Short Description
These air-fried chicken tenders are coated in a crispy panko crust and finished with a luscious honey butter garlic glaze for a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and crunchy bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfectly crispy: Achieve a crunchy exterior with air-frying—no deep frying required.
Sweet and savory: Honey butter meets garlic and soy for a mouthwatering flavor profile.
Quick weeknight dinner: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal hands-on cooking.
Customizable heat: Add red pepper flakes for a spicy twist, or omit for milder taste.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

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
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)
Cooking spray

directions

Preheat your air fryer to 375 °F (190 °C).
In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
In a second bowl, beat the egg until smooth. In a third bowl, pour the panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer, and spray their tops with cooking spray.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until tenders are golden and reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).
While they cook, combine honey, melted butter, minced garlic, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and optional red pepper flakes in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Warm gently until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
Transfer cooked tenders to a large bowl, pour the honey butter garlic sauce over them, and toss gently to coat evenly.
Serve immediately, optionally garnished with chopped parsley or extra red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Active prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 20–25 minutes

Variations

Spicy glaze: Increase red pepper flakes or add sriracha to the honey butter sauce.
Herb addition: Mix chopped rosemary or thyme into the melt butter sauce.
Gluten-free option: Substitute rice flour and gluten-free panko.
Air-fryer alternatives: Bake at 425 °F (220 °C) for 15–18 minutes or deep-fry until golden.
Sauce-only tenders: Skip the dredging and simply coat pre-cooked chicken strips in the honey butter mixture.

storage/reheating

To store: Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
To reheat: Gently reheat in a 350 °F (175 °C) oven or air fryer for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave heating to prevent sogginess.

FAQs

Are these chicken tenders fully cooked in the air fryer?

Yes—air fryers cook quickly and evenly. Confirm they reach an internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C) for safety.

Can I make the honey butter garlic sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Make the sauce in advance, store in the refrigerator, and warm it gently before tossing with chicken.

What can I serve with these tenders?

They pair well with fresh salad, steamed vegetables, rice, or fries.

Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes—cut boneless chicken breasts into strips and adjust cooking time to 12–14 minutes.

Is it okay to omit the soy sauce?

Yes—omit for gluten-free preference or mild sweetness, but the soy adds umami depth.

How can I make them less sweet?

Reduce honey to ¼ cup and increase mustard or soy sauce to balance.

Can I bake these instead of air-frying?

Yes—bake at 425 °F (220 °C) on a greased baking sheet for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway.

How do I keep the tenders crispy?

Light cooking-spray coating helps. Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Can children enjoy them?

Yes—omit the red pepper flakes or reduce to ¼ teaspoon for a kid-friendly sweet garlic taste.

Do I need a thermometer to check doneness?

While visual cues work, an instant-read thermometer ensures safe internal temperature of 165 °F (74 °C).

Conclusion

These air-fried honey butter garlic chicken tenders deliver a delightful blend of crunchy texture, sweet garlic flavor, and quick preparation. Perfect for satisfying dinners or game-night treats, they’re simple, tasty, and adaptable. Enjoy the flavorful twist!