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Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
27min
Total Time
4 people
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget
Cost
445 kcal
Calories
Video
Note: This video is from YouTube and does not belong to us. All rights go to its original creator. Watch on YouTube
Ingredients
4
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenderloins
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter, melted
- 3 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Cooking spray
Instructions
1
Pat chicken tenderloins completely dry with paper towels for better coating adhesion
2
Set up breading station with three bowls flour in first beaten eggs in second breadcrumb mixture in third
3
In third bowl mix panko breadcrumbs parmesan garlic powder paprika salt and pepper
4
Working with one tenderloin at a time coat in flour shaking off excess
5
Dip floured chicken in beaten egg letting excess drip off
6
Press chicken firmly into breadcrumb mixture coating all sides thoroughly
7
Place breaded tenders on parchment-lined baking sheet
8
Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes
9
Spray air fryer basket generously with cooking spray
10
Arrange chicken tenders in single layer in basket not touching
11
Spray tops of tenders generously with cooking spray
12
Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes then carefully flip each tender
13
Spray flipped side with oil and cook additional 6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F
14
While chicken cooks prepare honey butter garlic sauce in small saucepan
15
Melt butter over medium heat add minced garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant
16
Stir in honey and cook 2 minutes until well combined remove from heat
17
Toss cooked chicken tenders in honey butter garlic sauce until evenly coated
18
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot
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Troubleshooting
Coating falling off dry chicken better and press breadcrumbs more firmly
Chicken not crispy spray more oil and increase temperature to 425°F last 2 minutes
Chicken dry reduce cooking time by 2 minutes and check doneness earlier
Sticking to basket use more cooking spray before placing tenders
Uneven cooking ensure tenders are similar size and not touching
Sauce too thick add small amount of water or chicken broth to thin
Recipe Variations
Spicy honey version add sriracha or cayenne to honey butter sauce
Lemon garlic use lemon juice instead of honey for tangy flavor
Maple garlic replace honey with maple syrup for different sweetness
Asian-inspired add soy sauce ginger and sesame to sauce
Buffalo honey drizzle with buffalo sauce before honey butter
Herb butter add fresh thyme rosemary and oregano to sauce
Serving Suggestions
Serve with french fries coleslaw and ranch dressing
Pair with mashed potatoes and green beans for complete meal
Great as appetizer with variety of dipping sauces
Serve over rice or in wraps for different presentation
Add to salad for protein-packed lunch option
Nutrition Facts
445
Calories
38g
Protein
42g
Carbs
14g
Fat
2g
Fiber
14g
Sugar
580mg
Sodium
165mg
Cholesterol
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not drying chicken thoroughly causes coating to slide off
Skipping egg wash results in breadcrumbs not adhering properly
Overcrowding air fryer basket leads to uneven cooking and soggy coating
Not preheating air fryer results in longer cooking time
Adding sauce too early makes coating soggy instead of crispy
Not using meat thermometer risks undercooked chicken
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenderloins?
Yes cut chicken breast into strips about same size as tenderloins. Cooking time stays same.
How do I know when chicken is done?
Internal temperature should reach 165°F. Use meat thermometer to check thickest part.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Almond flour also works well.
What can I use instead of honey?
Maple syrup or agave nectar work as substitutes with slightly different flavor.
Can I bake these in the oven?
Yes bake at 425°F for 15-18 minutes flipping halfway. Won't be as crispy as air fryer.
Reviews
Emily R.
Apr 3, 2026
These are legitimately better than Chick-fil-A. Fight me.
Marcus T.
Apr 7, 2026
My 4-year-old called them 'the best chicken in the universe.' I agree kiddo.
Jessica K.
Mar 31, 2026
Amazing! Just don't skip the honey butter sauce. That's where the magic happens.
David L.
Mar 24, 2026
Made these for dinner and my wife asked if I ordered takeout. Nope honey I'm just awesome now.
Amanda W.
Apr 2, 2026
The crispy to tender ratio is PERFECT. My new weeknight go-to!
Tyler B.
Mar 17, 2026
Really good but I doubled the garlic because I have no self-control. Zero regrets.
Rachel M.
Mar 22, 2026
I meal prepped these for the week. Day 3 and still obsessed.
Kevin H.
Mar 19, 2026
Pro tip: make extra sauce. You'll want to put it on everything.
Nicole S.
Apr 12, 2026
Delicious! I added a pinch of cayenne to the sauce for a little kick. Chef's kiss.
Brandon P.
Apr 9, 2026
These are so good I forgot to share with my family. Oops.
Christina L.
Apr 2, 2026
The honey butter glaze is addictive. I'm not sorry I licked the bowl.
Jason D.
Mar 24, 2026
Really crispy! Just watch them at the end so they don't get too brown.
Melissa F.
Apr 10, 2026
My picky eater ate 6 of these. SIX. This is a parenting victory!
Eric W.
Apr 6, 2026
Crispy crunchy sweet garlicky perfection. What more could you want?
Samantha R.
Mar 24, 2026
Fantastic recipe! I served them with waffle fries and felt like a restaurant chef.
