This recipe focuses on creating succulent and flavorful “Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders”, a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional fried chicken. The image displays a mouth-watering pile of these golden-brown chicken tenders, generously coated in what appears to be a rich, glossy honey-butter-garlic glaze. The seasoning, visible as specks of pepper and herbs, suggests a savory and aromatic profile, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the honey and richness of the butter. This dish is ideal for a quick weeknight meal, a kid-friendly option, or as a delicious appetizer. The air fryer ensures the tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, achieving a texture similar to deep-frying but with significantly less oil.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs (about 680g) boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze:
- ¼ cup (56g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder)
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes (for color and light herby note)
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a hint of heat)
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Air fryer
- Tongs
- Small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl (for glaze)
- Whisk or spatula
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
Part 1: Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Pat Dry: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps seasonings adhere better and promotes a crispier exterior.
- Season Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, drizzle the chicken tenders with 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt to the bowl. Toss well to ensure all the chicken tenders are evenly coated with the seasonings.
Part 2: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes, if your model requires preheating.
- Arrange Tenders: Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and browning. Overcrowding will steam the chicken instead of crisping it.
- Air Fry: Air fry the chicken tenders for 12-18 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The exact cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your tenders and your specific air fryer model.
- Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). The tenders should have a nice golden-brown crust.
- Keep Warm: Once cooked, transfer the air-fried chicken tenders to a plate and keep them warm while you prepare the glaze.
Part 3: Prepare the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
- Melt Butter: In a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of unsalted butter over low heat. Alternatively, you can melt it in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add Glaze Ingredients: Once the butter is melted, remove it from the heat (if on stove) and stir in the 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 minced garlic cloves (or 1 teaspoon garlic powder), and ½ teaspoon of dried parsley flakes. If desired, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Whisk to Combine: Whisk the glaze ingredients together until well combined and smooth. The glaze should be fluid and slightly shiny.
Part 4: Glaze and Serve
- Toss with Glaze: In the same large mixing bowl you used for seasoning the chicken, add the cooked air-fried chicken tenders. Pour the warm honey butter garlic glaze over the tenders.
- Coat Evenly: Use tongs to toss the chicken tenders until they are thoroughly and evenly coated in the sticky, flavorful glaze.
- Serve Immediately: Transfer the glazed chicken tenders to a serving platter.
- Serve hot as a main course with your favorite sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, or as an appetizer. These tenders are best enjoyed fresh to appreciate their crispy exterior and tender interior. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.