There’s something utterly magical about the aroma of crispy chicken tenders wafting through your kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, juicy morsels drizzled with a sticky-sweet honey butter garlic sauce that dances on your taste buds. Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders not only deliver that satisfaction but also provide a guilt-free crunch that will make you wonder why you ever fried chicken the traditional way. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail recipe.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What are Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
- How do I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
- Can I use frozen chicken for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
- What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
- Conclusion for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders :
- 📖 Recipe Card
If you’re anything like me, chicken tenders evoke some serious nostalgia. I can’t help but recall those carefree childhood days when a plate of tenders was my ticket to instant happiness. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just another Tuesday, these tenders are your perfect companion for any occasion – and trust me, they’ll have your friends and family begging for seconds!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are simple to make and require minimal prep time.
- The combination of sweet honey and savory garlic creates an irresistible flavor explosion.
- They’re visually stunning with their golden hue and crispy texture, making them perfect for dinner parties or casual gatherings.
- Plus, they’re incredibly versatile – serve them with dipping sauces or toss them in salads!
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: For tender and juicy results, use about 3-4 chicken breasts; adjust based on how many you’re serving.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; fresh garlic adds depth of flavor that powder simply cannot match.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the seasoning in your dish.
- Honey: Opt for pure honey to achieve that natural sweetness that complements the garlic beautifully.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These will give your chicken tenders an extra crunch; feel free to season them with spices!
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t forget to taste as you go!
For the Sauce:
- Soy Sauce: A splash of low-sodium soy sauce balances the sweetness of honey while enhancing the overall flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, you can get everything else ready without worrying about keeping things moving too fast.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because no one enjoys soggy tenders! Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Create the Honey Butter Garlic Mixture
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about one minute). Then stir in honey and soy sauce until combined. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken breast into the honey butter garlic mixture before dredging in panko breadcrumbs. Ensure they’re fully coated—this is where all that crunchy goodness comes from!
Step 5: Air Fry
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Serve
Once cooked to perfection, transfer them onto plates and drizzle with remaining honey butter garlic sauce for that extra punch of flavor!
And there you have it – perfectly crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken! These delightful morsels are not just easy to whip up but are sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Serve them up as a family dinner or as finger food at your next party; either way, they’re bound to be a hit! For more inspiration, check out this Easy Air Fryer Peanut Butter Cookies recipe.
You Must Know
- This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken recipe not only guarantees mouthwatering flavor but also makes dinner prep feel like a fun culinary adventure.
- The delightful aroma and golden-brown crispiness will have your family flocking to the table in no time!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the chicken tenders in honey, garlic, and butter for at least 30 minutes. While they soak up that sweet goodness, preheat your air fryer. This way, you achieve crispy perfection without the need for a frying pan or a whole lot of oil.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the honey for maple syrup if you’re feeling adventurous! You can also add some cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or toss in some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about five minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always ensure your chicken is fully coated in the marinade to maximize flavor.
- For extra crunch, give the tenders a light dusting of cornstarch before air frying.
- Remember to preheat your air fryer to avoid soggy results.
Sometimes, I whip up these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken when friends come over, and their faces light up like they’ve just discovered gold—there’s nothing quite like sharing delicious food with good company! another delicious chicken option.
FAQs :
What are Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. This dish combines juicy chicken tenders with a savory honey butter garlic sauce, giving it a unique flavor. perfect appetizer pairing The air fryer cooks the tenders to perfection, providing a crispy outside while keeping the inside tender and moist. comforting side dish This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
How do I make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
To make these chicken tenders, start by marinating them in a mixture of honey, butter, garlic, and your favorite spices. Then, coat the marinated chicken in breadcrumbs for extra crunch before placing them in the air fryer. high protein meal idea Cook at a high temperature until golden brown. The result is an easy and flavorful dish that everyone will love!
Can I use frozen chicken for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe! Just ensure that you adjust the cooking time accordingly. Frozen chicken tenders may take a bit longer to cook than fresh ones. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
What can I serve with Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?
These delightful chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides! You can serve them with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For dipping, try ranch dressing or homemade honey mustard sauce to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the tenders.
Conclusion for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders :
In summary, Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer a tasty and healthier option for those craving comfort food. The combination of honey, butter, and garlic creates a mouthwatering sauce that elevates simple chicken tenders into something special. With easy preparation and cooking in an air fryer, this dish makes weeknight meals enjoyable while keeping cleanup quick. Whether as a main course or party appetizer, these chicken tenders are sure to impress!
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📖 Recipe Card
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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 (16 tenders) 1x
Description
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a deliciously healthier twist on a classic favorite. These tender, juicy chicken pieces are coated in a crispy panko crust and drizzled with a rich honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings, these tenders deliver all the satisfaction of fried chicken without the guilt. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces or toss them in salads for an elevated meal experience.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup pure honey
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in honey and soy sauce; remove from heat.
- Dip each chicken breast into the honey butter garlic mixture, then coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Place coated chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
- Drizzle remaining honey butter garlic sauce over cooked tenders before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
