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These air-fried chicken tenders come out golden and crunchy on the edges with super juicy centers, plus they’re packed with sweet garlicky glaze that’s always a hit at my place. They only take a few easy steps and it feels like a treat, even on a hectic night. That sticky honey butter and garlic combo is just unbeatable, and no deep fryer required!
I whipped these up during a dinner scramble once, and my husband couldn’t believe they weren’t fried. Pretty quickly, these became the favorite for game night snacks around here.
Mouthwatering Ingredients
- Breadcrumbs: give that awesome crunch. Grab panko if you want them extra crispy, or toast bread for your own
- Cooking spray: helps those tenders lift right off the basket once cooked
- Salt: wakes up all the flavors and makes the sweet pop
- Chicken tenders: go fresh or good-quality for juicy bites every time
- Butter: melting it lets the glaze coat every piece. Real butter gives richer flavor
- Honey: that natural sweetness pulls it all together—local honey is extra tasty
- Black pepper: just enough to add a gentle heat—fresh ground if you can
- Garlic cloves: chop them up for that big, punchy aroma. Fresh is always best
Simple Step-by-Step
- Give Them a Break:
- Once cooked, let the tenders sit for just a bit—this keeps them super juicy. Go ahead and plate, then serve with dips or salad
- Cook and Arrange:
- Lay the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space. Set to air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping partway. You’re looking for that deep golden color and fully cooked centers
- Basket Ready:
- Spritz your air fryer basket with spray so cleanup’s no sweat and the tenders don’t stick
- Bread the Tenders:
- Take your sauced chicken and coat in breadcrumbs. Flip so it’s covered everywhere—more crunch, more flavor
- Coat Each Piece:
- Dunk chicken tenders into the honey butter garlic glaze and roll them around to cover every side
- Set Up Breading:
- Pour the breadcrumbs into a dish and keep it next to your sauce for easy dipping
- Mix Up the Sauce:
- Whisk melted butter, garlic, salt, honey, and black pepper together in a small bowl until smooth and golden
- Preheat Time:
- Get your air fryer warming to 400°F for about 5 minutes so it’s hot when you start
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I’m a big fan of that garlicky kick—it just hits right, especially with the honey. Once I served these at a birthday bash and the whole crew thought they’d come from a fried chicken joint. That always makes me laugh remembering it.
Handy Storage Info
Stash leftover tenders in the fridge in something airtight for up to three days. When you want some, toss them back in the air fryer at 375°F for a handful of minutes and they crisp right up. The microwave works in an emergency but they won’t be crunchy anymore.
Swap-Out Ideas
No tenders? Slice up chicken breast or thighs and you’re set. Need to skip gluten? Swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs. Out of honey? Maple syrup does the trick!
Fun Ways to Serve
Pair these with a simple green salad, potato wedges, or some crunchy slaw. My family goes wild for dipping them in honey mustard or ranch. Or stuff them into a bun for instant sliders!
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Background & Story
Honey-butter chicken’s a classic in a lot of American comfort food circles. Using the air fryer just makes that awesome crunchy outside doable on a weeknight. It always reminds me of summer fairs—everything’s better with a little sweet glaze and eaten with your hands.
FAQs About the Recipe
- → How do I know when chicken tenders are fully cooked in the air fryer?
They're done when their center hits 165°F (74°C) and the outsides look golden and crunchy.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Sure thing, just slice boneless chicken breast into strips, bread 'em, and cook the same way.
- → How can I make the tenders spicier?
If you like heat, sprinkle a little cayenne pepper into your honey butter garlic mix before you coat the chicken.
- → What dipping sauces pair well with these tenders?
Dip them into honey mustard, barbecue, ranch, or whip up a simple garlic mayo to go with those sweet and savory flavors.
- → How do I keep the breadcrumb coating crispy?
Lightly spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray and give the tenders space so they don’t touch. That’ll help keep them crunchy.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
You can get them ready and stick 'em in the fridge for a few hours, but cook them right before eating so they're crisp.