Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with sweet buttery garlic flavor — these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are an irresistible meal that the whole family will love. They cook quickly, require very little oil, and deliver restaurant-style crunch with a delicious homemade sauce. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or game day!
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
¼ cup honey
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Chicken
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each tender thoroughly in the breadcrumbs and press gently to help them stick.
2️⃣ Air Fry
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Lightly spray or brush the chicken with oil (optional for extra crispiness).
- Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket — do not overcrowd.
- Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
3️⃣ Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, honey, and minced garlic.
- Mix well until smooth and glossy.
4️⃣ Coat and Serve
- Once the tenders are cooked, transfer them to a bowl.
- Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss until fully coated.
- Serve immediately while warm. Serving Suggestions
Pair with:
French fries or potato wedges
Rice or noodles
Green salad or steamed veggies
Garlic dipping sauce or ranch
Tips
✔ Panko breadcrumbs make the coating extra crunchy
✔ Add a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick
✔ Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to stay crispy