🍗 Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders
🧂 Ingredients:
For the Chicken Tenders:
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500g (1 lb) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
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1/2 cup flour
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2 eggs, beaten
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1/2 tsp garlic powder
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Cooking spray or oil mist (for air fryer)
For the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:
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1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
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3 tbsp honey
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2–3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for umami/salt balance)
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Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
🍳 Instructions:
1. Preheat air fryer:
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Set to 190°C / 375°F for 3–5 minutes.
2. Bread the chicken:
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Pat chicken dry and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
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Dredge in flour → dip in beaten eggs → coat in breadcrumbs.
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Lightly press crumbs on for good coverage.
3. Air fry:
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Spray both sides of tenders with cooking oil.
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Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
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Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and internal temp reaches 74°C / 165°F.
4. Make the honey butter garlic sauce:
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In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter.
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Add garlic, cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
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Stir in honey, soy sauce (if using), and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, just to blend.
5. Toss or brush:
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Toss hot chicken tenders in the sauce or brush generously over each one.
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Serve immediately for best crisp-meets-sticky texture.
🍽️ Serving Ideas:
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Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or in wraps.
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Add a squeeze of lime or sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish.
🔁 Tips & Variations:
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Make it spicy: Add hot honey or sriracha to the sauce.
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Low-carb version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
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Extra crispy: Use a double breading technique (repeat flour/egg/crumbs).
Want a buffalo version, sweet chili alternative, or oven-baked option next?