If you are craving crispy, juicy chicken tenders that are bursting with sweet and buttery goodness, then this Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new favorite meal. Imagine tender chicken coated in a flavorful spice marinade, air-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a luscious honey butter glaze that melts in your mouth. It’s the perfect combination of crispiness and sweetness, made effortlessly in your air fryer for a healthier twist that does not skimp on taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises to deliver mouthwatering satisfaction every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its wonderfully simple ingredients that come together to create layers of flavor and texture you’ll adore. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tangy buttermilk that tenderizes the chicken to the mix of spices that adds depth, and of course, the honey butter glaze that finishes it all with a sweet, buttery shine.
- Chicken tenders: The star of the dish, these strips cook quickly and soak up all the wonderful flavors.
- Buttermilk: This tenderizes the chicken, keeping it juicy and adding a subtle tang.
- Garlic powder: Aromatic and savory, it enhances the overall taste.
- Onion powder: Brings gentle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a lovely color to the coating.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all flavors.
- All-purpose flour: Helps create the crispy outer crust on the tenders.
- Cornmeal: Contributes extra crunch and a light texture.
- Honey: Sweetens the butter sauce and gives that irresistible glaze.
- Unsalted butter: Makes the sauce rich and velvety.
- Hot sauce (optional): Adds a gentle kick to the honey butter if you like a little heat.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Ensures your tenders crisp up perfectly in the air fryer without sticking.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by placing your chicken tenders in a spacious bowl, then pour the creamy buttermilk over them, making sure every piece is fully coated. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This marinade not only infuses the chicken with delightful flavors but also ensures it stays juicy and tender during cooking. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for at least one hour to let those flavors really soak in.
Step 2: Prepare the Crispy Coating
While your chicken marinates, mix together the all-purpose flour and cornmeal in a separate bowl. This combination will give your tenders a satisfyingly crunchy exterior once they hit the air fryer basket. Set this mixture aside, as it’s ready for when your chicken has soaked up all those seasonings.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
Gently melt your unsalted butter on low heat and then whisk in the honey until the mixture is smooth and glossy. If you like a little heat, stir in the hot sauce to add a subtle spicy contrast to the sweet butter. Set this sauce aside for drizzling after the tenders are cooked to perfection.
Step 4: Coat and Cook the Chicken Tenders
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for about five minutes. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing it gently to make sure it clings well. Lightly spray your air fryer basket to prevent sticking, then arrange the coated tenders in a single layer, without overcrowding. Give the tops a light spray as well for that extra crispness. Cook the tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (75 degrees Celsius).
Step 5: Toss with Honey Butter and Serve
Once your tenders come out hot and crispy, transfer them to a large bowl and drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over them. Gently toss the chicken so every piece gets that shiny, flavorful coating. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping to elevate each bite.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a beautiful pop of color and a hint of freshness that complements the rich honey butter sauce. Sprinkling some toasted sesame seeds gives an extra nutty crunch and makes your dish look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair brilliantly with crisp coleslaw, which cuts through the richness with its tangy crunch. Sweet potato fries or a garden salad also make fantastic accompaniments, providing variety and balance on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, try serving your tenders inside a soft bun or wrap them up with lettuce and pickles for a delicious honey butter chicken sandwich or wrap. This adds a convenient handheld option perfect for picnics or casual meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover honey butter chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent sogginess. This allows you to enjoy the dish later without losing the delightful flavors.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to two months. This lets you have a quick, homemade meal ready whenever you crave it.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is in the air fryer itself at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes, which restores their crispiness wonderfully. Avoid microwaving to keep the crunchy texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Regular milk won’t tenderize the chicken as well as buttermilk, but you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
Is it necessary to use cornmeal in the coating?
Cornmeal adds extra crunch and texture that flour alone can’t provide, but if you don’t have it on hand, all-purpose flour will still work, just with a slightly softer crust.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken tenders in a conventional oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, or deep fry them for a crispier finish.
How spicy does the hot sauce make the honey butter sauce?
The amount of hot sauce suggested is mild and optional. You can adjust the quantity or omit it entirely depending on your preference for heat.
Can these tenders be made gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornmeal if available to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings out the best of crispy, sweet, and savory flavors in an easy and quick way. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again to impress your family and friends with minimal effort. Give it a try and watch everyone’s faces light up with delight as they savor every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 72 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders recipe offers a deliciously crispy and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack. Tender chicken marinated in a spiced buttermilk mix, coated with a crunchy flour and cornmeal crust, and air fried to golden perfection, then drizzled with a sweet and buttery honey sauce. It’s a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and slightly spicy flavors with a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
Honey Butter Sauce
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
Other
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl.
- Marinate: Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated.
- Add Seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the buttermilk.
- Mix Marinade: Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
- Refrigerate: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight.
- Prepare Coating: In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornmeal, then mix well and set aside.
- Make Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
- Add Honey: Remove from heat and stir in honey.
- Add Hot Sauce: Add hot sauce if desired, and mix well. Set aside.
- Preheat Air Fryer: After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Coat Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off.
- Dredge: Dredge each tender in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently for an even coating.
- Arrange Coated Chicken: Place coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Place Tenders in Basket: Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding.
- Spray Tenders: Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Coat with Sauce: Remove cooked tenders from the air fryer and place in a large bowl.
- Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle honey butter sauce over the hot tenders, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve Sauce on Side: Serve any leftover sauce on the side for dipping.
- Serve: Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Suggested Pairings: Pair with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad.
- Optional Serving: For a twist, serve in a sandwich or wrap.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour to ensure tenderness and flavor; overnight marinating works best.
- Using cooking spray on the air fryer basket and chicken helps achieve a crispy texture without deep frying.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey butter sauce according to your spice preference or omit for a milder flavor.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure chicken is safely cooked.
- Leftover honey butter sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and ensure cornmeal is gluten-free certified.
