Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Introduction
Who doesn’t love crispy, flavorful chicken tenders? And when you can achieve that perfect crunch without all the excess oil, it’s even better! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make delicious air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders that will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and rich butter creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to love these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders. First and foremost, they are incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple ingredients and the help of your trusty air fryer, you’ll have a batch of tender, crispy chicken in no time. Plus, they are much healthier than traditional deep-fried chicken tenders, as they require only a fraction of the oil.
Another great thing about this recipe is its versatility. You can enjoy these chicken tenders as a main course, serve them as an appetizer at your next gathering, or even use them to top a salad for a satisfying meal. The honey butter garlic sauce adds a touch of sweetness and richness that takes these tenders to the next level.
Lastly, these chicken tenders are kid-friendly! If you have picky eaters at home, this recipe is sure to please even the fussiest of eaters. The crispy exterior and juicy interior will make these tenders a hit with both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
For the chicken tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
For the honey butter garlic sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- While the chicken tenders are cooking, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice.
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and brush them with the honey butter garlic sauce.
- Serve the air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders hot with extra sauce for dipping.
Expert Tips for Success
To ensure your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders turn out perfectly every time, follow these expert tips:
- Make sure your air fryer is preheated before adding the chicken tenders. This will help them cook evenly and achieve that crispy exterior.
- For an extra crispy coating, spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. Add more garlic powder for an extra garlicky flavor or increase the paprika for a hint of smokiness.
- If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can also use chicken breast cut into strips. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Variations and Substitutions
While these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are delicious as is, you can always get creative and customize the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Spicy: Add some heat to the honey butter garlic sauce by incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Herb-infused: Mix in some fresh herbs like chopped parsley, basil, or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture for an added burst of flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of regular breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Dairy-free: Replace the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast or a dairy-free alternative for a dairy-free version of these chicken tenders.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with some tasty accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Pair them with a refreshing cucumber and tomato salad for a light and healthy meal.
- Serve them with a side of crispy french fries or sweet potato fries for a classic pub-style meal.
- Make a chicken tender sandwich by placing the tenders between two slices of bread along with some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments.
- Enjoy them alongside a creamy coleslaw and some cornbread for a Southern-inspired feast.
FAQs
Q: Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of using an air fryer?
A: Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Q: Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
A: Yes, you can freeze these chicken tenders. After cooking and cooling them, place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply pop them in the air fryer or oven until they are heated through.
Final Thoughts
Air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are a crowd-pleasing dish that combines the irresistible flavors of honey, butter, and garlic with tender and crispy chicken. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a tasty appetizer for your next gathering, this recipe is sure to impress. So grab your air fryer and get ready to indulge in these delicious chicken tenders that are packed with flavor and crunch!
We hope you enjoy making and eating these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders as much as we do. Don’t forget to share your cooking experience and any variations you try. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Delicious air fryer chicken tenders coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and brushed with a sweet and savory honey butter garlic sauce. These tenders are easy to make, healthier than traditional deep-fried versions, and packed with flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Directions
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In a shallow bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
-
Dip each chicken tender into beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
-
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
-
Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
-
Cook chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
-
While chicken tenders are cooking, whisk together honey, melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, and lemon juice to prepare the sauce.
-
Once chicken tenders are cooked, brush them with the honey butter garlic sauce.
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Serve hot with extra sauce for dipping.
