If you’re craving crispy, juicy chicken tenders that deliver a perfect harmony of sweet and savory, look no further than this Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe. This dish takes tender cuts of chicken, bathes them in a flavorful buttermilk marinade, coats them in a crunchy flour and cornmeal mixture, then cooks them to golden perfection in the air fryer. The crowning glory is a luscious honey butter sauce infused with a hint of spice that makes each bite irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining friends, this recipe promises an effortless way to create a comforting meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in no time at all.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays an essential role that balances flavor, texture, and color to make every bite unforgettable. From the tangy buttermilk marinade to the mix of spices and crunchy breading, every element works in harmony.
- 1 pound chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and quick-cooking for juicy results.
- 1 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and helps tenderize the chicken for extra moistness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: A savory punch that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Provides depth and subtle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds warm color and a hint of smoky warmth.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the crispy coating foundation.
- 1/2 cup cornmeal: Delivers extra crunch and texture contrast.
- 1/4 cup honey: Sweetness that makes the honey butter sauce sing.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional): Adds a subtle kick to balance the sweetness.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray: Helps achieve that golden crisp without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing your chicken tenders in a large bowl and pouring the buttermilk over them. This simple step is magical because the acidity in the buttermilk breaks down protein fibers, resulting in irresistibly tender meat. Then, add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the buttermilk and mix thoroughly so every piece of chicken is beautifully coated in flavor. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for at least an hour—if you have time, overnight marinating will only deepen the taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mix
While your chicken is soaking up all those wonderful flavors, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal in a separate bowl. This blend is the secret to a perfectly crunchy crust that will hold up beautifully in the air fryer. Mixing them well ensures each tender gets an even and satisfying coating.
Step 3: Make the Honey Butter Sauce
Gently melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. The process should be slow to retain that creamy texture. Once melted, remove from the heat and stir in the honey until fully combined. If you’re craving a little heat, whisk in a tablespoon of hot sauce to create a complex sweet-and-spicy sauce that will elevate your chicken tenders to a whole new level.
Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken Tenders
Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, about five minutes before cooking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off so the breading sticks perfectly. Dredge each tender in your flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking, and arrange the tenders in a single layer to cook evenly. Give the tops a quick spray, then air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until each piece is golden brown and perfectly cooked (internal temperature should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit).
Step 5: Toss in the Honey Butter Sauce
When the chicken tenders come out of the air fryer, immediately place them in a large bowl and drizzle with your prepared honey butter sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece in that glorious glossy finish. Serve any leftover sauce on the side for extra dipping magic.
How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro adds a burst of color and fresh herbal notes that brighten the dish. For a little crunch, scatter some toasted sesame seeds over the top. Garnishes are simple touches that transform your serving presentation from everyday to restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad for a lighter option. The balance of textures and flavors between the sides and the honey butter tenders creates a well-rounded, satisfying meal that keeps everyone smiling.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking for a fun twist? Serve the tenders in a warm sandwich roll with crisp lettuce, sliced pickles, and extra honey butter sauce for a finger-licking sandwich. Or wrap them in a tortilla with shredded cheese, crunchy slaw, and a drizzle of hot sauce for a quick and tasty wrap. These ideas turn dinner into a playful culinary experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep the honey butter sauce separate to preserve its texture and flavor for the best experience when reheating.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Freeze the honey butter sauce in small containers separately to maintain its fresh taste.
Reheating
To reheat, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the tenders for about 4-5 minutes, just enough to warm them through while keeping their crispiness intact. Warm the honey butter sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave and toss the tenders again just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
While regular milk can work in a pinch, buttermilk’s acidity tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor that regular milk doesn’t provide. For best results and authentic taste, using buttermilk is highly recommended for this Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free cornmeal to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters. Ensure the other ingredients, like spices and sauces, are also gluten-free.
Is the hot sauce necessary in the honey butter sauce?
The hot sauce is completely optional but highly encouraged if you enjoy a sweet and spicy flavor combination. It adds a nice kick that balances the richness of the honey butter perfectly.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! This Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe scales up beautifully. Just be sure to cook the tenders in batches in the air fryer, so they remain crispy and cook evenly without overcrowding.
What if I don’t have an air fryer? Can I bake them instead?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the tenders in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through until crisp and cooked through. The texture won’t be quite as crispy as air frying but still delicious.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe, it’s hard to go back to any other way of making chicken tenders. The crispy crust, juicy meat, and the perfect balance of honey’s sweetness with buttery richness create a meal everyone will adore. So go ahead, give it a try, and get ready for rave reviews at your next mealtime. Your kitchen is about to become your new favorite happy place!
Print
Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in a flavorful buttermilk marinade and dusted with a crunchy flour and cornmeal mixture. Drizzled with a luscious honey butter sauce with a hint of heat from optional hot sauce, this recipe offers a deliciously easy and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders using the air fryer.
Ingredients
Chicken 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)
Others
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the buttermilk. Mix until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Mix well and set aside.
- Make Honey Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat. Remove from heat and stir in honey. Add hot sauce if desired, mix well, and set aside.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently for an even coating. Place the coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Cook for 10-12 minutes in the air fryer, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Toss with Honey Butter Sauce: Remove cooked tenders from the air fryer and place in a large bowl. Drizzle honey butter sauce over the hot tenders, tossing gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve any leftover sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs. These tenders pair well with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, serve them in a sandwich or wrap.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 1 hour for best flavor; overnight marinating yields more tender meat.
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
- If you prefer spicier tenders, add more hot sauce to the honey butter sauce or sprinkle cayenne pepper on the coating mix.
- Use cooking spray liberally for a crispier crust and to prevent sticking.
- Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked for safety.
