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Air Fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders served with dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Delight in the crispy, golden goodness of air fryer chicken tenders drizzled with a warm honey butter garlic sauce, a healthier twist on a beloved classic.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Tenders
  • 1 pound chicken tenders Go for high-quality, organic chicken for the best flavor.
Coating Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Can substitute with whole wheat flour for healthier option.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Freshly minced garlic can be substituted for a stronger flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Smoked paprika can give it a nice twist.
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper Freshly ground pepper is always best.
Breading and Sauce
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk Can substitute regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar if needed.
  • 1/4 cup honey Local raw honey is a great choice for flavor.
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Make sure it’s room temperature for best mixing.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives the best flavor.
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Adds a colorful and fresh touch.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Rinse the chicken tenders under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another dish, pour the buttermilk.
Breading
  1. Dip each chicken tender into the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  2. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Sauce Preparation
  1. While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over low heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey.
Serving
  1. Drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the chicken tenders and toss gently to coat. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and consider a light spray of oil for extra crunch! Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.