Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a deliciously sticky honey butter garlic glaze. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders are sure to be a hit with everyone!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray (for air fryer)

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup unsalted butter
• ⅓ cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

   • Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
   • In one bowl, mix the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
   • In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
   • In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

2. Coat the Chicken:

   • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then dip it in the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with panko breadcrumbs.
   • Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick well.

3. Air Fry the Chicken:

   • Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C).
   • Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
   • Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
   • Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

4. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

   • While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
   • Stir in the honey, soy sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.

5. Coat and Serve:

   • Once the chicken tenders are done, toss them in the honey butter garlic sauce until evenly coated.
   • Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or sesame seeds if desired.

Servings:

• 4 servings (approximately 2-3 tenders per person)

Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: ~340 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g

Benefits:

• High in Protein: Helps with muscle growth and repair.
• Air Fried (Less Oil): Lower in fat compared to deep-fried versions.
• Honey and Garlic Combo: Provides antioxidants and boosts immunity.

Tips:

1. For Extra Crispiness: Use a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs.
2. Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer to reduce.
3. Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
4. Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.

Q&A:

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Adjust cooking time as needed.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare the tenders and freeze them before air frying. Cook directly from frozen, adding an extra 3-4 minutes.

Q: What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
A: They pair well with a side salad, steamed veggies, or over rice for a complete meal.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders!