There’s something magical about the moment crispy chicken meets a warm, buttery glaze—especially when it’s done in the air fryer with almost no mess. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crunchy, juicy, sweet, and savory. Whether you’re planning a laid-back dinner, looking for a kid-friendly weeknight meal, or need a show-stopping appetizer for game night, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
Inspired by the comfort food classics of Southern kitchens and elevated with a hint of Asian fusion flavor, this dish is as satisfying as it is easy. No deep fryer needed, no greasy aftermath—just golden chicken tenders coated in a luscious, sticky sauce that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Healthier Alternative to Fried Chicken – Thanks to the air fryer, you’ll get that irresistible crunch without the excess oil.
- 🧄 Flavor-Packed Sauce – Garlic, honey, butter, soy sauce, and a touch of Dijon mustard create a complex glaze that’s sweet, savory, and unforgettable.
- 🍽️ Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing – Whether you’re cooking for kids or adults, these tenders disappear fast.
- ⏱️ Quick and Easy – Ready in just over 20 minutes from prep to plate.
- 🌟 Perfect for Meal Prep – These reheat beautifully, making them ideal for lunches or easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to whip up a batch of these honey butter garlic chicken tenders:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the chicken gets evenly cooked and crispy right from the start.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- Flour Mix – Combine flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Egg Wash – Whisk the egg until smooth.
- Breadcrumbs – Add the panko breadcrumbs to a separate dish.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take each chicken tender and:
- Dredge in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess.
- Dip into the egg wash to coat.
- Roll in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
- Spray your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them.
- Spray the tops with more cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (internal temp of 165°F or 74°C).
Step 5: Make the Sauce
While the tenders cook, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in:
- Honey
- Minced garlic
- Soy sauce
- Dijon mustard
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Keep the sauce on low heat, stirring occasionally until warm and fragrant.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once the tenders are ready, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the sauce over the chicken and gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly.
Serve immediately and watch them vanish!
Serving Suggestions
These tenders are delicious on their own, but you can also turn them into a full meal or next-level appetizer with these ideas:
- 🍚 Over Rice – Serve with jasmine or coconut rice for a hearty dinner.
- 🥗 With a Fresh Salad – Pair with a crisp slaw or cucumber salad to balance the richness.
- 🌯 In Wraps – Slice and stuff into a warm tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and ranch dressing.
- 🍟 Game Day Platter – Add fries, dipping sauces, and cold drinks for the ultimate snack spread.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
🔥 Don’t Overcrowd the Basket
Give the chicken space in the air fryer so the hot air can circulate and crisp all sides. Work in batches if needed.
🧈 Use Real Butter
It makes a difference! Unsalted butter gives you more control over the seasoning in your sauce.
🌶️ Customize the Heat
Not a fan of spice? Skip the red pepper flakes. Love a kick? Add more or drizzle with sriracha.
🍗 Use Chicken Thighs
If you prefer darker meat, boneless chicken thighs also work beautifully with this method.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them crispy and delicious:
- Storage: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes. They’ll crisp right back up!
Can You Freeze Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! After cooking, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
To reheat: Air fry straight from frozen at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crisp again.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this recipe lies in its contrast of textures and flavors. The panko crust gives an ultra-satisfying crunch, while the sauce is sticky, buttery, garlicky goodness with a hint of umami and sweetness.
By using the air fryer, you skip the oil splatter and extra calories—but keep all the indulgent flavor. This is comfort food reimagined for modern kitchens.
What Readers Are Saying
“This recipe was a hit with my picky kids and my husband! The sauce is insane—I could eat it with a spoon.” – Jessica R.
“Made it for Sunday dinner, and we had ZERO leftovers. It’s going into our regular meal rotation for sure.” – Marco L.
“Perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy. I served it with sticky rice and stir-fried veggies—amazing!” – Lindsay T.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko (or crushed rice crackers) for breading.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
You can, but panko gives a lighter, crispier texture. Regular breadcrumbs will still taste great but be slightly denser.
What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
Try yellow mustard or a little whole grain mustard for a slightly different, still-delicious flavor.
More Air Fryer Favorites You’ll Love
If you loved these tenders, check out more air fryer recipes to keep your weeknight dinners exciting:
- 🔥 Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken
- 🌶️ Crispy Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- 🧀 Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- 🍗 Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Wings
Try It, Share It, Love It
Whether you’re brand new to air frying or already obsessed, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a must-try. They hit every note—crispy, juicy, sweet, savory, and just a little spicy.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Calories: 315 kcal per serving
Servings: 4