Description
These Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders offer a perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken coated in a flavorful honey butter sauce. Marinated in buttermilk and spices, then coated with a crispy flour and cornmeal mixture, these tenders are air fried to golden perfection, making for a healthier yet deliciously satisfying meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and 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
Breading
- 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)
Other
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the breading: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. Mix well and set aside.
- Make honey butter sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Remove from heat, stir in honey, and add hot sauce if using. Mix well and set aside.
- Preheat air fryer: After marinating, preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Coat the chicken: Remove chicken tenders from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Place coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
- Prepare air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking.
- Air fry the tenders: Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Toss in honey butter sauce: Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the honey butter sauce over the hot tenders and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken tenders warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, and offer any leftover honey butter sauce on the side for dipping. Pair with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. For variation, use the tenders in sandwiches or wraps.
Notes
- Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness but 1 hour is sufficient for quicker prep.
- For extra crispiness, you can double-dip the chicken tenders by repeating the dredging process.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey butter sauce to your preferred spice level or omit it entirely for a milder taste.
- Ensure the air fryer basket is not overcrowded to allow even air circulation for crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Leftover tenders can be stored in an airtight container and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
