Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Crispy Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Strips
Ingredients:
1 lb chicken tenders
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
½ cup honey
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Cooking spray
Directions:
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Spray the tops with additional cooking spray.
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over low heat, combine honey, melted butter, garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and red pepper flakes. Stir until well combined and warm.
Once the chicken tenders are done, toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce until fully coated.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or over a bed of rice.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 12 minutes | Total Time: 22 minutes
Kcal: 315 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders offer a perfect balance of crispiness and rich flavor, making them an ideal choice for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer. Using the air fryer ensures a healthier alternative to deep-frying, as it requires less oil but still delivers that satisfying golden-brown crust with a tender inside. The preparation involves a simple dredging process, starting with coating the chicken tenders in a seasoned flour mixture infused with paprika for a subtle smoky flavor. Then, they're dipped in egg to help the panko breadcrumbs adhere well, which contribute to the crispy texture. Spraying the air fryer basket and the chicken with cooking spray promotes even cooking and browning without grease buildup. The honey butter garlic sauce is an essential highlight of this dish. Combining melted unsalted butter with honey adds sweetness and richness, while minced garlic provides a robust aromatic note. Soy sauce introduces a savory depth, and Dijon mustard adds a touch of tanginess. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added optionally. Warming the sauce gently helps meld these ingredients together, creating a glossy coating that clings beautifully to the crispy chicken. Serving suggestions include pairing these tenders with a dipping sauce such as ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy aioli, or plating them over a bed of steamed rice or fresh greens for a wholesome meal. This recipe yields about four servings and can be prepared in roughly 22 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy schedules. For best results, be sure to preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and flip the tenders halfway through cooking to achieve even crispiness. This versatile recipe can also be adapted by experimenting with different spices or adding herbs like parsley for extra freshness. Overall, air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders are a delicious way to enjoy crispy chicken with a luscious homemade sauce without the extra calories from deep-frying. They provide a great balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors that the whole family can enjoy.
I literally have all of this on hand. Guess what dinner will be tomorrow! lol. I'll let you know how it turns out. Thanks for sharing. Maybe some fresh green beans to go with it. hmm