Crispy chicken meets golden honey butter glaze in this irresistible air fryer recipe. These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders hit every note—sweet, salty, garlicky, and perfectly crunchy.
Each bite melts in your mouth with juicy chicken inside and caramelized honey butter coating on the outside. If you’re craving restaurant-style flavor without the deep fryer, this one’s for you.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall for these tenders the first time you make them.
- Juicy chicken with crispy coating
- Honey garlic glaze that clings to every bite
- Healthier than fried—no oil splatter
- Kid-approved and perfect for weeknights
- Sweet and savory flavor balance
- Ready in just 25 minutes
The first time I made these, I was trying to impress my son after a long week of work. I wanted something comforting but quick. One batch later, we were both grinning with sticky honey butter fingers. It instantly became a Ramirez family favorite—especially served with sides like Garlic Butter Rice or Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This simple lineup delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Cooking spray
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Add a pinch of cayenne for mild heat
- Substitute olive oil for butter if needed
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs
- Try maple syrup instead of honey for deeper sweetness
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley for color and freshness
Step-By-Step Instructions
These air fryer tenders are all about layering flavor and texture.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C). (A hot basket helps seal in the chicken’s juices.)
- Prepare the Glaze: Mix honey, melted butter, and minced garlic in a small bowl. (That aroma will make you hungry already.)
- Season the Chicken: In a separate bowl, combine paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub onto chicken tenders.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Dip each tender lightly into the honey butter mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Place tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray with cooking spray and air fry 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. (They’ll turn golden brown and crisp.)
- Glaze & Serve: Brush remaining honey butter mixture over cooked tenders before serving. (It creates that shiny, sticky finish.)
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Use panko for extra crunch.
- Always glaze after cooking to keep the coating crisp.
- Let rest 2 minutes before serving to set the crust.
Expert Tips For Success
Here’s how to make every batch turn out perfectly.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning for better adhesion.
- Preheat the air fryer for consistent cooking.
- Mix honey and butter warm—cold honey won’t coat evenly.
- Flip halfway for balanced crisping.
- For a thicker glaze, reduce honey butter in a pan before brushing.
- Serve with creamy dips like Cottage Cheese Queso Dip.
- Use a meat thermometer—chicken should hit 165°F.
Each time I make these, that sizzling honey glaze reminds me of nights cooking by the truck lights back in Texas—loud music, cold air, and warm, flavorful food.
Serving Suggestions
These honey butter tenders shine at dinner, game night, or even meal prep.
- Pair with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce for a cool, creamy contrast
- Serve over garlic rice or mashed potatoes
- Add to sandwiches or wraps for quick lunches
- Top salads for a sweet-savory protein
- Great as finger food for family gatherings
They’re versatile, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to make your table feel a little more special.
Storing And Reheating
Leftovers? These reheat like a dream.
How To Store It
- Cool tenders completely before storing.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking.
- Freeze up to 2 months for meal prep.
- Label containers for easy rotation.
How To Reheat It
- Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes for that crispy finish.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F for 10 minutes.
- Microwave: 1 minute (then crisp in air fryer).
- Brush lightly with honey butter before reheating for flavor.
They’ll stay golden, juicy, and just as satisfying as the first night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Slice them into strips and follow the same steps for juicy results.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes—swap butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine.
What kind of honey works best?
Clover or wildflower honey adds great flavor without being too sweet.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders blend the best of comfort food and convenience. Crispy, sticky, and packed with garlicky sweetness, they’re the kind of dish that turns any dinner into a moment worth savoring.
- Always glaze after air frying for that glossy finish.
- Pair with a creamy dip for balance.
- Keep extra honey butter for drizzling—it’s magic in a jar.
Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a small bowl, mix honey, melted butter, and minced garlic for the glaze.
- In another bowl, combine paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning onto the chicken tenders.
- Dip each seasoned tender lightly into the honey butter mixture, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray and air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Brush the remaining honey butter mixture over the cooked tenders before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
2. Pat the chicken dry before seasoning and coating to help the crumbs adhere better.
3. Preheat the air fryer for consistent cooking and optimal crunch.
