Name: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486094H20M21S
Total time: PT-486094H20M21S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, sliced into strips; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup honey; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; Cooking spray

These air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and packed with sweet and savory flavor. I coat tender strips of chicken in a light breading, cook them to golden perfection in the air fryer, and then toss them in a sticky honey butter garlic glaze that takes them over the top. Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how easy and quick these chicken tenders are to make, especially in the air fryer—no deep frying needed. The breading turns out crispy without a lot of oil, and the glaze is a rich blend of honey, butter, and garlic that clings beautifully to each piece. It’s a family-friendly recipe, perfect for dinner or a weekend snack, and I can easily double it for gatherings.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts sliced into strips
All-purpose flour
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Salt and pepper
Eggs
Panko breadcrumbs
Honey
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic (minced)
Cooking spray

Directions

I start by preheating the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
In one bowl, I mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In another bowl, I beat the eggs. A third bowl holds the panko breadcrumbs.
I dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, dip it in the eggs, then coat it with breadcrumbs.
I arrange the coated tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying them lightly with cooking spray.
I cook the tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and fully cooked through.
While the tenders cook, I melt the butter in a saucepan, add the minced garlic, and sauté for about a minute. Then I stir in the honey and cook the mixture for another minute until well combined.
I toss the cooked chicken tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce until fully coated.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. The total prep and cook time is around 25-30 minutes—about 10 minutes of prep and 15-20 minutes of air frying.

Variations

Sometimes I like to add a touch of heat with crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the honey garlic glaze. For a gluten-free version, I swap the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. I also occasionally use chicken thighs for a juicier bite.

Storage/reheating

To store leftovers, I place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For reheating, I use the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes to bring back the crispiness. I avoid microwaving because it softens the breading too much.

FAQs

How do I know the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the juices run clear when I cut into them.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, but I make sure to thaw them completely before breading and cooking for even results.

Can I make these without an air fryer?

Absolutely—I bake them at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes or pan-fry them in a bit of oil until golden and cooked through.

What can I serve with these tenders?

I often serve them with steamed vegetables, a fresh salad, or over rice to soak up the glaze.

Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes, I make it ahead and reheat gently before tossing with the tenders.

Conclusion

These air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are one of my favorite go-to recipes when I want something crispy, flavorful, and satisfying without a lot of fuss. The sweet, garlicky glaze makes them irresistible, and the air fryer keeps everything lighter without sacrificing crunch.