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; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sauce); 3 tbsp honey; 2 garlic cloves, minced; Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil

If there’s one recipe I keep coming back to, it’s these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. They’re crispy, golden, and drenched in a rich buttery garlic glaze with just the right kiss of sweetness. Every bite is addictive — crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor. I made them once for a casual weekend dinner, and now they’ve become a staple in my kitchen whenever I crave something fast, easy, and satisfying.

What I love most about these tenders is how they strike that perfect balance between indulgent and convenient. Thanks to the air fryer, there’s no need to deal with a greasy stovetop or deep frying — yet you still get that gorgeous crunch. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a comfort food craving, these honey butter garlic tenders hit the spot every time.

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

Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
No deep frying – The air fryer delivers crunch without the mess or excess oil.
Flavor-packed – Sweet honey, savory garlic, and creamy butter coat each tender in pure magic.
Crowd-pleaser – Perfect for picky eaters, party guests, or even your lunch meal prep.
Minimal cleanup – Fewer dishes, more time to enjoy your delicious creation.

What Type of Chicken Should I Use for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

For the best results, I always go with raw chicken tenders—they’re already the perfect size, and they cook evenly and quickly in the air fryer. If you can’t find pre-cut tenders, simply slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. The key is uniform thickness so each piece cooks at the same rate and stays juicy.

Avoid frozen breaded tenders from the store if you want that fresh, from-scratch flavor. Fresh or thawed raw chicken is best because you can control the seasoning, breading, and texture.

Options for Substitutions

Need to tweak the recipe based on what’s in your kitchen? Totally doable. Here are a few substitution ideas that still keep the magic alive:

Butter substitute: Use ghee for a richer flavor, or olive oil if you want a dairy-free option.
Honey swap: Maple syrup or agave nectar will give you a similar sweetness with a slight twist.
Garlic alternative: Garlic powder works in a pinch if you don’t have fresh cloves, but fresh definitely gives more punch.
Breadcrumbs or coating: Try crushed cornflakes, panko, or even a gluten-free mix to switch up the crunch.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or a touch of cayenne to the sauce if you like heat.
Chicken alternatives: This recipe also works beautifully with boneless thighs or even tofu for a meatless version.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in building flavor, crunch, and irresistible texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Chicken Tenders (1 lb) – The star of the show. Tender, quick to cook, and perfect for soaking up the honey butter garlic glaze.
All-Purpose Flour – Acts as the first layer in the breading process, helping the egg wash stick and forming that signature crust.
Eggs – Essential for binding the breadcrumbs to the chicken and locking in moisture.
Breadcrumbs (preferably panko) – Delivers that crispy, crunchy coating. Panko gives extra texture and golden color in the air fryer.
Garlic Powder + Onion Powder – Infuses the coating with savory depth before the glaze even goes on.
Salt & Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the chicken and help the other spices pop.
Paprika – Adds a subtle smoky flavor and a hint of color to the breading.
Unsalted Butter (melted) – Rich and velvety, it’s the base of the glaze and creates that luscious coating.
Honey – Brings the sweetness that balances the garlic and butter. It caramelizes slightly in the air fryer glaze for that sticky finish.
Fresh Garlic (minced) – The real flavor bomb in the glaze. Toasty, aromatic, and absolutely necessary.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Making these chicken tenders is simple, fun, and the results are incredibly rewarding. Here’s how to bring it all together:

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Pat your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and gives you crispier results in the air fryer.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab three shallow bowls:

In the first bowl, add all-purpose flour.
In the second, beat 2 eggs.
In the third, mix panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Coat each chicken tender in this order:

Dredge in flour (shake off excess),
Dip into the beaten eggs,
Roll in the seasoned breadcrumb mix until fully coated.

Place breaded tenders on a plate while you work through the batch.

Step 4: Preheat and Arrange in Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3–5 minutes. Then place the tenders in the basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your fryer.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden

Cook the tenders at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be golden, crispy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 6: Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

While the chicken is cooking, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Then stir in honey and let the mixture bubble gently for another 1–2 minutes.

Step 7: Toss and Glaze

As soon as the chicken comes out of the air fryer, toss it in the warm honey butter garlic sauce. Make sure each tender is well coated and glistening with that sticky, sweet-savory glaze.

How Long to Cook Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders are quick to cook, which is part of their magic.

