Description
How to make crispy, juicy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with sticky sweet sauce that your family will absolutely love.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Tenders Coating:
- 1.5 – 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 4–5 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water for a slurry)
- For Garnish (Optional):
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prep Dredging: Combine flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish. Whisk eggs in another, and Panko in a third. This creates your dredging station for the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip in egg, and finally coat generously with Panko breadcrumbs. Ensure even coverage for crispy results.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange coated tenders in a single layer, not overlapping. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: While chicken cooks, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, stirring often.
- Thicken Sauce: Whisk in the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce. Continue to cook and stir for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy, sticky consistency. It’s crucial for coating the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe.
- Toss Tenders: Once chicken is cooked, transfer the crispy tenders directly into the warm honey butter garlic sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated with the delicious, sticky glaze.
- Garnish & Serve: Transfer the coated Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe to a platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting dish!
Notes
Always preheat your air fryer and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure perfectly crispy tenders every time.
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days; reheat in the air fryer for best crispness.
For gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a GF blend and use gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs and soy sauce.
Serve immediately and hot for optimal crispness; pair with a fresh green salad or jasmine rice for a complete meal.
Prep coated, unfried tenders up to 24 hours ahead, storing them covered in the fridge; cook sauce fresh.
Brown the butter slightly for a deeper, nutty flavor in the sauce, elevating the overall taste.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Soy, Sesame