Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Are you looking for a delicious yet simple recipe for your air fryer? Look no further than these air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders! This tasty dish will surely please everyone in the family while providing an easy-to-make meal that can be cooked in no time.

If you’ve been mesmerized by the mouthwatering viral cooking videos, you’re not alone. These Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are inspired by a popular TikTok sensation, with my special touch. These easy chicken tenders offer the perfect blend of sweet, tender, sticky, and soon to be a family favorite.

If you love easy air fryer chicken recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Seasoned Steakhouse Wings, Air Fryer Popeyes Fried Chicken Recipe, or How to Air Fry a Whole Chicken.

Why You’ll Love Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe

• Sweet and Savory Flavor: These honey garlic chicken tenders combine a perfect balance of sweetness and savory garlic for a taste that’s irresistible.
• Crispy Texture: Cooked in the air fryer, the tenders achieve a crispy exterior without the extra oil, making them a healthier option.
• Quick and Easy: The air fryer cuts down on cooking time, making this recipe a convenient choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Versatile Dish: These tenders can be served as a main dish, a snack, or an appetizer, fitting seamlessly into various meal plans.
• Family-Friendly: The delicious honey garlic glaze appeals to both kids and adults, making it a hit for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

• Chicken Tenders, or Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
• All-Purpose Flour
• Salt and Pepper
• Honey
• Soy Sauce
• Minced Garlic
• Olive Oil
• Sesame Seeds
• Chopped Green Onions

How To Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Step One: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

Step Two: Pat dry the chicken tenders with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This step ensures a crispy coating.

Step Three: In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Step Four: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece for even cooking.

Step Five: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.

Step Six: In a separate bowl, whisk together the honey, low-sodium soy sauce, and minced garlic until well combined.

Step Seven: Cook the chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer at an air fryer temperature of 400 degrees F (200°C) and a cook time of 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken tenders should be golden brown and cooked through.

Step Eight: Dip each flour-coated chicken tender into the honey garlic glaze, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow any excess glaze to drip off.

Step Nine: If desired, sprinkle the cooked chicken tenders with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added flavor and presentation. Once all the chicken tenders are cooked and garnished (if using), transfer them to a serving platter. Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders hot and enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, salad, or side dishes.

Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe Tips

• Pounding the Chicken: If your chicken tenders are thick, consider pounding them slightly with a meat mallet or the back of a heavy knife to ensure even cooking and a more tender texture.
• Preheating the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer is crucial for achieving a crispy exterior on the chicken tenders.
• Coat Evenly: When dipping the chicken tenders in the honey garlic glaze, ensure they are evenly coated on all sides.
• Resting Time: After coating the chicken tenders, let them rest for a few minutes on a wire rack before air frying.
• Cooking in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Lightly Oil the Basket: Brush the air fryer basket with olive oil before placing the chicken tenders.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Cooking times may vary based on the air fryer model and the thickness of the chicken tenders.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken tenders are fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is safe when it reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Customize the Glaze: Feel free to adjust the sweetness or garlic level in the honey garlic glaze to suit your taste preferences.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or sweet chili sauce.

Honey garlic chicken tenders air fryer recipe faqs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe. However, it’s essential to thaw them completely before coating and air frying. Thawing the chicken tenders allows for more even cooking and better adherence to the coating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend or almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients, including the soy sauce, are gluten-free.

Can I marinate the chicken tenders in the honey garlic glaze? While marinating the chicken tenders is unnecessary for this recipe, you can certainly do so for added flavor. If you marinate, refrigerate the chicken tenders in the glaze for at least 30 minutes before coating and air frying.

How do I prevent the honey garlic glaze from burning in the air fryer? Avoid placing the chicken tenders too close to the heating element to prevent the glaze from burning. Adjust the air fryer temperature if needed and monitor the tenders during cooking.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders? You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken tenders. Ensure the chicken thighs are cut into evenly sized strips for even cooking.

How do I achieve a crispier texture for the chicken tenders? To achieve a crispier texture, lightly coat the chicken tenders with cooking spray before air frying. This will help promote browning and crisping of the outer coating.

Can I make the honey garlic glaze in advance? Yes, you can prepare the honey garlic glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before coating the chicken tenders.

How long should I preheat the air fryer? Preheat the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) before adding the chicken tenders. Preheating ensures even cooking and helps achieve a crispy exterior.

Can I reheat leftovers of the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders? Yes, you can reheat leftovers of the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until heated through. This will help maintain their crispy texture.

Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe? While bone-in chicken pieces can be used, the cooking time will be longer than for boneless chicken tenders. Ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when cooking bone-in pieces.

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