Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders cooked to golden perfection and coated in a delicious honey butter garlic sauce, perfect for a quick and tasty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8 tenders)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (optional)
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Rub them with olive oil and season with salt and pepper on both sides to ensure even seasoning and crispiness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to achieve an optimal cooking temperature for crispy chicken.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small bowl. Add honey, minced garlic, thyme or Italian seasoning (if using), and red pepper flakes for heat (if using). Stir well to combine the sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a large bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss them to coat evenly, ensuring each piece is infused with flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the honey butter garlic chicken tenders immediately with your favorite sides such as fries, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild flavor.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, pat chicken dry before seasoning.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
