Description
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe is a deliciously quick and easy main course that pairs crispy air-fried chicken tenders with a rich, flavorful honey butter garlic sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these tenders are coated with simple seasonings and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, then tossed in a savory-sweet glaze that is irresistible. Garnished with fresh parsley, this gluten-free dish offers a satisfying balance of sweet and savory tastes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Nonstick spray for air fryer
Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 to 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking the chicken tenders evenly.
- Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken tenders with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with nonstick spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket for even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Cook the tenders in the preheated air fryer at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to brown both sides evenly. The chicken should be cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
- Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Stir in honey and soy sauce, then simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Once the tenders are cooked, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the warm honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken and toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the chicken tenders for a fresh touch if desired. Serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, lightly coat the chicken tenders with seasoned panko breadcrumbs before air frying.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the sauce according to your preferred sweetness level.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce to maintain the gluten-free status of this dish.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender inside.
