Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with Juicy Steak and Shrimp Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love This air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders

• Ease of preparation: This air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders recipe is incredibly simple and quick. With minimal prep and just 12 minutes of cooking time, the air fryer provides even cooking and crispy results without the mess of deep frying, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Health benefits: Made with wholesome ingredients, this dish combines lean protein from chicken and the nutritional benefits of garlic and honey. Air frying reduces added fats and calories compared to traditional frying methods, supporting a balanced and healthier lifestyle without compromising flavor.
• Versatility: Easily adapted for various dietary needs, you can substitute ingredients to make gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie versions. The flavor profile is flexible enough to pair with different seasonings or dips, making it perfect for family dinners, snacks, or entertaining guests.
• Distinctive flavor: The delightful blend of sweet honey, rich butter, and aromatic garlic creates an irresistible glaze that elevates simple chicken tenders into a memorable and flavorful dish. This combination offers a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory that stands out among typical chicken recipes.

Essential Ingredients for air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders – the protein base delivering tenderness and quick cooking
• 2 tablespoons honey – natural sweetener that adds caramelized sweetness to the glaze
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter – enriches flavor and balances the honey’s sweetness
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – provides pungent aromatics and depth of flavor
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – helps crisp the chicken coating in the air fryer
• 1 teaspoon salt – enhances all flavors evenly
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – adds mild heat and balance
• 2 cups crushed corn flakes (or substitute with panko or breadcrumbs) – for a crunchy, golden coating
• Two eggs – used for the egg wash to help the coating adhere

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Replace chicken tenders with firm tofu or seitan and swap butter with a vegan margarine or plant-based butter alternative.
• Gluten-free: Ensure corn flakes or substitutes are gluten-free; use gluten-free breadcrumbs or panko.
• Low-calorie: Use light butter or an olive oil spray and reduce honey quantity for a lighter glaze while maintaining flavor.

How to Prepare the Perfect air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prep the chicken tenders

Start by slicing 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast (if not using pre-cut tenders) and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season all sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. For juicier tenders, optionally soak the chicken in chicken broth for 20-30 minutes before proceeding.

Second Step: Prepare the egg wash and coating

Crack the two eggs into a bowl and whisk them gently for an egg wash. In a separate bowl, crush 2 cups of corn flakes finely using hands or a rolling pin to create the crunchy coating. You can substitute with panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.

Third Step: Coat the tenders

Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, allowing excess egg to drip off, then press firmly into the crushed corn flakes to fully coat. Arrange coated tenders on a plate ready for cooking.

Fourth Step: Cook in the air fryer

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place chicken tenders in a single layer with adequate space for air circulation and crispiness. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Check that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.

Fifth Step: Prepare the honey butter garlic glaze

While cooking the tenders, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 teaspoons soy sauce or coconut aminos for lower sodium options and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Stir the mixture and then add 2 tablespoons honey. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Heat until mixture is warm and fragrant, then remove from heat.

Final Step: Toss and serve

Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving bowl or plate and immediately toss with the warm honey butter garlic glaze to coat thoroughly. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy as a main meal or flavorful appetizer.

Remember, spacing the chicken tenders properly in the air fryer basket ensures extra crispiness through better airflow.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

• Plant-based options include firm tofu or seitan as alternatives to chicken tenders, suitable for vegan diets.
• For fish lovers, firm white fish fillets can be air fried with adjusted cooking times.
• Chicken thighs or tenderloins can replace breast meat, with slightly longer cooking times and different texture.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

• Swap fresh garlic with garlic powder or roasted garlic for milder or sweeter garlic notes.
• Replace honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for vegan-friendly sweeteners.
• Add herbs like rosemary, thyme, or smoked paprika for varied flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to maintain gluten-free status while adding umami.
• Introduce a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the glaze for mild spicy heat.

Mastering air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders: Advanced Tips and Variations

How to Store air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders: Best Practices

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, maintaining flavor and texture.
• Freezing: Freeze tenders individually on a tray before transferring to freezer bags. Frozen tenders keep for up to 1 month.
• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness without drying out the chicken.
• Meal prep considerations: Cook in batches and portion into meal prep containers for grab-and-go convenience during the week.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders

air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders

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• Author: Valentina Lewis
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

Print Recipe

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Description

🍯 Enjoy the sweet and savory fusion of honey butter and garlic in these crispy chicken tenders!
🍗 Quick and easy to make in the air fryer, they’re a deliciously juicy option for any meal.

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Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders

– 2 tablespoons honey

– 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon salt

– ½ teaspoon black pepper

– 2 cups crushed corn flakes

– Two eggs

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Instructions

First Step: Prep the chicken tenders Start by slicing 1 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast (if not using pre-cut tenders) and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season all sides evenly with 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika. For juicier tenders, optionally soak the chicken in chicken broth for 20-30 minutes before proceeding.

Second Step: Prepare the egg wash and coating Crack the two eggs into a bowl and whisk them gently for an egg wash. In a separate bowl, crush 2 cups of corn flakes finely using hands or a rolling pin to create the crunchy coating. You can substitute with panko or gluten-free breadcrumbs if preferred.

Third Step: Coat the tenders Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, allowing excess egg to drip off, then press firmly into the crushed corn flakes to fully coat. Arrange coated tenders on a plate ready for cooking.

Fourth Step: Cook in the air fryer Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly brush or spray the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Place chicken tenders in a single layer with adequate space for air circulation and crispiness. Cook for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even browning. Check that chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a food thermometer.

Fifth Step: Prepare the honey butter garlic glaze While cooking the tenders, melt 3 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Add 4 teaspoons soy sauce or coconut aminos for lower sodium options and 1 teaspoon minced garlic. Stir the mixture and then add 2 tablespoons honey. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Heat until mixture is warm and fragrant, then remove from heat.

Final Step: Toss and serve Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a serving bowl or plate and immediately toss with the warm honey butter garlic glaze to coat thoroughly. Serve hot and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired. Enjoy as a main meal or flavorful appetizer.

Notes

🍗 Use boneless skinless chicken breasts for the best result; tenderloins are good too.
🔥 Corn flakes can be swapped with panko for different texture.
🌡️ Check chicken with an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 736
• Sugar: 41 g
• Sodium: 2140 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 86 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 66 g
• Cholesterol: 472 mg

Keywords: Honey Garlic, Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer, Quick Dinner