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Crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Honey
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Transform ordinary chicken into extraordinary Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders. Quick to prepare and bursting with sweet, savory, and crispy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Olive oil cooking spray
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter
  • 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup honey
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
  • 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry. Trim any excess fat or sinew. Season chicken with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper; rub into meat.
  2. In Dish 1: Combine 1 cup flour, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp smoked paprika, 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper (optional). Whisk.
  3. In Dish 2: Whisk 2 large eggs with 1 tbsp water or milk until smooth.
  4. In Dish 3: Place 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Arrange dishes: chicken, flour, egg, Panko. Prepare a wire rack over a baking sheet.
  6. Using the ‘dry hand, wet hand’ technique: Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off excess. Transfer to egg wash using ‘wet hand’, coating completely. Transfer to Panko with ‘wet hand’, then use ‘dry hand’ to press Panko onto chicken for full coverage.
  7. Place breaded tenders on the wire rack. Repeat for all chicken.
  8. (Optional) Chill breaded tenders in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes to help breading adhere.
  9. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. Lightly spray basket with olive oil cooking spray.
  10. Place breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd). Generously spray tops with olive oil cooking spray.
  11. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip tenders, spray again, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, until golden brown, crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  12. Transfer cooked tenders to a plate or wire rack; keep warm while cooking remaining batches.
  13. Melt 0.5 cup unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  14. Reduce heat to low. Whisk in 0.5 cup honey, 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (optional), and 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional).
  15. Gently simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened and glossy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  16. Transfer cooked tenders to a large mixing bowl. Pour warm honey butter garlic sauce over them.
  17. Gently toss with tongs or spoons until tenders are evenly coated and glazed.
  18. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and toasted sesame seeds (if using). Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Ensure chicken is at room temperature before cooking.
  • Chilling the breaded tenders helps the coating adhere better.
  • Adjust spice level by adding or omitting cayenne and red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://keepityummy.com/crispy-air-fryer-honey/

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