Crispy & Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

𝐘𝐀𝐘 𝐎𝐑 𝐍𝐀𝐘 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 Crispy & Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders? 🍯🧄✨

If you’re craving crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken tenders without the guilt of deep frying, this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is about to become your new favorite! With a perfect blend of sweet honey, rich butter, and aromatic garlic, these tenders come out golden brown and packed with flavor. Best of all, they’re super easy to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Healthier Alternative – Skip the deep fryer and enjoy crispy chicken with less oil!
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
✅ Sweet & Savory Goodness – The honey butter garlic glaze is pure magic.
✅ Kid-Friendly – Even picky eaters will love these flavorful tenders.

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need
1 lb chicken tenders – Tender and juicy, perfect for quick cooking.
4 tablespoons butter, melted – Adds richness and helps with browning.
3 tablespoons honey – A natural sweetener that caramelizes beautifully.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Brings that irresistible garlicky kick.
1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the flavors of the chicken.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a mild kick of heat.
1 cup breadcrumbs – For that perfect crispy coating.
Cooking spray – Helps crisp up the exterior in the air fryer.
🔥 How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
1️⃣ Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic. This mixture is what makes the tenders extra flavorful and delicious.

2️⃣ Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Sprinkle them with salt and black pepper to ensure they’re well-seasoned before coating.

3️⃣ Coat with Breadcrumbs
Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the breadcrumbs until evenly covered. This step ensures a crispy texture when air-fried!

4️⃣ Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping.

5️⃣ Air Fry to Perfection
Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

6️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
Let the chicken tenders cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch, honey mustard, or a drizzle of extra honey butter sauce pairs perfectly!

🍽️ What to Serve with These Chicken Tenders
Wondering what to pair with these crispy, honey-butter garlic tenders? Here are some ideas:

🥗 Fresh Salad – A crisp green salad balances out the richness.
🍟 Air Fryer French Fries – Because who doesn’t love crispy fries?
🥦 Roasted Veggies – A healthy and flavorful side option.
🍚 Steamed Rice – The sweet and savory flavors pair perfectly with fluffy rice.
💡 Pro Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
⭐ Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Air circulation is key for crispy tenders. Cook in batches if needed.
⭐ Use panko breadcrumbs – They create an extra crispy coating.
⭐ Adjust the seasoning – Add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for a little heat.
⭐ Let them rest – Allowing the tenders to rest for a few minutes after cooking keeps them juicy.

🔥 Air Fryer vs. Oven – Which One is Better?
While the air fryer is the fastest way to get crispy chicken tenders, you can also bake them in the oven! Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

🛑 Common Mistakes to Avoid
🚫 Skipping the cooking spray – A light spritz helps crisp up the coating.
🚫 Overcrowding the air fryer – This can lead to uneven cooking.
🚫 Not flipping halfway – Ensures even browning and crispiness.

🥡 How to Store & Reheat
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat: Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness.

🤩 More Air Fryer Recipes You’ll Love
🔥 Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings – Crispy, cheesy, and full of garlic flavor!
🔥 Honey Sriracha Chicken Bites – A perfect balance of sweet and spicy.
🔥 Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks – Ooey-gooey, crunchy perfection.