Can I use frozen chicken tenders in the air fryer?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders, but they will need a few extra minutes to cook through. Cook them plain first until they’re nearly done, then add the honey butter garlic sauce at the end so it doesn’t burn. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Why is my honey butter garlic sauce browning too fast?

Honey can brown quickly at high heat, which is why part of the sauce is added after cooking. If you notice dark spots forming early, your air fryer may run hot. Lower the temperature slightly or wait to toss the chicken in the sauce once it’s fully cooked.

How do I know when the chicken is done without drying it out?

The chicken should look lightly golden and feel firm but still springy when pressed. The most reliable way is to check the thickest piece with a thermometer and look for 165°F. Pulling the chicken right at temperature helps keep it juicy.

Can I make this recipe with chicken wings instead?

Yes, chicken wings work well, but they need a longer cook time. Air fry the wings until fully crisp and cooked through before tossing them in the honey butter garlic sauce. This keeps the skin from turning soft or overly dark.

Is it normal for the chicken to look less crispy after adding the sauce?

Yes, that’s completely normal. The sauce is meant to coat the chicken and give it a sticky, glossy finish rather than a crunchy one. If you prefer more texture, you can serve extra sauce on the side instead of tossing all the chicken.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken (Easy & Comforting)

Description

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken tenders are sweet, savory, and comforting, with juicy chicken coated in a sticky honey butter garlic sauce. Ready in just minutes, this easy air fryer recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade and satisfying.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound chicken tenders
4 tablespoons butter, melted
3 tablespoons honey
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Keep your screen awake while you cook

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and let it heat while you prepare the chicken.
In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then lightly coat them with half of the honey butter garlic sauce.
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is lightly golden and cooked through.
Remove the chicken from the air fryer and immediately toss with the remaining honey butter garlic sauce.
Serve warm while the chicken is juicy and coated in the glossy sauce.

Notes

For extra crisp edges, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
If using frozen chicken tenders, cook them plain first, then toss with the sauce after cooking.
The honey butter garlic sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 380
Sugar: 11 g
Sodium: 520 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 13 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 120 mg