Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Here’s a simple recipe for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders that’s both crispy and flavorful!

Ingredients:

• Chicken Tenders: 1 lb (about 12-15 pieces)

• For the Honey Butter Sauce:

  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)

  • 2 tbsp honey

  • 3-4 cloves garlic (minced)

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for some added flavor)

• For the Chicken Coating:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp onion powder

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • 1/2 tsp salt

  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

  • 2 large eggs (beaten)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

1. Clean the chicken tenders: Rinse them and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Season the chicken: Sprinkle a bit of salt and pepper over the chicken tenders, just to add a base flavor.

Step 2: Make the Coating

1. In one bowl, mix flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. In another bowl, beat the eggs.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

1. Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, allowing excess to drip off.

2. Then, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).

3. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure it doesn’t burn.

3. Stir in the honey, salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Toss the Chicken

1. Once the chicken tenders are cooked and crispy, transfer them to a bowl.

2. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders, and toss gently to coat them.

Step 7: Serve!

Serve your crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with a side of dipping sauce or your favorite side dishes (think mashed potatoes, veggies, or fries). Enjoy!

These tenders should be crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, with that sweet and savory honey garlic flavor that makes them irresistible! Let me know how it turns out!