Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of crispy, golden chicken tenders that deliver a delightful combination of sweetness and savory goodness. These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders elevate your meal with a rich honey butter garlic sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun finger food for gatherings, these tenders are sure to please everyone at your table. Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your chicken tenders will cook evenly and attain that beautiful golden brown color.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This fragrant blend will enhance the chicken’s flavor.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy, which helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- Place the panko breadcrumbs in yet another bowl. These breadcrumbs will give the chicken a delightful, crispy texture.
- To coat the chicken tenders, first dip each piece in the flour mixture, followed by the egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring each tender is well covered.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is air frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the honey and minced garlic until everything is well combined and heated through.
- Once the chicken tenders are out of the air fryer, drizzle the luscious honey butter garlic sauce generously over them.
- Finish off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch before serving!
Notes or Tips
- Feel free to customize the seasoning in the flour mixture to suit your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can spice things up!
- If you prefer, you can substitute chicken breast cut into strips for the tenders.
- For an extra crispy texture, you can lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
Cooking Techniques
The air fryer not only cooks the chicken tenders to crispy perfection but also drastically reduces the amount of oil you’d typically use in frying. This method allows for healthier cooking without sacrificing taste. Just remember to preheat your air fryer; this small step makes a big difference in achieving that golden, crunchy exterior.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, but you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- What can I serve with these chicken tenders? They pair wonderfully with a side of vegetables, a fresh salad, or homemade fries for a complete meal.
- How do I store leftovers? Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a crispy texture.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleasing treat that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. The combination of crispy chicken and the sweet, buttery garlic drizzle creates an irresistible dish that you’ll want to make again and again. So gather your loved ones around the table and dig into this delightful meal!