Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce bring together crisp, golden-coated chicken and a glossy, aromatic sauce that balances sweetness, butteriness, and gentle garlic warmth. The tender chicken strips are air-fried to perfection, then coated in a silky honey butter garlic sauce that clings beautifully to every bite. Ideal for weeknight dinners, cozy family meals, or relaxed weekend gatherings, this dish offers comfort, precision, and irresistible flavor in one plate.
Servings – Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
Servings: 3–4 servings
Time
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
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500 g chicken breast, cut into even strips
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60 g all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs (approx. 100 g), beaten
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80 g panko breadcrumbs
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30 g unsalted butter
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45 ml honey
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3 garlic cloves (approx. 10 g), finely minced
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15 ml olive oil (for brushing)
Spices & Seasoning
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4 g salt
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3 g black pepper
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4 g smoked paprika
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3 g garlic powder
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2 g dried parsley (optional, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions – How to Make Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
Step 1: Prepare the flavor base
First, season the chicken strips evenly with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Meanwhile, arrange three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Coat the chicken
Next, dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg mixture, allowing it to fully coat the surface. Finally, press gently into the breadcrumbs until evenly covered, ensuring a crisp exterior later.
Step 3: Air fry to golden perfection
Preheat the air fryer to 190°C. Lightly brush the basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them. Air fry for 7–8 minutes, then flip and cook for another 6–7 minutes until deeply golden and cooked through. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce.
Step 4: Build the honey butter garlic sauce
In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter gently. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. However, avoid browning the garlic, as this can introduce bitterness.
Step 5: Deglaze and enrich
Next, stir in the honey, allowing it to blend smoothly with the butter and garlic. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until glossy and slightly thickened. In addition, taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
Step 6: Combine and glaze
Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a warm bowl. Pour the honey butter garlic sauce over the tenders and toss gently until evenly coated. Meanwhile, the heat from the chicken helps the sauce cling beautifully.
Step 7: Finish and serve
Finally, sprinkle with dried parsley and serve immediately. The contrast between the crisp coating and the rich, aromatic sauce defines the signature character of Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce.
Variations of Golden Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Butter Garlic Sauce
With meat: Replace chicken breast with turkey tenders for a slightly leaner but equally tender result.
Vegetarian version: Substitute chicken with thick cauliflower florets or tofu strips, following the same breading and air-frying process.
Creamier version: Add 30 ml light cream to the sauce for a richer, velvety finish.
Spicier version: Incorporate 2–3 g chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the honey butter garlic sauce.
Seasonal swaps: Add fresh thyme in winter or a touch of lemon zest in summer for brightness.
Tips for Perfect Results
Cooking technique: Always preheat the air fryer to ensure immediate crisping and even browning.
Enhancing aroma: Freshly minced garlic delivers the most aromatic depth compared to pre-chopped alternatives.
Avoiding sogginess: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; airflow is essential for crisp results.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for best texture.
Freezing: Breaded, uncooked chicken tenders can be frozen for up to 1 month and air-fried directly from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to cooking time.
