Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders – Crispy, Sticky, Perfect!

💡 Craving takeout-style chicken without the oil? These crispy air-fried tenders are coated in golden panko and drenched in a sticky honey garlic butter glaze. Ultra satisfying and finger-lickin’ good – no deep fryer required! 🍗✨

📋 Quick Overview

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Servings: 4

🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika

For the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:

  • ¼ cup butter
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken 🍗
    Pat the chicken tenders dry. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko.
  2. Bread the Tenders 🥣
    Dredge each tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat evenly in panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to make sure the panko sticks well.
  3. Air Fry Until Crispy 🔥
    Place the tenders in a preheated air fryer at 400°F (200°C). Don’t overcrowd – cook in a single layer. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
  4. Make the Glaze 🍯🧄
    While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in honey and soy sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Toss & Serve 🤤
    Remove tenders from the air fryer and immediately toss them in the warm honey garlic sauce until evenly coated. Serve hot!

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • 🚫 Overcrowding the air fryer: This leads to soggy spots. Always cook in batches for maximum crispiness.
  • 🚫 Unseasoned breadcrumbs: Mix a little salt or paprika into the panko for a flavor boost.
  • 🚫 Boiling the sauce too long: It thickens quickly – just a short simmer will do.

🌟 Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or rice for a complete meal.
  • Dip in extra garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo for added indulgence.
  • Want to spice things up? Add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze or drizzle with hot honey. 🌶️

📣 Bonus: Make-Ahead Tip

Freeze uncooked, breaded tenders on a tray. Once solid, transfer to a bag and store up to 2 months. Air fry straight from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the cook time!