Crispy, juicy, and irresistibly flavorful, these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are the perfect quick dinner or snack. I love how the air fryer keeps the chicken moist inside while giving it a golden, slightly crisp finish on the outside. Tossed in a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce, these tenders are ready in just minutes and taste like comfort food at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s simple, quick, and uses everyday ingredients I usually have in my kitchen. The air fryer makes the chicken healthier without sacrificing flavor or texture, and the honey butter garlic sauce adds that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and garlicky goodness. It’s a family-friendly dish that I can whip up on busy weeknights, but it also feels special enough to serve when I want something comforting and satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb chicken tenders

• 4 tablespoons butter, melted

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.

4. Lightly brush or toss the tenders with half of the honey butter garlic mixture.

5. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.

6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

7. Remove the chicken and immediately toss with the remaining honey butter garlic sauce.

8. Serve warm and enjoy.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. Each serving has about 320 kcal. Prep time is only 5 minutes, cooking time is 10 minutes, bringing the total time to just 15 minutes.

Variations

I like to switch up the flavors by adding a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha to the honey butter sauce for a spicy kick. Sometimes I swap honey for maple syrup when I want a deeper sweetness. For a crispy coating, I can dredge the chicken in a light layer of seasoned breadcrumbs or panko before air frying.

storage/reheating

If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for about 3-4 minutes so they stay crispy. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months—just make sure to let them cool first before freezing.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, I can slice chicken breasts into strips and cook them the same way. Just make sure the pieces are about the same size so they cook evenly.

Do I need to spray the air fryer basket with oil?

I usually don’t need extra oil since the butter in the sauce keeps the chicken moist, but a quick spritz of cooking spray can help prevent sticking.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I can use a dairy-free butter substitute or even olive oil instead of butter, though the flavor will be slightly different.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

I always check with a meat thermometer to be sure. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but I cook the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which ensures the tenders stay crispy.

Conclusion

These air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are one of my favorite quick meals because they’re flavorful, easy, and ready in no time. I love the balance of sweet honey, savory garlic, and buttery richness, all wrapped around juicy chicken. Whether I’m making a weeknight dinner, a quick lunch, or a crowd-pleasing snack, this recipe never disappoints.

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