Introduction to Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Air fryer chicken tenders have officially gone gourmet with this irresistible twist: Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Imagine the perfect bite—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, coated in a rich, buttery sauce infused with garlic and kissed with sweetness. This dish delivers everything: sweet, savory, garlicky, and just the right amount of heat, all while skipping the deep fryer.

What makes this recipe so satisfying is its brilliant balance of textures and flavors. Instead of frying in oil, the air fryer crisps each piece of chicken using hot circulating air, achieving a crunchy coating with just a spritz of oil. According to the Wikipedia page on air fryers, this method significantly reduces fat content while preserving the crispy exterior we all crave. It’s the ultimate way to enjoy crispy chicken tenders without the guilt—or the mess of frying.

Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures each bite is tender and flavorful. The coating, a blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, delivers an ultra-crunchy crust. The real star, however, is the sauce: a glossy, golden blend of butter, honey, soy sauce, and fresh garlic. This powerful mix is commonly found in sticky Asian-style glazes, but here it gets a Western twist with a buttery backbone. Explore this flavor style more with visuals on Pinterest, where honey garlic chicken recipes continue to trend.

Whether served as a quick dinner, game-day snack, or party platter, these air fryer chicken tenders are guaranteed to impress. Dip them, wrap them, or serve them over rice—this is a go-to recipe that hits all the right notes.

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What You’ll Need: Ingredients and Equipment

Creating these crispy honey butter garlic chicken tenders starts with a handful of simple ingredients and the right tools. Here’s what you need for flavor-packed, golden results every time.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or sliced boneless breast: Cut into strips for even cooking.

• Buttermilk: Tenderizes and infuses flavor. A DIY version (milk + lemon juice) works too.
  Learn more about buttermilk and its cooking benefits.

• Flour + Cornstarch: Flour provides structure; cornstarch adds crispiness.
  (Why cornstarch makes a difference)

• Garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper: Classic spice blend for well-rounded flavor.

• Olive oil spray or cooking spray: Essential for a golden air-fried finish.

For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:

• Unsalted butter: The rich base for the glaze. (Butter in cooking)

• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives a bold flavor kick.

• Honey: Adds sweetness and stickiness.

• Soy sauce: Balances the sweetness with umami depth. (Soy sauce explained)

• Hot sauce (optional): A dash for heat if desired.

Equipment

• Air fryer: For crispy results without deep frying.
  Learn more about air fryer technology

• Tongs or fork: To flip tenders easily

• Small saucepan: For making the honey garlic glaze

• Mixing bowls: For marinade and dredging station

Need visual inspiration? See Air Fryer Chicken Tenders for helpful plating and prep ideas.

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Why Buttermilk + Cornstarch = Crispy Perfection

A truly great crispy chicken tender depends on a few smart choices in preparation. This recipe uses two key techniques: buttermilk marinating and a flour-cornstarch coating.

• Buttermilk breaks down muscle fibers in the chicken while adding subtle tang and moisture. This keeps the chicken juicy during air frying.

• A blend of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures a crunchy texture with a light bite. Cornstarch is often used in Asian-style frying for its crisp effect—explore its culinary use here.

To bring flavor to the crust, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and salt are mixed directly into the dry coating. This ensures every bite is seasoned from edge to center. For Pinterest fans, the method is similar to that used in many Healthy Chicken Tender Variations—a lighter twist on indulgent comfort food.

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How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step)

1. Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (overnight is best).

2. Mix flour, cornstarch, and spices in a shallow dish.

3. Coat each chicken strip in the flour mix, pressing gently to adhere.

4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.

5. Spray the basket and chicken with oil spray.

6. Cook the tenders in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway and respraying for golden crisp.

7. Ensure internal temp reaches 165°F.

Don’t overcrowd the basket—crispiness depends on airflow. For visual examples, see Reheating Chicken in Air Fryer, which applies similar techniques to cooked chicken.

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Making the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.

2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).

3. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and hot sauce (if using).

4. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.

This glaze creates the perfect sticky-sweet coating for your chicken. It’s similar to sauces found in Honey Garlic Chicken Sauce, but the butter adds a rich, silky twist.

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Assembling & Serving Suggestions

You can either toss the chicken tenders in the sauce or brush it on just before serving. Both options work well depending on how saucy you want them.

Serve with:

• White rice or garlic butter noodles

• Inside wraps or lettuce cups

• On slider buns with slaw

• With roasted veggies or sweet potato fries

Check out more creative meal combos on Chicken Tender Meal Ideas. Don’t forget to serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

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Recipe Variations and Customizations

Make this recipe your own by adjusting to taste or dietary needs:

• Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or extra hot sauce

• Sweeter: Increase the honey or add a splash of maple syrup

• Gluten-free: Use rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour

• Dairy-free: Substitute buttermilk with almond milk + lemon juice, and use vegan butter

• Different protein: Use boneless chicken thighs, tofu, or even cauliflower

For more personalized options, see Healthy Chicken Tender Variations.

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Tips for Air Fryer Success

• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking

• Don’t overcrowd—space allows air circulation for crispiness

• Flip halfway and spray again for golden crunch

• Use a thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature

For more air frying techniques, check out the Air Fryer page.

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How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days

• Freeze raw or cooked tenders; use parchment between pieces

• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–6 minutes for best crispiness

Explore Reheating Chicken in Air Fryer for visual reheating guidance and batch tips.

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What to Serve with These Tenders

Pair your tenders with:

• Garlic butter rice

• Creamy coleslaw

• Sweet potato fries

• Simple green salad

• Cornbread or sliders

See Side Dishes for Chicken for more ideas to turn this into a full meal.

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Nutritional Breakdown and Adjustments

Estimated per serving (without sauce):

• Calories: ~250

• Protein: 23g

• Carbs: 18g

• Fat: 10g

• Sugar (with sauce): ~8g

Lighter option: skip butter or use low-fat spread, and reduce honey
Lower carb: replace flour with almond flour or coconut flour mix

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FAQs

Can you use regular chicken breast for air fryer tenders?

Yes. Simply slice into even-sized strips so they cook evenly like tenders.

How do you make chicken tenders crispy in the air fryer?

Use a flour and cornstarch coating, spray generously with oil, don’t overcrowd, and flip halfway through cooking.

Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to one week. Reheat gently before tossing or brushing on.

Are air fryer chicken tenders healthier than fried?

Definitely. Air frying reduces the oil by up to 75%, delivering a crispy result with much less fat.

How long do you air fry chicken tenders?

Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Flip once halfway through and cook until golden and 165°F inside.

Can I use frozen chicken tenders with this recipe?

Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before marinating so the coating adheres properly.

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