Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy and succulent air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders promise a mouthwatering meal that will make your taste buds dance.

Golden-brown edges peek through a glistening glaze, hinting at the flavor explosion waiting inside.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet impressive dish.

Pantry staples combine to create something magical on your plate.

Kids and adults alike will crave these tender morsels that take minimal effort to prepare.

Marinades infuse each bite with sweet, savory goodness that feels like a culinary hug.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next quick and delicious meal.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes?

Yes, you can substitute cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or crushed crackers for a similar crispy coating.

• How do I ensure the chicken tenders are crispy?

Make sure to spray the tenders with cooking spray and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer and flipping halfway helps achieve maximum crispiness.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is not gluten-free as it contains cornflakes and soy sauce. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free cornflakes or breadcrumbs and replace soy sauce with tamari.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Explained

• Boost Crispiness: Cornflake coating delivers an amazing crunchy exterior that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a restaurant-quality dish with irresistible texture.
• Customize Flavor Punch: Honey butter garlic sauce creates a perfect sweet-savory combination that elevates simple chicken tenders, making them exciting and delicious for all taste preferences.
• Hands-Off Cooking Method: Air fryer technique ensures quick, even cooking without excessive oil, reducing mess and providing a healthier alternative to traditional deep-frying while maintaining maximum flavor and golden-brown appearance.
• Kid and Adult Friendly: Versatile recipe appeals to both children and adults, making it an ideal meal for family dinners or casual gatherings where everyone can enjoy a tasty, crowd-pleasing protein option.

What’s Needed for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy meat that serves as the main protein in this recipe.

• Cornflakes, Eggs: Cornflakes provide a crispy exterior, while eggs help the coating adhere to the chicken.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that add flavor and depth to the chicken coating.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve extra crispiness during air frying.

• Butter: Creates a rich and creamy base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds a sharp and aromatic flavor to the honey butter sauce.
• Honey: Provides sweetness and helps create a glossy coating.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami and depth to the sauce.

• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Adds a fresh and decorative touch to the finished dish.

Preparing Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Made Easy

Step 1: Prepare Coating Station

Set up two separate dishes for breading. In one dish, crush cornflakes into fine, sandy crumbs.

• Eggs
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Ensure the mixture is well blended and smooth.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dunk each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s completely covered.

Roll the coated tender in cornflake crumbs, pressing gently so crumbs stick firmly to the chicken.

Step 3: Arrange in Air Fryer

Place breaded chicken tenders in air fryer basket without touching each other.

Spray tops lightly with cooking spray to boost crispiness. This might require cooking in multiple batches.

Step 4: Cook Until Golden

Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip tenders halfway through cooking.

Chicken is done when it reaches golden brown color and internal temperature hits 165°F.

Step 5: Create Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

• Honey
• Soy sauce

Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6: Coat and Serve

Transfer cooked chicken tenders to a large bowl. Pour sauce over tenders and gently toss to coat evenly.

Plate immediately and sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Expert Advice for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Press cornflake crumbs firmly onto chicken tenders to create an extra crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without touching to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness in the air fryer.
• Use a meat thermometer to verify chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe and perfectly cooked tenders every time.
• Simmer honey butter garlic sauce briefly to thicken, allowing it to cling beautifully to the crispy chicken tenders.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped green onions or sesame seeds on top for added texture and a burst of fresh flavor.

Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Chicken Tenders: Replace cornflakes with crushed gluten-free rice cereal or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the honey butter sauce.
• Spicy Korean Chicken Tenders: Add gochujang or sriracha to the honey butter sauce for a fiery kick. Sprinkle with red pepper flakes and garnish with chopped cilantro for extra heat.
• Herb-Crusted Chicken Tenders: Swap cornflakes with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley. Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter sauce option.

Perfect Complements for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Pair these crispy honey butter garlic chicken tenders with a chilled Riesling white wine, whose subtle sweetness perfectly complements the dish’s garlic and honey notes.

Serve alongside a light cucumber and herb salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the rich, buttery chicken and provide a cool contrast.

Add crispy roasted sweet potato wedges seasoned with smoked paprika, which will echo the cornflake coating and provide a complementary crunch to the tender chicken.

Offer a small side of creamy ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce to add an extra layer of flavor and provide a cool, tangy element that balances the sweet and savory chicken.

Keeping Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Fresh Longer

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring they stay fresh and tasty.
• Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining their crispy texture and flavor.
• Preheat air fryer to 375F. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method helps restore the original crispiness.
• Place tenders on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, being careful not to overcook and dry out the chicken.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering explosion of sweet and savory flavors that dance across your palate. Succulent chicken coated in golden, glossy glaze promises a quick, irresistible meal guaranteed to satisfy hungry diners seeking a delectable dinner solution.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups (60g) cornflakes, crushed

Seasoning:

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking:

• Cooking spray (preferably avocado oil)

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Instructions

1. Configure the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
2. Transform cornflakes into delicate crumbs using a crushing technique in a shallow dish.
3. Create a seasoned egg mixture by whisking eggs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until thoroughly blended.
4. Submerge each chicken tender completely in the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
5. Coat the egg-drenched chicken tenders with crushed cornflakes, gently pressing to secure the crumb layer.
6. Arrange chicken tenders in a single, non-touching layer inside the air fryer basket, potentially cooking in multiple batches.
7. Apply a light cooking spray mist to enhance the crispiness of the chicken tenders.
8. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, rotating midway, until the exterior turns golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
9. Simultaneously prepare the sauce by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Infuse the butter with minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic for approximately one minute.
11. Incorporate honey and soy sauce, allowing the mixture to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
12. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken tenders to a large mixing bowl.
13. Generously drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders, gently tossing to ensure complete coating.
14. Plate immediately and optionally garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Crush cornflakes thoroughly for an extra crispy coating that locks in moisture and creates a crunchy texture.
• Ensure even coating by patting chicken tenders dry before dipping to help the egg mixture and crumbs adhere better.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to guarantee crispy, golden-brown chicken with even cooking.
• Adjust cooking time for different air fryer models, checking internal temperature to prevent dryness while ensuring full cooking.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 399 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 447 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 166 mg