If you’re looking for crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken tenders, these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a must-try! Coated in a buttery garlic glaze and drizzled with a sweet and sticky honey garlic sauce, these tenders are crispy on the outside, tender inside, and bursting with flavor.

Whether you need an easy chicken tenders recipe, a quick air fryer meat dish, or a family-friendly dinner, this recipe is perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or even freezing cooked chicken for later!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy & Juicy – Perfectly air-fried chicken tenders with a crunchy coating.
Sweet & Savory – Coated in a buttery honey garlic sauce that’s rich and flavorful.
Healthier Than Deep-Fried – Get crispy tenders with less oil!
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal effort.
Freezer-Friendly – Store leftovers and reheat for a quick meal anytime.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon olive oil spray (for air frying)

For the Honey Garlic Butter Glaze:

3 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup honey
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for balance)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these crispy chicken tenders, you’ll need:

Air fryer
Mixing bowls
Tongs
Small saucepan (for sauce)
Whisk

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Breading Station

In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, beat the eggs.
In a third bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, coating evenly.
Dip into the egg mixture, shaking off excess.
Coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray the basket with olive oil spray.
Arrange the tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Honey Garlic Butter Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring until combined.

Step 5: Coat & Serve

Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey garlic butter glaze.
Serve hot with extra sauce on the side.

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Cook in batches for even crispiness.
Use panko breadcrumbs – They create a light, crispy coating.
For extra crunch – Double-coat the tenders by repeating the flour and egg steps.
Want a spicier kick? – Add sriracha or hot sauce to the glaze.
Make it gluten-free – Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Fun Variations of Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Buffalo Honey Garlic Chicken – Toss in buffalo sauce + honey glaze.
Sesame Garlic Chicken – Sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions.
Parmesan Garlic Chicken – Add grated Parmesan to the panko mix.
Sweet & Spicy Chicken – Mix honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes.

How to Store & Freeze Cooked Chicken Tenders

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Place cooled tenders in a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips

Serve with garlic butter rice for a complete meal.
Pair with roasted vegetables or a side salad.
Drizzle with extra honey garlic sauce before serving.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Chicken Tenders

Skipping the preheating step – The air fryer needs to be hot for even cooking.
Not pressing the breading on – Ensures the coating sticks.
Overcrowding the basket – Causes steaming instead of crisping.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Crispy sweet potato fries
Steamed broccoli with garlic butter
Garlic mashed potatoes
Asian slaw with sesame dressing

FAQ Section

1. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.

2. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips before breading.

3. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Thaw first, then follow the recipe as written.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dinner option that’s perfect for families, meal prep, or even freezing for later. Whether you’re craving buttery garlic chicken, crispy chicken tenders, or a quick flavorful dinner, this recipe is a winner!

Try this garlic chicken tenders recipe today and share your results! Tag us on social media and subscribe for more easy air fryer meat recipes!