Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders! They’re like a warm hug on a plate—juicy, crispy, and bursting with the most mouthwatering flavors. Picture this: tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic glaze, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer! It’s such a game changer for meal prep, too. I remember the first time I made these; the smell wafting through my kitchen was irresistible! My family couldn’t wait to dig in, and I loved that I could whip them up in under 30 minutes. Trust me, once you try these, they’ll become a staple in your dinner rotation!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious tenders! Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go before you start cooking. It’ll make the process so much smoother, trust me!
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Getting these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders ready is a breeze! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a plate full of flavor in no time. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
Preheat the Air Fryer
First things first, preheating your air fryer is super important—it ensures your chicken cooks evenly and gets that crispy texture we all love. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. While that’s happening, you can get your ingredients ready!
Make the Honey Butter Garlic Mixture
Now, let’s whip up that delicious honey butter garlic mixture! In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. It’ll take just a couple of minutes. Once it’s melted, add in the honey, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir it all together until it’s well combined and you can smell that heavenly aroma wafting through your kitchen. This step is quick, so don’t walk away!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Time to coat those chicken tenders! Grab a large bowl and pour the honey butter garlic mixture over the chicken. Use tongs or your hands (I often use my hands because it feels more personal!) to make sure each tender is evenly coated in that sticky goodness. You want every bite to be flavorful, so really get in there!
Cooking the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This is key—don’t overcrowd them! Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through. A little tip: if you have a meat thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety!
Resting and Serving
Once they’re done, take the chicken tenders out and let them rest for a few minutes. This step is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, making your chicken even juicier. Serve them up with your favorite sides, or just enjoy them on their own! And hey, don’t forget to drizzle a little extra honey butter garlic sauce over the top for that extra flair. Yum!
Tips for Success
Want to make these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders even better? I’ve got a few handy tips to help you achieve chicken perfection! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference.
- Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have a little extra time, consider marinating the chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic mixture for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step intensifies the flavors and makes the chicken even more delectable!
- Adjust Cooking Time: Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your chicken tenders. Thicker pieces may need an extra minute or two, while thinner ones will cook faster. Just keep an eye on them!
- Don’t Crowd the Basket: For the crispiest results, make sure to place your chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of tenders, cook them in batches instead of overcrowding. This will ensure they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic makes a big difference in flavor, so opt for fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder if you can! The aroma it brings while cooking is simply irresistible.
- Experiment with Spices: Feel free to play around with the spices! If you love a little heat, add some cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the honey butter mixture. It’ll give your tenders a delightful kick!
Follow these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to making the best chicken tenders ever! Enjoy the process, and don’t forget to share the delicious results with your loved ones!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for these delightful air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders. Keep in mind these values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used. But this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying!
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 20g
Enjoy these tasty tenders knowing they’re not just delicious but also packed with protein to fuel your day!
FAQ About Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Got questions about these scrumptious air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my personal insights to help you navigate your cooking adventure.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but you’ll want to cut them into strips to mimic the tender size. Just keep an eye on the cooking time; chicken breasts might take a bit longer, around 12-15 minutes, depending on how thick you slice them. Always check for that perfect internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked!
What dipping sauces pair well with this dish?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! I love serving these tenders with a side of creamy ranch or zesty honey mustard for a delightful contrast to the sweet and savory flavors. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a spicy sriracha mayo or even a tangy BBQ sauce. Trust me, each bite will be an explosion of flavor!
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure they’re cooled down first to keep everything fresh. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that crispy goodness. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip these up in just 22 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights!
- Easy cleanup: The air fryer means less mess and fewer dishes, so you can enjoy your meal without the hassle.
- Flavor-packed: The combination of honey, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering glaze that enhances the juicy chicken tenders.
- Healthier option: Air frying gives you that crispy texture without all the extra oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust spices and marinades to suit your taste, ensuring you never get bored!
- Family-friendly: Everyone loves chicken tenders, and this recipe is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
Equipment Needed
Before you start cooking these amazing air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, make sure you have the right tools at your fingertips! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Air Fryer: This is the star of the show! A good-quality air fryer will give you that crispy texture without all the oil.
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a couple of mixing bowls—one for the honey butter garlic mixture and another for coating the chicken.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key, so have these handy for your ingredients.
- Tongs: Perfect for handling the chicken without making a mess, and they help with flipping during cooking!
- Spatula: This will come in handy for serving your delicious tenders once they’re done cooking.
- Cutting Board: If you need to slice any chicken or prep your ingredients, a sturdy cutting board is essential.
Gather these tools, and you’ll be all set to create some deliciousness in no time!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Bliss in 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are juicy, crispy, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the melted butter. Stir until combined.
- Coat the chicken tenders with the honey butter garlic mixture.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken tenders.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the honey butter mixture for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders
