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This sweet and savory air fryer chicken tender recipe has become my weeknight dinner hero when I need something quick but still crave that crispy restaurant-quality taste. The honey butter garlic sauce takes these tenders to a whole new level of deliciousness without the mess of traditional frying.
I first made these tenders when trying to recreate my son's favorite restaurant chicken without the deep fryer. Now they've become our Thursday night tradition and even my husband requests them when he's had a long day at work.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: 1 pound, fresh tenders cook more evenly than cutting breast meat
- All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup, creates the first layer of the breading system
- Cornstarch: 1/4 cup, the secret to extra crispy coating even from the air fryer
- Eggs: 2 large, helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly to the chicken
- Panko breadcrumbs: 1 1/2 cups, Japanese breadcrumbs provide superior crunch
- Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon, adds flavor depth to the breading itself
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, brings color and mild smokiness to the coating
- Salt and pepper: enhances all the flavors throughout the dish
- Olive oil spray: helps achieve that golden brown exterior without deep frying
- For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
- Butter: 3 tablespoons, use unsalted so you can control the final saltiness
- Honey: 1/4 cup, look for local raw honey for the best flavor
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, fresh is much better than jarred for this sauce
- Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon, adds that savory umami note to balance the sweetness
- Red pepper flakes: 1/2 teaspoon, optional, adjustable depending on your heat preference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F for at least 3 minutes. This ensures the tenders start cooking immediately when placed inside. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil to prevent any sticking which can tear off your beautiful breading.
- Set Up Breading Station:
- Combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl mixing thoroughly with a fork to distribute the seasonings evenly. In a second bowl, beat the eggs until completely smooth with no streaks of white. Pour panko breadcrumbs into a third bowl arranging all three in assembly line order.
- Bread the Chicken:
- Take each chicken tender and first dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture shaking off excess. Next dip into the beaten eggs ensuring complete coverage. Finally press firmly into the panko turning several times and using your fingers to help adhere the breadcrumbs to any bare spots. Place prepared tenders on a plate while finishing the rest.
- Air Fry to Perfection:
- Arrange breaded tenders in the preheated air fryer basket leaving space between each piece for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil for maximum browning. Cook for 5 minutes then flip each tender and spray the other side. Continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and display a beautiful golden crust.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce:
- While tenders cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in honey and soy sauce stirring constantly until the mixture comes together smoothly. Add red pepper flakes if using and simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Coat and Serve:
- Transfer cooked tenders to a large bowl and pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over them. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated with the sticky sweet glaze. Serve immediately while still hot and crispy.
My family particularly loves these tenders with the honey butter sauce because it reminds us of our favorite Korean fried chicken place downtown. My daughter actually learned to cook by helping me make this recipe when she was just eight years old. Now at twelve she makes them entirely on her own for family movie nights.
Perfect Pairings
These honey butter garlic chicken tenders pair beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal I recommend serving with a crisp Asian slaw dressed with rice vinegar or a simple green salad to balance the richness. The slight sweetness of the tenders also works wonderfully alongside spicy sriracha mayo for dipping or a side of steamed jasmine rice to soak up any extra sauce. For special occasions I serve them with sweet potato fries and fresh corn on the cob.
Make Ahead and Storage
These chicken tenders are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer but you can prepare elements ahead of time to streamline the cooking process. The breading mixture can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in an airtight container. If you need to store leftovers place them in a container with parchment between layers and refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to restore some crispness. I recommend storing the sauce separately if possible and reheating it gently before tossing with rewarmed tenders.
Ingredient Substitutions
Not everyone has the same ingredients on hand or dietary needs. If you need alternatives try these tested options. Chicken breasts cut into strips work perfectly in place of tenders though they may need an extra minute of cooking time. Gluten free panko is now widely available and creates nearly identical results for those avoiding wheat. For a dairy free version coconut oil can replace butter in the sauce adding a subtle tropical note. Maple syrup makes an excellent substitute for honey with a deeper more complex sweetness. My neighbor who avoids soy uses coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and reports the flavor is just as delicious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
You can substitute crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs for panko. Cornflakes provide extra crunch, similar to panko.
- → Can I make these tenders spicier?
Yes, simply add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the honey garlic butter sauce or the breading mix.
- → How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
To secure the breading, gently press the coating onto the chicken and let the tenders rest for 5 minutes before air frying.
- → Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, but adjust the cooking time by adding 2-3 extra minutes to ensure they are fully cooked through.
- → What can I serve with these chicken tenders?
These tenders pair well with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
- → Can I store leftovers and reheat them?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to retain crispiness.