Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Crispy air fryer chicken tenders coated in a sticky, sweet, and savory honey butter garlic glaze. An easy, family-friendly dinner ready in under 30 minutes!

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 420 kcal

Ingredients

For the Chicken & Breading:

1.5 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips {680 grams}
1 cup all-purpose flour {120 grams}
2 teaspoons garlic powder {6 grams}
2 teaspoons paprika {5 grams}
1 teaspoon salt {6 grams}
½ teaspoon black pepper {1 gram}
2 large eggs beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs {50 grams}

For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:

⅓ cup honey {80 ml}
4 tablespoons unsalted butter {57 grams}
4-5 large garlic cloves minced (about 2 tablespoons) {20 grams}
2 tablespoons soy sauce {30 ml}
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice {15 ml}
Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Dredging Station

In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station. In the first, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs. Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken

Pat chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat all sides. Place on a wire rack.

Step 3: Air Fry the Tenders

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place tenders in a single layer without touching (cook in batches if needed). Lightly spray tops with oil. Air fry for 7-9 minutes, flip, spray lightly again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 4: Make the Glaze

While chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Whisk in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Coat and Serve

Place hot, cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic glaze over them. Gently toss until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

For best results, ensure chicken is very dry before breading. Reheat leftovers in the air fryer to maintain crispness. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs and substitute soy sauce with tamari.