Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Juicy, tender chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic mixture, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer – it’s a game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine.
The beauty of using an air fryer is that you can achieve that signature crispy texture without all the added oil and fat of traditional frying. Plus, the honey butter glaze takes these chicken tenders to a whole new level of deliciousness. Serve them up with your favorite sides for a meal that’s sure to satisfy the whole family.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Make the Honey Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside half of this mixture to use later as a drizzle.
Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring an even coating. Then, roll the tenders in the breadcrumbs to create a crispy layer.
Preheat the Air Fryer
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat.
Arrange and Cook
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.
Finish and Serve
Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the air-fried chicken tenders for an extra burst of flavor. Serve these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders immediately for maximum crispiness and enjoyment.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
To ensure your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly crispy every time, follow these helpful tips:
- Make sure to pat the chicken tenders dry before coating them – this will help the breading adhere better.
- Evenly coat the tenders in the honey garlic mixture for maximum flavor distribution.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to promote even crisping on all sides.
- Keep a close eye on the chicken during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and pair well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with a fresh, crunchy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a bright and tangy green salad. For a heartier meal, pair them with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple side of rice.
And don’t forget the dipping sauces! These chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when dipped in ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite barbecue sauce.
Nutritional Information
Compared to traditional fried chicken tenders, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a healthier option. By using the air fryer instead of deep frying, you can enjoy the same crispy texture with significantly less oil and fat. Plus, the honey and garlic add a burst of flavor without relying on heavy breading or batters.
Per serving (4 tenders), this recipe provides approximately:
- Calories: 330
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
As always, be mindful of portion sizes and pair these chicken tenders with plenty of fresh vegetables and whole grains for a well-balanced meal.
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
How long do you need to air fry chicken tenders?
For these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll want to air fry them for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
How to prepare honey garlic chicken?
To prepare the honey garlic chicken, simply whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dip the chicken tenders in this mixture, then roll them in breadcrumbs before air frying.
How long to Air Fry honey chicken?
For the Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders, you’ll air fry them for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and fully cooked.
How long to put honey tenders in an air fryer?
The Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders should be air fried for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites
- Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders with Air Fryer
Get ready to experience the most delicious, crispy, and flavorful Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders you’ve ever had. With the convenience of the air fryer and the irresistible honey garlic glaze, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite. Enjoy!
For more snack ideas and kitchen inspiration, follow me on Pinterest.
Print
Create Irresistible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Today!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Get ready to experience the ultimate flavor explosion with these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! Juicy, tender chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic mixture, then crisped to perfection in the air fryer – it’s a game-changer for your weeknight dinner routine.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Set aside half of this mixture to use later as a drizzle.
2. Dip each chicken tender into the honey garlic mixture, ensuring an even coating. Then, roll the tenders in the breadcrumbs to create a crispy layer.
3. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat.
4. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and fully cooked.
5. Drizzle the reserved honey garlic sauce over the air-fried chicken tenders for an extra burst of flavor. Serve these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders immediately for maximum crispiness and enjoyment.
Notes
To ensure your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly crispy every time, follow these helpful tips:
Make sure to pat the chicken tenders dry before coating them – this will help the breading adhere better.
Evenly coat the tenders in the honey garlic mixture for maximum flavor distribution.
Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to promote even crisping on all sides.
Keep a close eye on the chicken during the last few minutes to prevent over-browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 70mg