Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders – Crispy, Sweet & Savory!

These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sticky honey garlic sauce that’s packed with flavor! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or whenever you’re craving something deliciously crispy without deep frying.

The best part? They’re air-fried to perfection, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders!

Save

---

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ cup (60g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup (100g) panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

the Honey Garlic Sauce:

• ¼ cup (60ml) honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon ginger, grated (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (for thickening)

Garnishing (Optional):

• Sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions

---

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Saucepan
• Whisk

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders

1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.
2. Season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

---

2. Bread the Chicken Tenders

1. Set up a breading station with three bowls:
   • Bowl 1: Flour
   • Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
   • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs
2. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip into eggs, and finally coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

---

3. Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
2. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
3. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
4. Spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
5. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

---

4. Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Stir in honey and soy sauce, then bring to a simmer.
4. Mix cornstarch and water, then whisk into the sauce to thicken.
5. Cook for 1-2 minutes until glossy.

---

5. Coat & Serve

1. Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the warm honey garlic sauce, or drizzle it over before serving.
2. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for extra flavor.

Save

---

Expert Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Preheat your air fryer – Ensures even cooking and a crispy texture.
Use panko breadcrumbs – Makes the tenders extra crunchy.
Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in batches for best results.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Skipping the flour step – Helps the egg stick to the chicken for better breading.
Using too much sauce – Toss lightly to prevent sogginess.
Not flipping halfway – Ensures even crispiness on both sides.

---

Serving and Presentation Ideas

• Serve with steamed rice or roasted vegetables.
• Pair with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.
• Add a side of sweet potato fries or coleslaw for a balanced dish.

---

How to Store & Make Ahead

Storage:

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

• Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes.
• Oven: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but the coating may soften.

Freezing:

• Freeze uncooked breaded tenders for up to 2 months.
• Air fry directly from frozen, adding 3-4 extra minutes to the cooking time.

---

Variations and Substitutions

• Make it spicy – Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breading mix.
• Use a different sauce – Try Buffalo, teriyaki, or barbecue sauce.
• Make it gluten-free – Use almond flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

---

What to Serve with Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Garlic butter rice or quinoa
• Roasted asparagus or broccoli
• Asian-style slaw or cucumber salad

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes! Slice chicken breasts into strips for a similar texture.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

Why aren’t my chicken tenders crispy?

Make sure to spray with oil and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer.

---

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and coated in a flavorful sweet-savory sauce, making them a must-try for any chicken lover! Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a snack, or meal prep, they’re easy, delicious, and healthier than traditional fried chicken.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out! Don’t forget to subscribe for more quick and tasty air fryer recipes!

---

Calories Per Serving

Approximate Calories: 320 kcal per serving (based on 4 servings).

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Serves: 4

Print