Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and glazed with a luscious honey butter garlic sauce, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a weeknight game-changer. With minimal oil and maximum flavor, this dish brings the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and buttery richness. The air fryer not only speeds up the cooking process but also delivers a healthier alternative to deep frying—without sacrificing that crave-worthy crunch.

These tenders are ideal for busy families or anyone craving a comforting, satisfying meal with little fuss. Whether served over a bed of rice, alongside roasted vegetables, or tucked into a sandwich, they adapt to your mood and meal plan. Plus, they make a stellar option for meal prep or game day snacks.

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Ingredients for this recipe

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp honey
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp chili flakes (optional for heat)

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Drizzle olive oil over the tenders and toss to coat thoroughly.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure an even cook.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and chili flakes (if using), then simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Glaze the Chicken

Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a bowl and pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.

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Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes or warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.

For longer storage, freeze the chicken tenders before glazing in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer, then coat with freshly made sauce.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Sugars: 12g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 520mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chicken should I use?

Chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips work best for this recipe.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken tenders at 425°F for 18-20 minutes or pan-fry them in a little oil until golden and cooked through.

Is the sauce spicy?

The sauce has a mild kick from the chili flakes, which are optional. Adjust or omit based on your preference.

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely! If you like your tenders extra saucy, feel free to double the sauce ingredients.

What can I serve this with?

These tenders pair wonderfully with steamed rice, roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

How do I keep the tenders crispy?

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and reheat leftovers in the air fryer to retain crispiness.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free version.

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