1. Prep the Chicken
In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, place the beaten egg.
In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
Dip into the beaten egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
4. Make the Honey Butter Garlic Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in the honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice, cooking for 1-2 minutes until combined.
5. Glaze and Serve
Brush the honey butter garlic glaze over the cooked chicken tenders.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.
Tips for Success
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Cook in batches to ensure even crispiness.
Use Fresh Garlic: It adds a stronger, more vibrant flavor than garlic powder.
Customize the Glaze: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Serve with Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce are great options.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken tenders are perfect for:
Family Dinners: Pair with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies.
Game Day Snacks: Serve with fries and dipping sauces.
Meal Prep: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in the air fryer.
Kid-Friendly Meals: Cut into smaller pieces for little ones.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to traditional fried tenders. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and let me know how they turn out in the comments below!
Let me know if you’d like further adjustments or additional content! 🍯🍗