Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy a simple yet flavorful dish with this Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken tenders are coated in a sweet garlic sauce and perfectly air fried for a quick, satisfying meal.

A close-up of crispy chicken wings stacked on a white plate, each wing glazed with a shiny, sticky sauce that glistens under the light. The wings have a golden-brown, crunchy skin with black pepper flakes and sesame seeds sprinkled evenly on top. Small green herb bits add a touch of color, and the texture looks crunchy and juicy. The background shows a blurred white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them evenly with the honey garlic mixture.
  3. Step 3: On a separate plate, spread the breadcrumbs.
  4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs and ensure they are fully coated.
  5. Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
  6. Step 6: Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap.
  7. Step 7: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
  8. Step 8: Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier crust.
  • For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the honey mixture.
  • If you prefer, swap chicken tenders for chicken breasts cut into strips.
  • Serve with a lemon wedge or fresh herbs like parsley for a bright finish.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness, or warm in the oven until heated through.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a tall stack of golden-brown crispy chicken tenders coated in a shiny, sticky sauce with visible sesame seeds and black seasoning bits scattered over each piece. Small green herb bits are sprinkled evenly on top, adding a fresh touch. Each tender has a textured, crunchy surface and is placed closely together on a white plate. The background is blurred but shows a bright kitchen with white cabinets and large window light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken tenders to ensure even cooking and proper breading adhesion. If using frozen, thaw completely before preparing.

What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken?

This chicken pairs well with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor.

Print

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Recipe

Deliciously crispy air fryer chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. These tenders are breaded and air fried to golden perfection, combining the rich taste of honey and butter with aromatic garlic and spices.

  • Author: Amaya
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken tenders

Honey Garlic Sauce

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Bread Coating

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the honey garlic sauce: In a bowl, mix together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined to form a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
  2. Coat the chicken tenders: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the honey garlic mixture and toss to evenly coat each piece with the sauce.
  3. Prepare breadcrumbs: Spread the breadcrumbs evenly on a separate plate to create an easy dredging station for the tenders.
  4. Bread the chicken: Dredge each coated chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are fully covered with the breadcrumb coating.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Air fry the tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, taking care that they do not overlap to ensure even cooking. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumb crust is golden brown and crispy.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in juices before serving hot.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture or regular breadcrumbs for a denser crust.
  • Adjust the seasoning in the honey garlic sauce to your preference by adding more garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
  • Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps maintain moisture inside the tenders.

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey butter garlic chicken, crispy chicken tenders, easy air fryer recipes, quick chicken dinner

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