Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they are coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t touching.
- Step 2: Cook the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the honey and remove the sauce from heat.
- Step 5: Once the chicken tenders are done, place them in a large bowl and pour the honey butter garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder can be substituted in a pinch.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a full meal.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to maintain crispiness.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tenders, but be sure to increase the air frying time by a few minutes and check they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
They pair well with sides like mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, coleslaw, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
PrintAir Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe combines crispy, tender chicken tenders with a luscious honey butter garlic sauce. Quick to prepare and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, ideal for a delicious weeknight dinner or snack.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking of the chicken tenders.
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Lightly season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper or your preferred seasoning. This will enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
- Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the honey and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
- Toss Chicken in Sauce: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken and toss until each tender is well coated.
- Serve: Serve the coated chicken tenders hot as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. They pair well with a side of vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can use frozen chicken tenders, but adjust the cooking time accordingly, approximately 12-15 minutes in the air fryer.
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken tenders with a thin layer of oil before air frying.
- Adjust the amount of honey to control sweetness based on your preference.
- Adding a pinch of chili flakes to the sauce can give a nice spicy kick.
- Ensure garlic does not burn when sautéing by stirring constantly and using medium heat.
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey butter garlic chicken, easy chicken recipe, crispy chicken tenders, quick air fryer meals
