Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders: A Deliciously Crispy Recipe

Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Imagine tender, juicy chicken coated in a sweet and savory honey butter glaze, all cooked to perfection in an air fryer. This recipe not only offers a healthier alternative to traditional frying but also captures the essence of comfort food that we all crave. The combination of crispy exterior and succulent interior makes these chicken tenders irresistible.

Historically, chicken tenders have been a beloved dish across various cultures, often served at family gatherings and celebrations. The addition of honey butter elevates this dish, bringing a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory notes of the chicken. People love Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders for their incredible flavor, satisfying texture, and the convenience of quick preparation. Whether you’re serving them as a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at the table!

Ingredients:

• 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
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Preparing the Chicken Marinade

1. Start by placing the chicken tenders in a large bowl.
2. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, ensuring that all pieces are well-coated.
3. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the buttermilk.
4. Mix everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade.
5. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

Preparing the Coating

6. In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal.
7. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of the two ingredients.
8. Set this bowl aside; we’ll use it to coat the chicken after marinating.

Making the Honey Butter Sauce

9. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over low heat.
10. Once melted, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the honey.
11. If you like a bit of heat, add the hot sauce to the mixture and stir until well combined.
12. Set the honey butter sauce aside; we’ll use it to glaze the chicken after cooking.

Coating the Chicken Tenders

13. After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator.
14. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
15. Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
16. Dredge the chicken tender in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
17. Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate or a baking sheet, ready for air frying.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

18. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
19. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded; you may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
20. Spray the tops of the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
21. Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Glazing the Chicken Tenders

22. Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl.
23. Drizzle the honey butter sauce over the hot chicken tenders, tossing gently to coat each piece evenly.
24. If you have any leftover honey butter sauce, feel free to serve it on the side for dipping.

Serving Suggestions

25. Serve the honey butter chicken tenders warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives if desired.
26. These tenders pair wonderfully with a side of coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad.
27. For a fun twist, you can also serve them in a sandwich or wrap with your favorite toppings.

Storage and Reheating

28. If you have any leftovers, store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
29. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
30. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Enjoy your delicious Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders! They are sure to be a hit with family and friends, and the best part is

Conclusion:

In summary, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders with the sweet and savory honey butter glaze creates a flavor explosion that is simply irresistible. Plus, the air fryer makes this dish not only healthier but also incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without the fuss of traditional frying.

For serving suggestions, consider pairing these tenders with a side of creamy coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to balance out the sweetness. You can also serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch or barbecue, to add an extra layer of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some spices to the honey butter glaze, like a pinch of cayenne for a kick or some garlic powder for an extra savory touch.

I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the delightful combination of flavors for yourself. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation. Let’s spread the joy of cooking together, and trust me, these Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders will quickly become a favorite in your household!

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