Description
Crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders marry sweet and savory flavors in a quick, irresistible meal. Golden-brown tenders drizzled with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce promise a delightful dinner that satisfies your craving for comfort and excitement.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (240 g) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for extra crispiness)
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter
- 3 tbsps (63 g) honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Breading Preparation: Establish three distinct seasoning zones – flour, whisked eggs, and panko breadcrumbs enhanced with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Chicken Coating: Thoroughly dredge each tender through flour, immerse in egg mixture, then generously roll in seasoned panko, ensuring a uniform, crisp exterior by gently pressing crumbs onto surface.
- Air Frying Process: Activate air fryer to 375°F, strategically position chicken tenders in single layer with light olive oil spray, cooking 10-12 minutes and rotating midway for consistent golden-brown crispiness.
- Honey Butter Sauce Creation: Gently melt butter in saucepan over medium heat, incorporating minced garlic, honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes, simmering briefly to develop rich, complex flavor profile.
- Final Presentation: Lavishly coat crispy chicken tenders in freshly prepared honey butter garlic sauce, garnishing with chopped parsley and accompanying preferred dipping sauces for an elevated culinary experience.
Notes
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken tenders to ensure a thick, even crust that stays crisp during air frying.
- Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without touching to guarantee optimal air circulation and even browning.
- Use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption without drying out the meat.
- Toss chicken quickly in sauce to maintain crispiness, avoiding soggy tenders by coating just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg