Description
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a quick and delicious meal featuring tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer, this recipe offers a crispy exterior with a juicy interior, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8 tenders)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Rub them evenly with olive oil and season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and a crispy texture.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry them for 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway through cooking, until they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl. Add honey, minced garlic, dried thyme or Italian seasoning if using, and red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Stir well to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Coat the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a large bowl. Pour the prepared honey butter garlic sauce over them and toss gently to coat each tender evenly with the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve these flavorful honey butter garlic chicken tenders hot alongside your favorite sides, such as crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh garden salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Ensure chicken tenders are patted dry to help them crisp better in the air fryer.
- Flip the chicken halfway through cooking for even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to verify internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- Adjust red pepper flakes amount based on your spice preference or omit entirely for no heat.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
