Crispy, juicy, and irresistibly coated in a sweet and savory glaze—Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer are a flavor-packed twist on a comfort food favorite. This dish delivers the crunch of traditional fried chicken tenders with a sticky, buttery glaze that elevates it to the next level. The air fryer method reduces oil use without sacrificing that deep-fried texture, making this a lighter yet indulgent meal.
Whether you’re prepping a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests, or looking for a snack-worthy game-day treat, these chicken tenders will not disappoint. Below, we walk you through each step with added tips and flavor tricks to ensure every bite is better than the last.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken (Serves 4–6)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crunch and flavor)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil spray, for air frying
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Coating
- Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls:
- Bowl 1: All-purpose flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika
- Dredge each chicken strip in the flour, then the egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.
Pro Tip: Using panko and Parmesan together creates an ultra-crispy exterior with an extra layer of savory depth.
Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Spray the air fryer basket with non-stick spray or lightly oil it.
- Arrange the breaded chicken strips in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don’t touch (work in batches if needed).
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with oil to help them crisp.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when golden brown and internal temp hits 165°F (75°C).
No Air Fryer? You can pan-fry as directed in your original method, but air frying cuts down on oil and cleanup while still delivering crunch.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1-2 minutes, just enough to thicken the sauce slightly.
Flavor Tip: Add a dash of lemon juice or a pinch of ginger for a bright and aromatic lift.
Step 4: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce
- Once the chicken tenders are done, place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the top.
- Gently toss to coat evenly—make sure each piece gets glazed to perfection.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the chicken tenders hot, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or green onions for color and freshness.
Perfect Pairings:
- Sides: Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad
- Dips: Ranch, garlic aioli, or spicy mayo
- Grains: Serve over rice or quinoa to soak up the extra sauce
Why This Recipe Works
Air Fryer Efficiency
Air frying yields that crispy coating with minimal oil and no deep fryer mess. It also makes this recipe faster and healthier.
Layered Flavor
The spice blend in the coating, the umami of Parmesan, and the sticky-sweet-savory sauce combine to make these tenders deeply satisfying.
Texture Heaven
Panko crumbs offer crunch, while the chicken stays juicy thanks to the breading and quick cook time. The sauce clings to the coating, creating a finger-licking finish.
Variations & Customizations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey garlic sauce.
- Herb Upgrade: Mix in dried basil or thyme to the breadcrumb mix for extra aroma.
- Korean Twist: Swap soy sauce for gochujang and sesame oil for a bold Asian-inspired flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip the chili and serve with ketchup or sweet BBQ sauce.
Storage and Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders without sauce in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free panko, almond flour in place of regular flour, and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Can I bake these in a regular oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet for even crisping.
What kind of honey should I use?
Any honey works, but raw or wildflower honey adds a deeper floral note.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and work great—just cut them into strips or chunks.
How do I keep them crispy after tossing in sauce?
Serve immediately after tossing, or serve the sauce on the side to dip. For meal prep, keep sauce and tenders separate until reheating.
Final Thoughts
These Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are pure crowd-pleasers. Crunchy, saucy, and full of bold flavor, they’re easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for guests. The air fryer simplifies the process while delivering gourmet results.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just learning the ropes, this recipe’s straightforward steps and guaranteed flavor make it a keeper in any kitchen. Try it once, and we’re sure you’ll add it to your regular dinner rotation.
Ready to impress your taste buds and your guests? Let’s get cooking!