Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crispy. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make a fantastic weeknight dinner, meal prep option, or healthy alternative to fast food. The air fryer locks in moisture and flavor without the need for deep frying.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Recipe

• Healthier than deep-fried alternatives with less oil

• Family-friendly and kid-approved

• Made with pantry staples—no breading or marinating needed

• Perfect balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and buttery richness

• Ready in under 25 minutes

Ingredients Breakdown:

• Chicken Tenders (1 lb / 450 g): Lean and tender, they cook quickly and soak up all that delicious honey-garlic flavor.

• Honey (¼ cup): Brings a natural sweetness and helps create a sticky glaze.

• Unsalted Butter, Melted (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps caramelize the coating.

• Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Delivers bold, aromatic flavor.

• Paprika (½ tsp, optional): Adds mild heat and color.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the sweet and savory elements.

• Lemon Juice (1 tsp, optional): Cuts through the sweetness with a bit of brightness.

• Olive Oil Spray: Keeps the tenders from sticking to the air fryer and helps crisp them up.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked perfectly every time.

• Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain crispiness.

• Make it spicy by adding chili flakes or hot sauce to the glaze.

• Double the sauce and use it as a dip or drizzle.

Flavor Variations

• Asian-Inspired: Add a splash of soy sauce and grated ginger to the glaze.

• Buffalo Style: Swap honey for hot sauce and butter for a spicy twist.

• Lemon Herb: Omit honey and add Italian seasoning with extra lemon juice.

Best Serving Suggestions

• Pair with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or coleslaw.

• Serve on top of rice or a salad for a balanced lunch.

• Perfect as an appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dip.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes or until warmed through.

• Freeze: Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat directly in the air fryer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Yes. Just cut them into strips and adjust cook time slightly based on thickness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your seasonings and sauces are certified gluten-free.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and coat the chicken, then refrigerate until ready to cook.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

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• Author: easysweetmeal
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders – Crispy, juicy air-fried tenders coated in a sticky-sweet mix of honey, butter, and garlic. Quick, kid-friendly & perfect for dinner or game day!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders

• 1/4 cup (60 ml) honey

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

• Olive oil spray for greasing the air fryer basket

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Glaze

• In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Honey

  • Melted butter

  • Minced garlic

  • Paprika (if using)

  • Salt and pepper

  • Lemon juice (optional)

2. Coat the Chicken

• Pat chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

• Toss the chicken in the honey butter garlic mixture until well coated.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer

• Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for 5 minutes.

4. Cook the Chicken

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.

• Place chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

• Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Chicken is done when internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and surface is golden brown.

5. Add Extra Flavor (Optional)

• Brush any leftover honey butter mixture over the tenders during the last 2 minutes for added flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy

• Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces or steamed vegetables.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, you can lightly dredge chicken in cornstarch before air frying.

• Leftover honey butter glaze also makes a great spread for toast or biscuits.

• This recipe is naturally free of breadcrumbs and dairy can be substituted for vegan butter

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American

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