AIR FRYER HONEY GARLIC CHICKEN TENDERS: A PERFECTLY CRISPY AND FLAVORFUL DELIGHT
Introduction
Chicken tenders are a beloved dish enjoyed by all ages, from kids who love dipping them in sauce to adults looking for a quick yet satisfying meal. When you combine the crispy goodness of air-fried chicken with the sweet and savory flavors of honey and garlic, you get an irresistible dish—Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders.
Air frying has changed the game for home cooks, allowing us to achieve the crunchy texture of deep-fried food without the excess oil. These honey garlic chicken tenders are not only healthier but also incredibly easy to make. With a perfectly balanced honey garlic glaze, this dish delivers crunch, sweetness, and a hint of garlic in every bite.
Whether you’re making dinner for the family, preparing an easy weeknight meal, or looking for a delicious party appetizer, these air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders will impress everyone. In this guide, we will walk you through every step of the recipe, share tips for getting that perfect crispy coating, and suggest ways to serve them for the best dining experience.
Benefits of Cooking Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders in an Air Fryer
- Healthier Alternative: Air frying uses little to no oil, making these tenders lower in fat compared to deep frying.
- Crispy Texture: The hot air circulation ensures that the coating gets crunchy while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
- Quick and Convenient: Air fryers cook food faster than ovens, making this recipe perfect for busy schedules.
- Even Cooking: The air fryer provides consistent results, so you don’t have to worry about undercooked spots.
- Less Mess and Easy Cleanup: No deep frying means no greasy mess, making kitchen cleanup a breeze.
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (mixed with 1 tablespoon water for thickening)
- Sesame seeds and chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and allow it to preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Set Up the Breading Stations:
- In a shallow dish, mix the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
- In a third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese (if using).
- Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, ensuring an even coat.
- Dip into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered.
- Press into the breadcrumb mixture, coating all sides thoroughly for a crispy finish.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
- Lightly spray or brush the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Place the tenders in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders:
- Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The tenders should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 2: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water, then add to the sauce.
- Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken in Sauce
- Toss the Tenders in the Sauce:
- Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a large bowl.
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the tenders and toss until well coated.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders
- Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange tenders in a single layer to allow even airflow.
- Preheat for Best Results: Preheating ensures the tenders cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
- Flip the Tenders Halfway: This ensures both sides get crispy and golden brown.
- Adjust the Sauce Sweetness and Heat: Add more honey for extra sweetness or more red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Serve Immediately: These tenders taste best when fresh and hot.
Serving Suggestions
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders can be paired with a variety of sides for a complete meal. Here are some ideas:
- With Classic Sides: Serve with French fries, sweet potato fries, or coleslaw.
- With a Salad: Pair with a fresh green salad or an Asian-style slaw.
- Over Rice: Serve over steamed jasmine rice for a hearty meal.
- As a Wrap: Wrap the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce and extra sauce for a delicious wrap.
- With Dipping Sauces: Enjoy with ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors. Using the air fryer makes them a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried tenders while maintaining the delicious crunch we all love.
This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you get restaurant-quality chicken tenders with minimal effort. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a party, or just a satisfying snack, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
So grab your air fryer, whip up this irresistible dish, and enjoy a meal that’s packed with flavor and crunch!
