Introduction
Get ready to indulge in some mouthwatering Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders! These tender, juicy bites are coated in a crispy, golden crust, and then drizzled with a luxurious honey butter garlic sauce that elevates the flavor to new heights. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these chicken tenders are sure to please both kids and adults alike. The air fryer brings out a delightful crunch while keeping the chicken wonderfully moist. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Chopped parsley 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
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), allowing it to reach the perfect cooking temperature.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture.
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess flour for a light coating.
- Next, dip the floured chicken tenders into the beaten eggs, letting any extra egg drip off.
- Coat the chicken tenders with panko breadcrumbs, pressing down firmly to ensure they stick to the chicken.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap for even cooking.
- Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey butter garlic sauce by combining honey, melted butter, and minced garlic in a saucepan over low heat. Stir gently until warmed and well mixed.
- Once the chicken tenders are perfectly cooked, drizzle the warm honey butter garlic sauce over them, allowing the sauce to soak in.
- Garnish with the chopped parsley and serve immediately for a truly delightful dish!
Notes or Tips
- You can adjust the amount of garlic in the sauce to suit your taste preferences.
- For an added twist, consider adding a pinch of chili flakes to the honey garlic sauce for a bit of heat.
- These tenders pair beautifully with a side of honey mustard or ranch dressing for dipping!
Cooking Techniques
Using an air fryer is a fantastic way to achieve that crispy texture we all adore without deep frying. The circulating hot air creates a uniform cooking environment, resulting in evenly cooked chicken tenders that retain moisture. Remember to preheat your air fryer — this step is crucial for the crispiest outside and tender inside!
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders? Yes! Cut chicken breasts into strips to achieve a similar result.
- How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- Can I make these gluten-free? Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are not only easy to whip up but also bursting with flavor that will have your family asking for seconds. With their crispy exterior, juicy chicken, and finger-licking sauce, this recipe is bound to become a go-to in your household. Easy to make and utterly delicious, enjoy these tenders as a delightful addition to your meal rotation!