Introduction
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked chicken tenders, and when you add a drizzle of honey butter garlic sauce, you’ve got a dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level! These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not only quick and easy to whip up, but they burst with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. Inspired by classic fried chicken, this recipe gives you all the taste without the guilt of excess oil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This flavorful blend will coat your chicken in a delightful seasoning.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth to create a rich, tasty batter.
- In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs, which will give the tenders their lovely crunch.
- Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the flour mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Next, immerse it in the egg mixture, and finally, press it into the breadcrumbs to achieve a golden crust.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior.
- Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring there’s enough space between them for air circulation.
- Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the melted butter, honey, and minced garlic. Stir gently until everything is blended and heated through.
- Once the chicken tenders are beautifully cooked, drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over them, tossing to coat evenly in this sweet, garlicky goodness.
- Carefully remove the tenders from the air fryer and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes or Tips
- For an extra crispy texture, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to add your favorite spices to the flour mixture for a personalized touch.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this could prevent proper cooking and crisping.
Cooking Techniques
The air fryer is a fantastic tool for achieving that beloved crispy texture without deep frying. It uses hot air circulation to cook the food evenly, giving you that satisfying crunch while keeping the chicken tender and juicy inside. By following the breading technique and preheating your air fryer, you’ll ensure that your chicken tenders come out perfectly every time.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes, you can, but you may need to adjust the cooking time since chicken breasts can be thicker.
- How can I store leftovers? Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Can I freeze these chicken tenders? Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked breaded tenders. Just fry them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are sure to become a beloved addition to your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after school or looking for a comforting dinner option, this recipe hits all the right notes. The combination of sweet honey, rich buttery goodness, and savory garlic creates a delicious flavor explosion. Enjoy these tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, or simply savor them as they are—each bite is pure bliss!