Cook Time: 10–12 minutes at 400°F (200°C)
Flip at: The halfway point (around 5–6 minutes)
Internal Temp: Always check that the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe doneness

If you’re working with slightly thicker or thinner tenders, adjust the time by 1–2 minutes either way. The air fryer does a beautiful job crisping them up while keeping the inside juicy.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Want that flawless golden crunch and perfect flavor every time? Keep these pro tips in mind:

Preheat your air fryer – Just a few minutes of preheating helps start the crisping process immediately and cooks more evenly.
Don’t overcrowd – Leave space between tenders so the hot air can circulate. Overlapping = soggy spots.
Use panko breadcrumbs – They give superior crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs. If you’re gluten-free, go for a crispy rice coating or GF panko.
Light oil spray – A quick spritz of oil over the breaded tenders before air frying helps boost that golden, crunchy texture without making them greasy.
Warm the sauce before tossing – The honey butter garlic glaze coats better and clings beautifully when it’s warm and silky.
Serve immediately – These are at their best fresh out of the fryer, when the crust is crisp and the glaze is sticky-sweet.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple recipe like this can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid when making Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:

Skipping the preheat: The air fryer needs those few minutes to hit full temp for that crisp finish. Cold fryer = soft coating.
Using wet chicken: Always pat your chicken tenders dry before breading. Excess moisture leads to soggy crusts.
Crowding the air fryer basket: Tenders need airflow to crisp. If they’re stacked or overlapping, you’ll get uneven results.
Forgetting to flip: Turning halfway through ensures both sides get evenly golden and crispy.
Using cold butter in the glaze: Melt it completely and sauté the garlic gently so the sauce is smooth and flavorful.
Not seasoning the breadcrumbs: All the flavor isn’t just in the sauce—seasoning the breading makes each bite stand out.
Undercooking or overcooking: Always check for that 165°F internal temp. Too little = unsafe, too much = dry chicken.
Tossing the tenders in a cold sauce: Warm sauce sticks better and keeps the chicken from turning soggy.

What to Serve With Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders?

Looking to build out your meal? These tenders pair beautifully with sides that balance their sweet-savory vibe. Here are some top picks:

Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside—roasted with herbs or garlic for a comforting match.

Classic Coleslaw

The cool, crunchy slaw adds a creamy contrast and cuts through the richness of the glaze.

Garlic Butter Rice

Fluffy rice with a hint of garlic butter is simple, soothing, and lets the tenders shine.

Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

Adds a fresh, healthy green element that complements without competing.

Buttery Cornbread

Soft, sweet, and perfect for soaking up any leftover glaze on your plate.

Garlic Parmesan Fries

Fries, but elevated. Their bold flavor matches the chicken’s garlic profile.

Pickles or Pickled Veggies

That pop of acidity helps refresh your palate between bites of sticky-sweet tenders.

Lemon-Dressed Arugula Salad

Bright, peppery greens lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette offer a zesty counterpoint.

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers—though that’s rare in my house—these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders store surprisingly well.

To Store:

Place cooled tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to preserve the crispiness, but if they’re already glazed, they’ll still reheat well.

To Reheat:

Air Fryer (recommended): Reheat at 350°F for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway. This helps restore the crunch.
Oven: Bake at 375°F for about 10 minutes on a wire rack.
Microwave: Fastest, but expect a softer texture. Zap for 1–2 minutes on medium power.

To Freeze:

Yes, you can freeze them! Freeze the breaded (but uncooked) tenders on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, go straight from frozen to air fryer—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time. I don’t recommend freezing them after glazing, as the texture won’t hold up as well.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown for one serving (based on 4 servings total):

Calories: 380
Protein: 27g
Carbohydrates: 24g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sugar: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 420mg

Note: This can vary depending on the specific ingredients you use—especially the butter, honey, and breadcrumbs. For more precise info, plug your exact ingredients into a nutrition calculator.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these chicken tenders without an air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake them in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway. They won’t be quite as crispy as air fried, but still delicious. For a crunchier texture, use a wire rack on your baking sheet.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of tenders?

Yes! Just cut boneless, skinless chicken thighs into strips. They’ll be slightly juicier and have a richer flavor. Cooking time may be a minute or two longer depending on thickness.

How spicy is the honey garlic glaze?

Not spicy at all—just sweet and savory. If you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce into the glaze.

Can I prep these ahead of time?

Definitely. You can bread the tenders a few hours ahead and store them (uncooked) in the fridge. When you’re ready, just pop them into the air fryer. The glaze can also be made in advance and gently reheated.

Do I need to flip the chicken in the air fryer?

Yes! Flipping halfway ensures even browning and crispiness on both sides.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed Ritz crackers. Just note that panko delivers the crunchiest results.

Can I double this recipe?

For sure—just cook in batches so you don’t crowd the air fryer. Overlapping tenders won’t crisp up properly.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and panko, and double-check that your other ingredients (especially seasonings) are certified GF. Everything else is naturally gluten-free.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again. Crispy, juicy, and drenched in the most heavenly sweet-savory glaze, they’re a total crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family dinner or just treating yourself. And the best part? They come together fast with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup.

Once you try them, you’ll never look at chicken tenders the same way again.