As the sun begins to set and the aroma of something delicious fills the air, my mind drifts to the wonderful family dinners of my childhood. The laughter of loved ones gathering around the table, the clinking of utensils, and the sharing of stories, all punctuated by the delightful tastes that made those moments unforgettable. One dish that always stole the show was crispy, flavorful chicken tenders, and today, I’m sharing a recipe that will transport you right back to those heartwarming evenings. We’re diving into the wonderfully sweet and savory world of Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders—quick, easy, and irresistibly delicious.
## Recipe Timing
- Prep Duration: 10 minutes
- Active Cooking: 12 minutes
- Total Duration: 22 minutes
- Portion Size: Serves 4
- Complexity: Simple
## Nutritional Recipe
- Calories per portion: Approximately 380
- Protein: 26g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fats: 18g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
## Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Picture this: tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky honey butter sauce infused with garlic that dances on your taste buds. It’s a delightful balance of sweetness and savory goodness that makes these chicken tenders a family favorite you’ll keep making again and again. Plus, using the air fryer means less oil and less mess while still achieving that coveted crispy exterior. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, these chicken tenders are sure to impress!
## The Complete Cooking Journey
Let’s get ready to embark on this delicious journey together. The process is simple but filled with flavors that really elevate the humble chicken tender. Here’s how we turn a few basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dish.
## Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
## Method:
### Step 1: Melt the Butter
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until well combined and fragrant. This sweet and savory sauce is the heart of this dish, so take a moment to enjoy the aroma!
### Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken tenders cook evenly and turn beautifully crispy.
### Step 3: Season the Chicken
While your air fryer is heating up, season your chicken tenders with salt and pepper. This simple step adds that essential layer of flavor right to the chicken.
### Step 4: Dip and Coat
Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic mixture, coating each piece generously. This is where the magic happens; the chicken absorbs all those delicious flavors!
### Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken
Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd them to ensure they cook perfectly.
### Step 6: Cook to Perfection
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The air fryer works its magic here, creating that crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
### Step 7: Final Drizzle
Before serving, drizzle any remaining honey butter garlic sauce over the cooked chicken tenders for an extra burst of flavor. It’s the finishing touch that brings everything together!
## Serving Suggestions & Pairings
These air fryer chicken tenders are perfect served alongside a crisp salad, golden fries, or even a creamy coleslaw. For an extra kick, pair them with a spicy dipping sauce or ranch dressing. Try them in a wrap with fresh veggies or toss them over pasta for a savory feast!
## Storage & Leftovers Guide
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, reheat them in the air fryer for about 5-7 minutes to regain that lovely crispiness.
## Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips
- For extra crunch, try tossing the chicken tenders in some breadcrumbs before air frying.
- If you want to switch things up, add different spices or herbs to the honey butter mixture, like thyme or cayenne for heat.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
## Flavor Variations & Adaptations
Feel free to experiment with different variations! You can use boneless chicken breasts cut into strips or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Swap the honey for maple syrup for a unique twist, or add some spicy chili flakes for heat.
## Reader Questions & Solutions
-
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
- Yes, you can! Simply increase the cooking time by a few minutes and ensure they are cooked through.
-
What can I use instead of butter?
- Coconut oil or olive oil works well if you’re looking for a healthier fat alternative.
-
Can I double the recipe?
- Absolutely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer. Cook in batches if necessary.
-
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). A meat thermometer is the best way to check!
-
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
- Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to a week and reheat it when you’re ready to use it.
## Wrapping Up
There you have it: a delectable dish that’s easy to whip up in your air fryer. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not just a meal—they’re an experience that brings families together over the dinner table, just like the good old days. So gather your loved ones, embrace the flavors, and enjoy every delightful bite! Happy cooking, fellow food enthusiasts!
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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Tender chicken coated in a rich, sticky honey butter sauce infused with garlic, air-fried to perfect crispiness.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the honey, minced garlic, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook until well combined and fragrant.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the honey butter garlic mixture, coating generously.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle any remaining honey butter garlic sauce over the cooked chicken tenders before serving.
Notes
For extra crunch, toss the chicken tenders in breadcrumbs before air frying. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
