Oh my goodness, if you haven’t tried air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders yet, you are missing out! These little beauties are a game changer—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with that sweet garlic flavor we all love. What’s even better? They come together in no time at all, making them perfect for busy weeknights or those last-minute dinner cravings. I remember the first time I made these; my kids devoured them in minutes! Now, they’re a staple in our house, and I can whip them up without breaking a sweat. Seriously, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy because it’s bound to become a family favorite in your home too!
Ingredients List
To make these mouthwatering air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 pound of chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup of honey
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
These ingredients work together to create a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that you won’t be able to resist! Trust me, you’ll want to double-check your pantry before you start cooking!
How to Prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s get cooking! Making these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders is super straightforward, and I promise you’ll feel like a pro in the kitchen. Here’s how I do it, step by step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first—preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior!
- While the air fryer is heating up, grab a mixing bowl and combine the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder. Give it a good stir until all those flavors are well mixed. It should smell divine!
- Now, it’s time to coat the chicken tenders. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and make sure each piece gets a nice, even coating of that delicious honey garlic mixture. I like to use my hands for this—it’s messy but totally worth it!
- Next, take your coated chicken tenders and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to crowd them; it’s key for them to cook evenly.
- Cook those beauties for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through so both sides get that gorgeous golden color. Make sure to check for doneness with a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety!
- Once they’re done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps lock in all that juicy goodness!
And there you have it! Delicious, crispy chicken tenders ready to be devoured. I can barely wait to dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall head over heels for these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders! Here’s why I can’t get enough of them:
- Quick and easy preparation—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Flavor-packed with a delightful blend of sweet honey and savory garlic.
- Healthier than traditional frying, thanks to the air fryer method.
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside—total comfort food!
- Kid-approved, so you know they’ll be a hit at the dinner table.
Seriously, once you try them, I bet you’ll be making them again and again!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders! Each serving, which is about four tenders, packs in approximately 280 calories. You’ll also find around 12 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. For protein lovers, you’re looking at about 25 grams per serving, making it a satisfying meal! Additionally, there are roughly 18 grams of carbs and 10 grams of sugar from the honey. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But trust me, they’re a deliciously wholesome option!
Tips for Success
Alright, friends, let’s make sure your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders turn out absolutely perfect! Here are my go-to tips:
- Adjust the sweetness: If you like things a little sweeter, feel free to add more honey! Just remember, it’s all about your personal taste.
- Get crispy: For extra crunch, I like to spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray before air frying. It really helps achieve that golden-brown perfection!
- Serving suggestions: These tenders are fantastic on their own, but pair them with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or a tangy honey mustard for an extra flavor kick. You could also serve them on a bed of salad or alongside some roasted veggies for a complete meal!
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to impress your family or guests. Happy cooking!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these mouthwatering air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders? No worries, I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I hear:
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can cut chicken breasts into strips and follow the same cooking instructions. Just make sure they’re uniform in size for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way is to use a meat thermometer. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) for safe and juicy chicken. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the chicken is no longer pink in the center.
Can I store leftovers?
Yes! Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make a great lunch the next day!
Can I reheat them in the air fryer?
You bet! Reheat your chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This will help them stay crispy, just like when they were freshly made!
Feel free to reach out if you have more questions—I’m here to help you make the best chicken tenders ever!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftover air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders? No problem! To store them, just pop them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for meal prep or quick lunches! When it’s time to enjoy them again, I recommend reheating in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them nice and crispy, just like when they were fresh out of the fryer! Trust me, you’ll love how they taste all over again!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, the possibilities are endless! I love to pair them with a crisp side salad drizzled with a light vinaigrette to balance the sweetness of the chicken. Roasted veggies, like Brussels sprouts or carrots, make for a fantastic side too—so colorful and delicious! If you’re in the mood for something hearty, creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice can soak up all that honey garlic goodness. And don’t forget a zesty dipping sauce; a classic ranch or a tangy honey mustard really takes it over the top! Enjoy your meal!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: 5 Reasons to Love
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious air fryer chicken tenders coated in honey, butter, and garlic.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix honey, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and onion powder.
- Add chicken tenders to the bowl and coat them well.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Remove from the air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
- Adjust honey amount for desired sweetness.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders
