Tasty Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Honey butter garlic chicken tenders from the air fryer barely last five minutes at my place. That sweet buttery kick inside and the crackling outside turn a normal night into everyone's favorite. We started making these for last-minute Friday bites and now they're a weeknight must.

The first batch was spontaneous. Now my kids ask for them every birthday, lazy movie night, or a dinner when time's short. It's become our fun tradition now!

Tasty Ingredients

• Breadcrumbs: use panko or classic, unseasoned or fresh is best for a crispy finish
• Black pepper, freshly ground: gives a mild heat without stealing the show
• Salt: wakes up all the flavors in the chicken and sauce
• Garlic, minced: fresh garlic cloves will give you the boldest taste
• Honey: brings a comfy sweetness; local or wildflower honey gives extra flowery notes
• Butter, melted: makes every bite richer, grab unsalted so you don't overdo the salt
• Cooking spray: helps everything brown up and keeps the tenders from sticking
• Chicken tenders: aim for plump, fresh pieces without spots or dryness

Simple How-To

Rest and Serve:

Let the tenders hang out a few minutes so they've got extra juiciness and crunch Stick them next to your go-to dip or a fresh salad

Cook the Tenders:

Air fry at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for ten to twelve minutes Flip them halfway through for even crispiness. When outside's gold and the inside's at one hundred sixty five degrees, they're done

Arrange in Air Fryer Basket:

Light spritz of cooking spray in your basket then lay the tenders out so none are on top of each other Give them room to get crunchy

Coat the Chicken:

Dip each strip in the honey butter garlic mix Let some drip off Roll them in breadcrumbs so every bit is crunchy

Prepare Breading Station:

Put breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl Keep your honey butter sauce nearby for dipping chicken strips This way you stay neat

Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

Stir up melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl Keep mixing until it's smooth and smells amazing

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Fire up your air fryer to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes before starting. This way everything gets crispy right from the get-go

Bookmark

The honey is what takes this over the top for me It melts into the chicken for shine and a sweet smell I cracked up when my youngest first licked her fingers and shouted these were better than any takeout

Leftover Storage Hacks

Toss leftover tenders in a tight-sealing container in the fridge—they’ll last up to three days. When you want them crispy again, use the air fryer at three hundred fifty degrees Fahrenheit for about five minutes. Skip the microwave to keep them crunchy

Swap It Up

Only got chicken breasts? Just slice them thin so they cook like tenders. Want more kick? Add smoked paprika or cayenne to the honey butter. Gluten free breadcrumbs are an easy swap. If you’re skipping dairy, use coconut oil or any plant butter in place of butter

How to Serve Them

Stack tenders on a platter with dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, or ranch Add crunchy veggie sticks or coleslaw on the side Feeding a group? Slice them into wraps with lettuce and tomatoes, or set them out as finger food

Bookmark

Fun Backstory

In the US, chicken tenders have been a diner staple for ages The air fryer makes it a breeze to get that restaurant crisp at home Honey and butter bring old-school fair vibes, but now it’s a real cozy comfort at home

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?

If you've got boneless chicken breasts, just slice them up into strips. Remember, thicker pieces might need a little more time to cook through.

→ How do I make the coating extra crispy?

Really press those chicken pieces into the breadcrumbs for a thick layer, and don’t let them pile up in the air fryer—space helps the crunch.

→ What dipping sauces pair best?

Try these: creamy ranch, tangy honey mustard, smoky BBQ, or go spicy with sriracha mayo for a little kick.

→ Can these be made ahead and reheated?

Totally! Just toss leftovers in the air fryer at 375°F for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll crisp up again and won’t dry out.

→ Is it possible to add a spicy kick?

Sure thing! Mix in some cayenne or splash a bit of hot sauce into your honey butter garlic before you coat the chicken.

→ Are these suitable for a vegetarian diet?

These use chicken, so nope. But swap the meat for extra-firm tofu or your favorite plant-based option to keep it veggie-friendly.