Oh my goodness, have you ever tasted crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders? If you haven’t, you are seriously missing out! These beauties are not just any chicken tenders; they’re coated in a sweet and savory glaze that makes every bite feel like a party in your mouth. Trust me, once you try them, they’ll become a go-to in your kitchen!
I remember the first time I made these. I was looking for something quick and delicious for dinner, and I had some chicken tenders lying around. I thought, why not give them a sweet twist? I whipped up a honey butter garlic glaze, tossed the chicken in it, and popped them in the air fryer. The result? Absolute magic! They came out golden, crispy, and oh-so-flavorful. My family couldn’t get enough, and I knew I had to share this recipe with you.
So, if you’re ready to elevate your weeknight dinners with these fantastic air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, let’s dive right in!
Ingredients List
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
How to Prepare Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the honey, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This glaze is where the magic begins!
- Once your mixture is beautifully combined, toss in the chicken tenders. Make sure they’re well coated with that sweet and savory goodness—don’t be shy!
- Now, let’s get that air fryer ready! Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
- While the air fryer heats up, place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer. Give them a little space so they can crisp up nicely!
- Cook those tenders for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. You’ll want to keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and deliciously fragrant!
- To ensure they’re cooked through, check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This is super important for safety!
- Once they’re done, take the chicken tenders out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep them juicy and tender before you dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously crispy texture with a sweet and savory glaze that’s totally addictive.
- Made in the air fryer, so it’s a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
- Gluten-free, making it a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
- Versatile—serve them as a main dish, in wraps, or as a party appetizer.
- Everyone will love them, from kids to adults—seriously, they disappear fast!
- Simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
Tips for Success
Alright, my fellow kitchen adventurers, let’s talk about some golden tips to make your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders absolutely perfect! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will take your cooking game to the next level.
- Don’t Skimp on the Glaze: Make sure to really coat the chicken tenders in that honey butter garlic mixture. The more glaze, the better the flavor! If you have extra, don’t hesitate to drizzle some over the top right before serving for an extra touch.
- Space is Key: When placing the chicken in the air fryer basket, give them a little room to breathe. If they’re too crowded, they won’t get that amazing crispy texture we’re after!
- Check the Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. It’s worth it to avoid undercooked chicken! Aim for 165°F (75°C) for perfectly juicy tenders.
- Adjust for Size: If your chicken tenders are on the larger side, you might need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
- Let Them Rest: After taking the chicken out of the air fryer, let them rest for a few minutes. This enhances the juiciness and keeps those flavors locked in!
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to play around with the spices! A little cayenne can add a nice kick, or you could sprinkle in some Italian herbs for a different flavor profile.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re all set to create the most mouthwatering air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders. Happy cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders is how versatile they are! You can easily switch things up depending on what you have on hand or what flavors you’re in the mood for. Here are a few fun variations to try:
- Spicy Honey Garlic: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the honey garlic glaze for a spicy kick. It’s the perfect way to jazz things up if you love heat!
- Herb-Infused: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into your glaze. This adds a lovely aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
- Asian Twist: Swap out the honey for teriyaki sauce and add a splash of soy sauce. Finish with sesame seeds and green onions after cooking for a delightful Asian-inspired dish!
- Parmesan Crust: Before air frying, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken tenders for a cheesy, crispy crust. It’s rich and oh-so-delicious!
- BBQ Style: Brush the tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce instead of the honey glaze for a smoky, sweet flavor profile. Perfect for those summer vibes!
- Vegetable Addition: Toss some veggies like bell peppers or zucchini in the air fryer along with the chicken for a complete meal. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time for the veggies!
Feel free to get creative and mix and match these ideas! The sky’s the limit when it comes to making these chicken tenders your own. Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made these delicious air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders, and now you have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). Here’s how to keep them fresh and tasty for later!
First, let the chicken tenders cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup in the container, which can make them soggy. Once cooled, transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll be good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you don’t forget!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend using the air fryer again if you can. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place the chicken tenders in the basket for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again. This way, you’ll get that delightful crunch back!
If you don’t have an air fryer handy, you can also reheat them in the oven. Just spread the chicken tenders out on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent drying out.
And if you’re in a pinch, the microwave works too, but be careful! Heat them in short intervals (about 30 seconds) to avoid making them rubbery. Not ideal, but it’ll do in a hurry!
Now you’re all set to enjoy your chicken tenders even after the first delicious meal! Happy snacking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness of these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders! It’s always nice to know what we’re putting into our bodies, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 10g
- Protein: 22g
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But overall, these tenders pack a protein punch while keeping things relatively balanced. Enjoy every bite with a little peace of mind!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely before coating them in the honey butter garlic glaze. You might need to adjust the cooking time slightly, so keep an eye on them to ensure they reach that perfect golden brown and safe internal temperature.
What should I serve with these chicken tenders?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! You can serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even sriracha for a spicy kick. They also pair wonderfully with a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal.
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Simply prepare and coat the chicken tenders in the glaze, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just remember to let them come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before popping them in the air fryer for even cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
No worries at all! You can bake these chicken tenders in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll still be delicious!
Can I use other types of meat?
Definitely! While chicken tenders are the star of this recipe, you can substitute with chicken breasts or thighs cut into strips. You could even try this with pork or tofu for a different twist, just keep in mind that cooking times may vary based on the type of meat.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a nice golden color and make sure the juices run clear when you cut into the thickest part of the chicken.
Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders: 7 Ways to Wow
- Temps Total: 22 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Sans Gluten
Description
Crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders coated in a sweet and savory glaze.
Ingrédients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix honey, melted butter, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Add chicken tenders to the mixture and coat well.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Check for doneness; chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Remove from air fryer and let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the size of the chicken tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Temps De Préparation: 10 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 12 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sucre: 10g
- De Sodium: 600mg
- La graisse: 14g
- Graisses Saturées: 7g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 5g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 20g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 22g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 70mg
Mots-clés: air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders
