If you are craving a dish that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and dripping with a deliciously sweet and savory sauce, then you absolutely must try this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that comes together quickly but tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Using an air fryer means a healthier crunch without losing any of that indulgent flavor, making it perfect for a family dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are refreshingly simple but powerful in turning ordinary chicken tenders into a mouthwatering delight. Each one plays a crucial role—flour and eggs create the perfect coating, panko breadcrumbs add crunch, and the honey garlic sauce makes everything dance with flavor.
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders: The star protein, tender and perfect for quick cooking.
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick and gives structure to the coating.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Brings out all the flavors and seasons the flour perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: For a hint of smokiness and vibrant color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the chicken coating with rich, savory depth.
- 2 eggs, beaten: The essential binder that locks in the bread crumbs.
- 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs: Ensures an irresistibly light, crispy texture.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Helps the coating crisp up without deep frying.
- ⅓ cup (113g) honey: Sweetens the sauce and creates that classic honey garlic flavor.
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce: Adds the salty, umami punch that balances the honey.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic delivers bold, aromatic flavor in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional): Adds a subtle zing and extra warmth.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water: Thickens the honey garlic sauce for a perfect glaze.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Start by mixing the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder in a medium bowl. This seasoned flour not only adds flavor but also helps create a crispy shell for your chicken tenders. The blend brings savory warmth and depth that will make your chicken irresistible.
Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Stations
Beat the eggs in a second bowl until smooth. In a third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs, which will give your tenders that beautiful crunch. This classic three-step dredging technique—flour, egg, then panko—ensures each piece of chicken gets a thick coating that becomes perfectly crisp in the air fryer.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
One by one, dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, shake off any excess, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure every inch is covered for the best texture and color after cooking.
Step 4: Air Fry Until Crispy
Lightly spray the air fryer basket and the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Preheat your air fryer if your model requires it. Arrange the tenders in a single layer, making sure they are not touching, for the crispiest results. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce
While the chicken cooks, combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and fresh ginger in a small saucepan over medium heat. Bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the cornstarch and water mixture. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this sticky sauce is the magic that brings this entire recipe to life.
Step 6: Toss Chicken in Sauce
Once the chicken tenders are cooked to a perfect crisp, transfer them to a bowl and pour the hot honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat each tender with that irresistible glaze, making every bite bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for a fresh, herbaceous touch. A light dusting of toasted sesame seeds adds a delightful crunch and a beautiful nutty aroma that complements the honey garlic glaze perfectly. These simple garnishes don’t just add color, but layers of flavor and texture.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or sticky white rice to soak up all that luscious sauce. A side of crisp steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables balances the meal with a healthy crunch and vivid color. You can also serve with a refreshing cucumber salad or creamy coleslaw to add brightness and contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these tenders as finger foods on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, like spicy sriracha mayo or tangy ranch. Alternatively, turn them into sliders with mini buns, lettuce, and pickles for a crowd-pleasing party snack. Presentation is part of the fun, so don’t hesitate to get creative and let your guests customize their plates!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers—and you might—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keeping the tenders separate from the sauce can help maintain their crispness, so consider storing the sauce in a small container and reheating separately.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken tenders but for best quality, freeze them without sauce. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to two months, ready to be reheated whenever you need a quick snack or meal.
Reheating
To preserve the crunch, reheat your tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through. Reheat the sauce separately on the stovetop or microwave, then toss your tenders back in just before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-fryer flavor sensation.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on thickness, so watch closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest exterior thanks to their texture, but you can use regular breadcrumbs if that’s what you have on hand. The result may be a bit denser, but still delicious!
Can I make the honey garlic sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat it gently before tossing with the cooked chicken tenders.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the breaded tenders in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through. Though not quite as crispy, it’s still a fantastic option.
How spicy is this Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe?
This recipe is mainly sweet and savory, with just a hint of warmth from the paprika. If you want a bit of heat, adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mix or a drizzle of hot sauce on the finished tenders can easily customize the spice level.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe is a total game-changer when it comes to weeknight meals or entertaining guests. The combination of crispy, golden tenders smothered in sticky honey garlic sauce is pure comfort food perfection. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s become a personal favorite that’s simple enough to make anytime but special enough to impress every time.
Print
Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders recipe offers a perfect balance of crispy, tender chicken coated with a flavorful honey garlic sauce. Using the air fryer ensures a healthier preparation while maintaining a deliciously crunchy texture. Ideal for a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these chicken tenders are coated in seasoned flour, dipped in eggs, breaded with panko, then air fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze.
Ingredients
Chicken and Breading
- 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (120g) panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Honey Garlic Sauce
- ⅓ cup (113g) honey
- ¼ cup (60ml) soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the flour mixture: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder thoroughly. This seasoned flour mixture will be the first coating for the chicken tenders to add flavor and help the egg wash stick.
- Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two eggs until smooth. This will act as the binding agent between the flour and breadcrumb layers for a crispy crust.
- Get the breadcrumbs ready: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. These will give the chicken tenders their signature crunchy coating when air fried.
- Coat the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, ensuring full coverage, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat for all tenders.
- Preheat and prepare the air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding.
- Air fry the chicken tenders: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Make the honey garlic sauce: While the chicken cooks, heat a small saucepan over medium heat and combine honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and grated ginger (if using). Bring to a simmer.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glossy glaze.
- Toss chicken in sauce: Once the chicken tenders are done, transfer them to a bowl and pour the honey garlic sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve and enjoy: Serve the honey garlic chicken tenders immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired, alongside your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs as they crisp up better than regular breadcrumbs.
- If you don’t have fresh ginger, you can omit it or substitute with a pinch of ground ginger powder.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more or less cornstarch slurry to your preference.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
