Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders  : are you looking for a delicious meal that is easy to prepare and so good it reminds you of childhood dinners? Look no further! Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect dish for any occasion. They are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet and savory flavors. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic takes this classic dish to the next level. Whether you are making dinner for your family or having friends over, this recipe will make sure that everyone leaves the table happy.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are many reasons to love Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. First, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and quick steps, you can serve a meal that feels gourmet. Second, they are versatile. You can enjoy them as a main dish, a finger food for parties, or even as a meal prep option for the week.

The air fryer makes the chicken tenders crispy without the need for deep frying, making them a healthier option. Plus, the honey and garlic give the chicken a delicious flavor that will have everyone coming back for more. Whether you dip them in ranch dressing, serve them with a salad, or make a sandwich, these chicken tenders will not disappoint.

How to Prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of fresh chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional)
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Dry chicken helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture.
2. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and stir it for about one minute until fragrant. Remove from the heat and mix in the honey. This honey butter garlic sauce will be the star of the dish!
3. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, and paprika. Toss the chicken tenders in this mixture to ensure they are evenly coated with the seasonings.
4. Coat the Chicken: After seasoning, dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic sauce, then dredge it in breadcrumbs. Make sure every piece is well-coated for maximum flavor and crunch.
5. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps to achieve that lovely crispy exterior.
6. Arrange the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the basket of your air fryer with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. If needed, cook in batches.
7. Cook the Chicken Tenders: Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes. Check for doneness; the chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). You can flip the tenders halfway through cooking for an even crisp.
8. Drizzle with Sauce: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, take them out and immediately drizzle the remaining honey butter garlic sauce over the top. This will add more flavor and ensure they are wonderfully sticky.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Now, your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are ready to be served!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

There are many ways to enjoy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Here are a few ideas:

• As a Main Course: Serve them with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes for a complete meal.
• With Dipping Sauces: Create a dipping station with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or hot sauce.
• In a Sandwich: Layer the chicken tenders in a bun with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauces for a delicious chicken sandwich.
• As Party Appetizers: Cut the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve them on a platter for game day or any gathering.

How to Store Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

If you have any leftovers (which is rare because they are so tasty!), you can store them in a few easy steps:

1. Let Them Cool: Allow the chicken tenders to cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Use an Airtight Container: Place the chicken tenders in an airtight container. You can also use plastic wrap to cover them securely if you don’t have a container.
3. Refrigerate: Store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked tenders. Just place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, and they will last for about 2-3 months.

Tips for Preparing Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Quality: Use fresh, high-quality chicken tenders for the best flavor. If using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw them completely and drain excess water.
• Panko or Regular Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs create an even crispier texture, but regular breadcrumbs will work fine too.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet taste, you can reduce the amount of honey in the sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; this allows hot air to circulate and ensures even cooking and crispiness.

Variations

You can easily customize Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders to suit your taste:

• Spicy Version: For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix. You can also use a spicy honey for the sauce.
• Herbed Tenders: Mix dried herbs like thyme or parsley into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
• Cheesy Tenders: Mix grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs to create cheesy garlic chicken tenders.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
   Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating them with the sauce and breadcrumbs.
2. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
   The best way to check is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. The chicken should also be golden brown on the outside.
3. Can I air fry other types of chicken?
   Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken, chicken breasts, or even chicken thighs. Just adjust the cooking time according to the size of the chicken pieces.

With this recipe for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll enjoy a tasty, crispy meal that is quick to prepare and sure to please everyone. Happy cooking!