How to Make Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a weeknight dinner or game day snack—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and glazed with a sticky-sweet, buttery garlic sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Made in the air fryer for a lighter crunch without deep-frying, this recipe brings big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy Without the Oil – Air frying gives that golden crunch with a fraction of the fat.
Sweet and Savory Glaze – The honey butter garlic sauce is rich, sticky, and perfectly balanced.
Quick to Make – Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Family Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike, perfect for dinners or appetizers.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Olive oil spray

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• 2 tbsp light butter
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. In a small bowl, beat the egg. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Coat and Air Fry
Dip each tender into the egg, then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Spray both sides with olive oil spray.
Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

3. Make the Sauce
While the tenders cook, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Toss and Serve
Once the chicken is done, toss the tenders in the honey butter garlic sauce or drizzle it over just before serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 240
Protein: 25g
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 14g
Sugar: 6g
Fiber: 1g

Tips for Success

• Don’t Crowd the Basket – Cook in batches if needed for maximum crispiness.
• Fresh Garlic Matters – Use fresh garlic in the sauce for the best flavor.
• Serve with Sides – Pair with air-fried veggies, salad, or rice for a full meal.
• Spice It Up – Add a dash of chili powder or cayenne to the breading for extra kick.

Why This Recipe Works

The air fryer provides crispy perfection without the heaviness of frying. The honey butter garlic sauce clings beautifully to each tender, creating an irresistible glaze. With high-protein, low-fuss ingredients and a satisfying balance of sweet and savory, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver the crunchy texture and bold flavor you crave—all made lighter and faster in the air fryer. Sticky, juicy, and mouthwateringly good, they’ll be your go-to whenever you need a crowd-pleasing chicken dish with minimal cleanup.