Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders 🍗
Introduction
Craving a flavorful, crispy chicken dish that’s quick and easy? These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are juicy, sweet, savory, and garlicky — and take less than 20 minutes from start to finish! Perfect for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or game day snacks, this recipe gives you restaurant-level flavor with less oil and more goodness.
Let’s explore the step-by-step method, health benefits, expert tips, and ways to customize your tenders — plus 10 common FAQs!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (≈ 450g)
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Pat chicken tenders dry. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together melted butter, honey, and minced garlic. Reserve half for after cooking.
- Brush tenders lightly with the other half of the sauce.
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Place tenders in a single layer and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove and toss with remaining sauce immediately for glossy finish.
Expert Chef Tips
👨🍳 Chef Gordon Ramsay:
“Add a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar in the sauce to balance the sweetness of honey.”
👩🍳 Ina Garten:
“Use garlic that’s been sautéed briefly in butter for a milder, deeper flavor.”
👨🍳 Bobby Flay:
“Top with fresh herbs or a touch of hot sauce to create a bold contrast to the honey butter.”
Health & Safety Tips
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the tenders reach 165°F for safety.
- Portion control: Honey is natural but calorie-dense. Pair with greens or grains to balance.
- Allergies: Ensure no dairy issues with butter; substitute with ghee or olive oil if needed.
- Sticky sauces can leave residue in air fryers. Clean basket well after cooking.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
| Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Sugar | Fat | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 tender (of 4 servings) | ≈ 300–350 | 25–30 g | 20–25 g | 15–20 g | 10–15 g | High-protein, low-oil, garlic-rich |
Serving Ideas 🍽️
- Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
- Serve over salad greens or inside wraps for lunch.
- Add a spicy mayo or garlic yogurt dip for an extra kick.
Internal Links
- Explore more air fryer recipes at Fresh Toner Hungar
- Try our garlic chicken ideas for dinner inspiration
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, but thaw and pat dry before seasoning for best results.
- How long do leftovers last? Store refrigerated up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer for 3–4 minutes.
- Can I make it spicier? Add chili flakes, hot sauce, or cayenne to the sauce.
- Substitute for butter? Try ghee or olive oil for a dairy-free version.
- Use bone-in chicken? Not ideal for air fryer timing; adjust cook time significantly.
- What if I don’t have honey? Maple syrup or agave can be used, but flavor will vary.
- Make it gluten-free? The recipe is naturally gluten-free; just avoid soy sauce with gluten.
- Pairing suggestions? Serve with greens, rice, or coleslaw for contrast.
- How to meal prep? Cook tenders, store sauce separately, reheat and toss fresh.
- Best garnish? Parsley, green onion, or sesame seeds add great color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This honey butter garlic chicken is one of those recipes that checks every box: simple, sweet-savory, juicy, and satisfying. Thanks to the air fryer, you get crispiness without extra oil — and the honey butter glaze makes it next-level.
For more air fryer dinners and high-protein meal ideas, visit www.freshtonerhungar.com for weekly recipes!
