Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Hey y'all! If you crave crispy, juicy chicken with a glossy sweet-savory glaze, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders deliver big-time. They're weeknight-fast, kid-approved, and perfect for parties, game day, or a cozy dinner in. Let's get cooking!

Why You'll Love These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Golden, crispy edges with tender, juicy centers—no deep frying required.
• Sweet, buttery garlic glaze that clings to every bite and tastes restaurant-quality.
• Fast: on the table in about 20 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
• Family-friendly but easily customizable for spicy or herby vibes.
• Air fryer clean-up is a breeze, and leftovers reheat beautifully.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• 1.5 lb chicken tenderloins (about 12 tenders)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus cooking spray for the basket)

Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon soy sauce (optional, for savory depth)

To finish (optional): 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, lemon wedges

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Preheat the air fryer

1. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.

Season and coat the chicken tenders

2. Pat the chicken tenders very dry with paper towels.
3. In a bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne (if using). Toss the tenders with olive oil, then sprinkle on the seasoning and cornstarch; toss until evenly coated.

Air fry and glaze

4. Arrange tenders in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 7 minutes, flip, then cook 4–6 minutes more, until the thickest piece reaches 165°F and the edges are golden.
5. While the chicken cooks, make the glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk in honey, vinegar (or lemon), and soy sauce; simmer 1 minute to slightly thicken. Remove from heat.
6. Toss the hot tenders with the warm honey butter garlic glaze until glossy. Rest 2 minutes to set the glaze. Garnish with parsley and squeeze of lemon, if you like.

Notes for the Best Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

• Don’t overcrowd: Cook in a single layer so the air can circulate and crisp the coating.
• Use an instant-read thermometer and pull at 165°F for juicy meat (see safe temps from FoodSafety.gov: safe chicken temperature).
• Quality honey matters: different varieties change flavor; learn more at the National Honey Board.

Variations: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Your Way

• Spicy Honey Sriracha: Add 1–2 teaspoons sriracha to the glaze and an extra pinch of cayenne to the rub.
• Parmesan Herb: Skip soy sauce, add ¼ cup finely grated Parmesan and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning to the tenders after air frying, then toss with the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: Swap cornstarch with 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or rice flour; all other ingredients are naturally GF (verify soy sauce or use tamari).

What You'll Need (Equipment)

• Air fryer (4-quart capacity or larger)
• Instant-read thermometer
• Mixing bowl and tongs
• Small saucepan and whisk
• Cooking spray and paper towels

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes (5–8 minutes from frozen) until hot and re-crisped; brush on a little fresh glaze if desired.

Serving Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Pair with creamy coleslaw, garlic green beans, or roasted broccoli.
• Serve over jasmine rice or tucked into warm tortillas with crunchy lettuce.
• Dips: extra honey-garlic glaze, ranch, or a tangy yogurt-dill sauce.

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Pat dry and preheat: Moisture is the enemy of crisp; preheating boosts browning and reduces sticking (great primer: Serious Eats air fryer guide).
• Light cornstarch dusting = crunch: That thin coat creates a delicate crust without breading.
• Set the glaze: For extra sticky-satin finish, brush on half the glaze and air fry 1 minute at 380°F, then toss with the remaining glaze off-heat.

FAQ: Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs? Yes. Cut into 1-inch-wide strips. Breasts cook similarly; boneless thighs may need 1–2 extra minutes—always check 165°F internal temp.

Can I bake instead of air fry? Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway. For color, broil 1 minute at the end; toss with glaze after baking.

Can I cook from frozen? For best seasoning and texture, thaw first. If using raw frozen tenders, air fry at 400°F for 14–16 minutes, flipping halfway; season lightly once they begin to thaw and toss with warm glaze at the end.