Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a quick and scrumptiously flavorful dinner, you’ve got to try my air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe! Seriously, these little beauties come together in just about 22 minutes, and the flavor is out of this world. Picture this: tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce that’s just perfect for dipping. I first whipped these up on a busy weeknight, and now they’re a regular in my dinner rotation! My kids devour them, and I love how easy they are to make. Plus, they’re gluten-free! Trust me, once you try these, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb chicken tenders (fresh, trimmed for the best texture)
- 1/4 cup honey (preferably raw for that natural sweetness)
- 1/4 cup butter (melted, it adds richness and flavor)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced, because garlic makes everything better!)
- 1 tsp salt (to enhance all those glorious flavors)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (for just a hint of spice)
- 1/2 tsp paprika (adds a lovely smoky touch)
How to Prepare Instructions
Alright, let’s get cooking those delicious air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders! It’s super simple and I promise you’ll love every step of the way.
Preheat Your Air Fryer
First things first, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial because it helps the chicken tenders cook evenly and get that perfectly crispy exterior. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part; it makes all the difference!
Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Mixture
In a medium bowl, combine the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika. Give it a good whisk until everything’s well blended. You want that honey to blend smoothly with the butter and garlic for a deliciously even coating on the chicken. Smell that? Wow!
Coat the Chicken Tenders
Now, it’s time to coat those chicken tenders! Add the fresh chicken to the honey butter garlic mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated. I like to use my hands for this—just get in there and rub the mixture all over the tenders. You want them to be completely covered in that sweet, garlicky goodness!
Cook the Chicken Tenders
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them! Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. Keep an eye on them, and when they hit an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), they’re done! You’ll love the golden brown color and that mouthwatering aroma!
Nutritional Information Section
Now, let’s talk about the nutrition of these tasty air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders! Each serving has approximately 280 calories, with 15 grams of fat and 24 grams of protein, making them a fantastic option for a filling meal. You’ll also get about 10 grams of carbohydrates and 7 grams of sugar from that delicious honey. Just remember, these values are estimates and can vary depending on the brand of ingredients you use. So, if you’re counting macros, keep that in mind!
Tips for Success
To achieve the absolute best results with your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, here are some pro tips you won’t want to miss! First, always adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your chicken tenders; thinner pieces will cook faster, while thicker ones might need a minute or two longer. Also, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket—this helps the hot air circulate properly and gives you that crispy exterior. And if you want an extra flavor boost, let the chicken marinate in the honey butter garlic mixture for about 30 minutes before cooking. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation—ready in just 22 minutes!
- Deliciously rich flavor from the honey butter garlic coating.
- Perfectly crispy chicken tenders without the extra oil.
- Kid-approved and family-friendly—everyone loves them!
- Gluten-free option, so everyone can enjoy!
- Easy cleanup, thanks to the air fryer.
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up these scrumptious air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, let’s talk about what to serve alongside them! First off, a creamy ranch or zesty honey mustard dipping sauce pairs perfectly with the sweet and savory flavors of the chicken. If you’re in the mood for something fresh, toss together a simple side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. You could also serve these tenders with crispy sweet potato fries or a side of roasted veggies for a wholesome meal. Honestly, the options are endless, and whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt it!), storing them properly will keep them delicious for later. First, let the chicken tenders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. You can store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to reheat, I recommend popping them back into the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain that crispy texture while warming them through. You can also use a microwave, but be careful—it can make them a bit soggy. Enjoy those tender bites again!
For more delicious recipes, check out our all recipes section!
Additionally, if you’re interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can read more about it here.
Lastly, for tips on gluten-free cooking, visit Gluten Free Living.
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: 22 Minutes to Bliss
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A quick and tasty recipe for air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix honey, melted butter, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add chicken tenders to the mixture and coat evenly.
- Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness; internal temperature should be 165°F (75°C).
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the chicken tenders.
- Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe