Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Crispy, juicy chicken tenders made in the air fryer, coated in a rich honey butter garlic glaze. A sweet and savory recipe everyone will crave!
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
- Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- 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.
- 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.