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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders served with dipping sauce

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These crispy and tender air fryer chicken tenders are coated in a sweet and garlicky honey butter sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or kid-friendly snack.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Tenders
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, trimmed
Coating
  • 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko Panko yields a crispier coating.
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour Can use gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 2 tablespoons oil, for coating For browning in the air fryer.
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter Melted over low heat.
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce or a pinch of salt, optional For added depth of flavor.
Serving
  • 1 wedge lemon, for serving, optional Adds brightness to the dish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towel.
  2. Set up three bowls: one with flour mixed with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the last with breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder.
  3. Dredge each tender in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing crumbs to ensure they stick.
  4. Lightly brush or spray tenders with oil.
Cooking
  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F if required.
  2. Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Sauce Preparation
  1. While tenders are cooking, melt butter in a small pan over low heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds without browning.
  3. Stir in honey and soy sauce, warming until combined.
Serving
  1. Toss cooked tenders in the sauce or brush sauce over them on a serving plate.
  2. Squeeze lemon over top if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs. Check chicken's internal temperature to ensure it's 165°F for safety. If you want extra sticky sauce, brush a second coat right after cooking.