Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1½ pounds (680 g) chicken tenders
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken tenders dry and toss them with the olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
6. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
7. Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and Italian seasoning (if using). Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from the heat.
8. Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a large bowl and drizzle with the honey butter garlic sauce. Toss gently to coat.
9. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Roasted vegetables
• Garden salad
• Rice or mashed potatoes

Tips

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
• For a spicy version, add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese after tossing in the sauce for extra richness.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.