The easiest way to make crispy, juicy chicken tenders with a sweet honey garlic glaze using your air fryer for a healthier weeknight dinner ready in 27 minutes.
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in the most incredible sweet-savory glaze. I created this recipe after my kids started requesting chicken tenders three times a week, and I knew I needed a version that delivered on flavor without the guilt of deep frying.
The first batch I made disappeared so fast that I didn’t even get a photo. My kitchen filled with the smell of caramelized honey and garlic, and suddenly everyone was hovering around the air fryer asking when dinner would be ready. The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. The honey butter garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, and honestly, these taste better than any restaurant version I’ve tried. They come together in about 27 minutes using ingredients you probably already have, making them perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to sacrifice quality.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
I’ve made these tenders dozens of times, and the ingredient quality really shows in the final result. I always use fresh chicken tenders rather than frozen because they cook more evenly and have better texture. My go-to is panko breadcrumbs for that extra-light, crispy coating that stays crunchy even after sitting for a few minutes.
1 lb chicken tenders (fresh or thawed)
¼ cup honey – I recommend using a lighter honey like clover for the best flavor balance
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic makes all the difference here; the jarred stuff just doesn’t have the same punch
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) – My preference is panko for maximum crispiness
Cooking spray – In my experience, avocado oil spray works best for high-heat cooking
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend getting everything prepped before you start cooking since the process moves quickly once you begin breading.
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3-5 minutes. While it heats, whisk together the honey, melted butter, and minced garlic in a shallow bowl until smooth and well combined. The mixture should look glossy and golden.
Step 2: In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the breadcrumbs. This ensures every bite has balanced flavor.
Step 3: Working with one tender at a time, dip it into the honey garlic mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let the excess drip back into the bowl for about 2-3 seconds. You want the chicken coated but not dripping wet, which would make the breading soggy.
Step 4: Immediately press the coated tender into the breadcrumb mixture, using your hands to pat the crumbs onto all surfaces. Apply gentle pressure to help the coating adhere without compressing the chicken. Place breaded tenders on a clean plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
Step 5: Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray, making sure to coat the bottom and sides. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer with at least ½ inch of space between each piece to allow proper air circulation. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
Step 6: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders at the 6-minute mark for even browning. The tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is deep golden brown. If your tenders are particularly thick, they may need an extra 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Remove the tenders from the air fryer and let them rest on a wire rack or plate for 3-5 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Best Side Dishes for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
These sweet and savory tenders pair perfectly with sides that offer contrasting textures and complementary flavors.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes echo the garlic notes in the chicken coating while providing a comforting base that soaks up any extra honey garlic glaze.
Fresh Garden Salad with Honey Lemon Vinaigrette: A crisp salad with bright citrus dressing cuts through the richness of the fried coating and adds nutritional balance with fresh vegetables and leafy greens.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts provide fiber and vitamins while their slightly caramelized edges complement the honey glaze on the chicken.
Creamy Mac and Cheese: For an indulgent family dinner, creamy pasta provides satisfying comfort food appeal and creates a meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
Cheesy Ranch Potatoes: These crispy, cheesy potatoes add another layer of satisfying texture and work beautifully alongside the sweet glaze on the tenders.
Simple Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs, cucumber, and lemon adds whole grains and keeps the meal feeling fresh and balanced rather than heavy.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The coating will soften slightly in the fridge, but you can revive the crispiness when reheating.
For the best results, reheat in your air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes rather than using the microwave. I recommend giving the tenders a light spray of cooking oil before reheating to help restore that crispy exterior. If reheating from frozen, add 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.
These tenders freeze beautifully for meal prep. Wrap each tender individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper, then place them all in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. You can reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw them completely first and pat them very dry with paper towels. Excess moisture prevents the coating from adhering properly and can make the breading soggy.
What dipping sauces pair best with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, blue cheese, and sweet chili sauce all work wonderfully. The honey garlic coating is versatile enough to complement both creamy and tangy sauces.
Can I make these in a regular oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Absolutely. Place the breaded tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. The wire rack helps air circulate underneath for better crisping.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal effort and cleanup. The combination of crispy coating and sweet-savory glaze makes them a weeknight winner that your whole family will request again and again. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover how easy it is to make tender, flavorful chicken that brings everyone to the table. Enjoy every bite!
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Crispy air fryer chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. While it heats, whisk together the honey, melted butter, and minced garlic in a shallow bowl until smooth and well combined.
In a separate shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly with a fork to distribute the seasonings evenly.
Working with one tender at a time, dip it into the honey garlic mixture, turning to coat all sides. Let excess drip back into the bowl for 2-3 seconds.
Immediately press the coated tender into the breadcrumb mixture, patting the crumbs onto all surfaces. Apply gentle pressure to help coating adhere. Place on a clean plate and repeat with remaining pieces.
Spray the air fryer basket generously with cooking spray. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer with at least 1/2 inch of space between each piece. Lightly spray the tops of tenders with cooking spray.
Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders at the 6-minute mark for even browning. Tenders are done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and coating is deep golden brown.
Remove tenders from air fryer and let rest on a wire rack or plate for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows juices to redistribute. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
For extra crunch, double bread the chicken tenders by dipping back in honey mixture then breadcrumbs again. Ensure proper spacing in air fryer basket for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Can be frozen for up to 2 months when wrapped individually. Thicker tenders may need an extra 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
a recipe developer, food enthusiast, and busy parent based in Denver, CO. I created Yumnights because I believe that delicious, healthy dinners shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to master.
