Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are my lazy-day lifesaver. Crispy, sweet, and garlicky—without turning on the oven. So easy, so good.

The honey butter melts right into the crispy coating. The garlic gives it that bold flavor. And the air fryer? Makes ‘em golden and perfect in minutes.

They’re tender inside, crispy outside, and covered in sticky-sweet garlic glaze. I dip ‘em, stack ‘em, snack on ‘em. Honestly, they disappear fast.

Let’s make a batch right now. You’ve got the tenders, I’ve got the recipe. Air fryer magic coming up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and Coated: Each tender comes out crisp on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a sweet garlic butter sauce.
• Air Fryer Magic: You get all the crunch without deep frying—less mess and healthier, too.
• Perfect for Weeknights: From prep to plate in about 45 minutes.
• Kid-Approved: It’s mild, flavorful, and super dippable.
• Make Ahead Friendly: You can prep and freeze them for quick meals later.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings
This recipe makes enough for 4 people as a main dish. Add a veggie and rice or salad to stretch it further.

Difficulty
Beginner-friendly with steps simple enough for anyone to follow, even on busy nights.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer (basket or oven-style)
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Basting brush (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Small saucepan (for glaze)

Ingredients for Chicken Tenders and Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy glazed tenders:

For the Chicken:

• 1½ pounds chicken tenders – boneless, skinless (or slice chicken breasts into strips)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – or use regular if preferred
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 large egg – beaten
• Cooking spray – olive oil or avocado oil spray works best

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey – for sweetness and stickiness
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – melted
• 3 cloves garlic – minced
• ½ teaspoon paprika – for a warm, smoky kick
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Variations for This Recipe

• Spicy Version: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce to the glaze.
• No Butter Option: Use olive oil in the glaze if you need a dairy-free version.
• Crunchier Tenders: Double-dip the chicken in egg and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.
• No Egg: Dip in plain yogurt or buttermilk instead of egg for a tangy twist.
• Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the finished tenders for color and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.

2. Set Up Breading Station

In one bowl, beat the egg. In another, mix breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, and paprika.

3. Bread the Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into the egg, then into the breadcrumb mix, pressing lightly to coat well.

4. Air Fry the Tenders

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes. Place tenders in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, flip, then cook for another 7–8 minutes until golden and crispy. Internal temp should reach 165°F.

Serving and Decoration

These chicken tenders shine as a main dish but can flex into many roles:

• Serve with: Steamed rice, roasted veggies, or mashed potatoes.
• Make a wrap: Tuck into warm tortillas with lettuce and ranch or spicy mayo.
• Dip it: Offer a side of extra honey butter garlic glaze or classic ranch.
• Garnish: Drizzle with remaining glaze and sprinkle with chopped parsley or chives.

They look best piled high on a platter with a small bowl of sauce on the side—warm, golden, and irresistible.

How to Store Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes at 350°F to bring back crispiness.
• Freezer: After cooking, freeze cooled tenders in a single layer. Once frozen, store in a bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheating Frozen Tenders: No thawing needed. Air fry at 360°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Space = crisp.
• Use a thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F in the center.
• Dry the chicken well. This makes the coating stick better.
• Double-dip if you like it extra crispy. Egg → crumbs → repeat.
• Use warm glaze. Brush it on while the tenders are hot so it soaks in better.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	390 kcal
Protein	29 g
Carbohydrates	25 g
Sugars	9 g
Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	1 g
Sodium	460 mg

Note: Nutrition will vary depending on brands and substitutions used.

FAQs About Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes. Just slice the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. This helps them cook evenly in the air fryer.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 1 day. For longer storage, freeze them raw (after breading), then air fry from frozen.

How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?

Use the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just cook in batches so the air fryer basket isn’t overcrowded. Overlapping pieces won’t crisp up as well.

Is the glaze spicy?

Not really. The paprika adds a mild warmth, but you can make it spicy by adding chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the glaze.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these tenders?

These are great with ranch, spicy mayo, or extra honey butter garlic glaze. Barbecue sauce also pairs nicely.

Conclusion

I’ve made these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders more times than I can count. They check all the boxes—easy, crispy, sweet-savory, and family-friendly. If you love comfort food with a little upgrade, this recipe is worth keeping in your regular rotation.