can I make these in the oven instead of an air fryer?
Yes. Bake at 425°F (220°C) on a wire rack for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dipping sauce goes best with these tenders?
Ranch, honey mustard, or extra honey butter garlic sauce are all delicious pairings.
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are sweet, savory, crispy, and completely irresistible. Whether you’re whipping them up for dinner or dishing them out at your next party, they’ll disappear in minutes. Don’t forget to snap a pic and tag your version—I’d love to see your kitchen magic! Want more air fryer recipes like this? Be sure to follow for weekly updates!
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- – 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- – 1 cup buttermilk
- – 1 tsp garlic powder
- – 1/2 tsp paprika
- – Salt & pepper to taste
- – 2 eggs
- – 1 cup all-purpose flour
- – 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- – Olive oil spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- – 1/3 cup honey
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 2–3 garlic cloves minced
- – 1 tsp soy sauce optional
- – Pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
- Set up two bowls: one with beaten eggs, the other with flour and panko mixed together.
- Dip each chicken tender in egg, then dredge in breadcrumb mixture. Press to adhere.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray basket with oil and place tenders in a single layer.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and fully cooked.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in honey, soy sauce (if using), and salt. Simmer 2–3 minutes.
- Toss air-fried chicken tenders in the warm honey butter garlic sauce or drizzle over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
– No buttermilk? Use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tbsp lemon juice.
– To reheat: air fry at 375°F for 3–4 minutes or until crispy again.