Name: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders (boneless, skinless); 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional); ¼ cup unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ¼ cup honey; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tbsp lemon juice; Chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Golden, crispy, and dripping with sticky-sweet garlic butter glaze, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are everything you crave in comfort food—with a healthier twist. The chicken tenders come out of the air fryer perfectly cooked with a crunchy outside and juicy, tender inside, then are tossed in a luscious honey garlic butter sauce that clings to every crevice. It’s a flavor bomb of sweet, savory, buttery goodness with a kick of garlic heat.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd, meal-prepping for the week, or looking for an easy dinner idea that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this dish has you covered. The air fryer ensures less mess, quicker cooking, and a lighter version of the fried classic—without compromising that crispy, golden texture. One bite of these sticky, garlicky tenders and you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Quick and Easy: Done in under 30 minutes with minimal prep and clean-up.
Healthier Option: Uses less oil compared to traditional frying.
Kid-Friendly: The sweetness of honey and rich butter flavor makes it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Customizable Heat: Add chili flakes or cayenne to suit your spice level.
Versatile Dish: Perfect as a main course, appetizer, or sandwich filling.
Freezer Friendly: Can be made in batches and stored for later.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders)

Before diving into cooking, setting up your workspace and gathering the right tools is crucial for seamless execution and flavor perfection. Here’s what you’ll need:

Air Fryer: The heart of this recipe. It crisps the chicken tenders to golden perfection using hot circulating air, reducing oil usage and cooking time.
Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for coating the chicken, mixing seasonings, and tossing the final product in the honey butter garlic glaze.
Tongs: Perfect for flipping the tenders in the air fryer and tossing them in the sauce without breaking them apart.
Measuring Spoons and Cups: For precision in seasoning and sauce ratios.
Small Saucepan: Used to melt and infuse the butter with honey and garlic, creating that signature sticky glaze.
Pastry Brush (optional): To brush extra glaze on the tenders for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Each of these tools plays a small but significant role in creating the crispy exterior, juicy center, and that glossy, addictive coating that makes these tenders irresistible.

Preparation Tips

Pat Chicken Dry: Removing excess moisture from the tenders helps the seasoning and coating stick better and ensures even browning.
Preheat the Air Fryer: A hot air fryer means instant crisping, which locks in moisture and prevents sogginess.
Avoid Overcrowding: Leave space between tenders in the air fryer basket so the hot air circulates evenly—crispiness depends on airflow.
Flip Halfway Through: Turning the tenders ensures even cooking and browning on both sides.
Use Fresh Garlic for the Sauce: Fresh minced garlic intensifies the flavor in the honey butter glaze. Don’t substitute with garlic powder here.
Watch the Sauce: Don’t overcook it. As soon as the garlic becomes aromatic and the honey and butter blend smoothly, remove it from heat.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Here’s everything you’ll need to create this sweet, savory, and satisfying dish. These ingredients are simple but come together in a big, flavorful way:

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders – boneless and skinless, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil – helps the seasoning stick and aids in crisping
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika – adds depth and a mild smokiness
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a spicy kick

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

¼ cup unsalted butter – the rich base of the glaze
4 cloves garlic, minced – fresh for that bold garlicky punch
¼ cup honey – the sweet element that caramelizes beautifully
1 tablespoon soy sauce – balances the sweetness with umami
1 tablespoon lemon juice – adds a bright, tangy finish
Chopped fresh parsley (optional) – for garnish and color

These pantry-friendly ingredients come together to create a mouthwatering balance of crispy texture, buttery richness, and sweet garlic flavor that hits all the right notes.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Let’s bring it all together—from prepping to glazing—in a few simple, flavor-packed steps.

Step 1: Season the Chicken

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Toss well to ensure every piece is evenly coated.

Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. This ensures a hot, even cook right from the start, giving you a crispier finish.

Step 3: Cook the Tenders

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or non-stick spray. Place the seasoned chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden, crisp on the outside, and fully cooked inside (internal temp of 165°F / 74°C).

Step 4: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. The sauce should be glossy and slightly thickened.

Step 5: Toss and Glaze

Once the tenders are done, place them in a clean bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over them and gently toss using tongs until each piece is fully coated.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and sticky. Extra glaze in the bowl? Drizzle it over rice or veggies for a flavor boost!

