Description
Crispy air-fried chicken tenders coated in a sticky, buttery honey garlic sauce with a touch of spice. A quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknights or entertaining.
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 large eggs
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 tbsp honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp soy sauce (optional)
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl and pour panko breadcrumbs into another.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, dip into the eggs, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Spray basket and place tenders in a single layer. Lightly spray tops.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- In a small saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Heat gently and remove from stove.
- Toss cooked chicken tenders in the warm honey butter garlic sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dip or side.
Notes
Use chicken breast strips if tenders aren’t available.
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Add a splash of lemon juice to the sauce for brightness.
Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions for color and freshness.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 155mg