Notes

Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of tenders if you prefer a juicier cut. Just adjust cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through.
Make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning or an extra shake of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
For extra crunch, lightly coat the tenders in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before air frying. It adds a crispy texture without needing to deep fry.
Honey too thick? Warm it slightly in the microwave to help it mix better into the sauce.
Soy sauce swaps: Coconut aminos or tamari work great if you want a gluten-free version.
Want it saucier? Double the sauce ingredients for extra drizzle potential—it’s perfect over rice or steamed veggies.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Skipping the preheat: This delays cooking time and leads to less crispy chicken. Preheating ensures even browning right from the start.
Overcrowding the air fryer basket: If the tenders are too close together, they’ll steam instead of crisp. Cook in batches if needed.
Overcooking the sauce: Garlic burns fast—keep the heat medium and remove the pan as soon as it’s fragrant and the sauce is blended.
Not flipping halfway through: Air fryers can brown unevenly; flipping ensures a golden finish on both sides.
Undercooked chicken: Always check for doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: Letting it rest at room temp for 10–15 minutes helps it cook more evenly and retain moisture.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These sticky, savory-sweet chicken tenders are versatile and play well with a wide range of sides—from light and fresh to rich and hearty. Whether you’re going for a balanced dinner or a comfort-food feast, you’ve got options.

8 Recommendations:

Garlic Butter Rice
The buttery, slightly garlicky rice mirrors the flavors of the tenders and soaks up any leftover glaze beautifully.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries
A slightly sweet contrast that pairs wonderfully with the honey and garlic in the chicken.
Creamy Coleslaw
Cool and crunchy slaw balances out the warm, sticky chicken with a refreshing texture.
Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans
A healthy side that adds color and freshness to your plate without overpowering the dish.
Macaroni and Cheese
Ultimate comfort pairing. The rich, cheesy pasta complements the sticky glaze for a kid-approved combo.
Cornbread or Garlic Bread
Perfect for scooping up extra sauce and adding a carby companion to the meal.
Mixed Green Salad with Citrus Dressing
Light and bright—this cuts through the richness of the butter and balances the dish with acidity.
Mashed Potatoes with Gravy or Butter
Creamy and hearty, mashed potatoes ground the sweetness of the tenders with classic comfort.

Storage Instructions

Storing leftovers (if there are any!) is super simple and helps you enjoy these delicious tenders for another quick meal or snack.

Refrigeration: Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible, to maintain crispiness.
Freezing: These freeze well! Place tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a zip-top bag or container. Store for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Air Fryer: The best method. Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until crispy again.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Microwave: Quick but may soften the coating—best for when you’re in a hurry.

Pro tip: Reheat glaze separately and drizzle it over the tenders right before serving to revive that sticky, glossy coating.

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

Note: Nutrition values may vary depending on exact portion sizes and ingredient brands.

Calories: ~320 kcal
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 16g
Sugar: 12g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Fiber: 0.5g
Sodium: 520mg
Cholesterol: 75mg

This dish offers a nice balance of protein and flavor with a bit of indulgent sweetness. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or high-protein snack options.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! You can season and prep the tenders ahead of time, store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, and cook when ready. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated gently before tossing.

2. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Absolutely, but make sure they’re thawed completely before seasoning and air frying. This ensures even cooking and allows the seasoning to stick better.

3. What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the tenders in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy, but still delicious.

4. How do I make them extra crispy?

Add a light coating of panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes after seasoning. Spray them lightly with oil before air frying for a golden crunch.

5. Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan butter or even olive oil, though it will slightly change the richness of the glaze.

6. Can I make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

You can! Skip the honey and use a low-carb sweetener like monk fruit syrup or sugar-free honey substitutes. Just make sure to check for added carbs in any sauces.

7. Are these chicken tenders spicy?

Only mildly—there’s optional crushed red pepper in the seasoning. You can omit it for a completely mild version or dial it up with hot sauce or cayenne.

8. What’s the best way to serve them as an appetizer?

Cut the tenders into bite-sized pieces before air frying, then skewer with toothpicks after tossing in the glaze. Serve with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or extra honey butter on the side.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the kind of dish that turns a regular weeknight into something special. Crispy, juicy, sticky, and full of flavor—they check all the boxes for an easy recipe that feels indulgent without the fuss of deep frying. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, meal prepping, or simply want something crave-worthy fast, these tenders deliver every time.