1. Homepage
  2. All Recipes
  3. Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken

Tasty Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

As seen in Satisfying Entrées for Every Table.

Bite into juicy chicken coated in melted honey butter and fresh garlic, then rolled in crunchy breadcrumbs before cooking quick in your air fryer. You get sweet notes, buttery flavors, and that just-right crunch. Enjoy them while they're hot. Serve up as a party starter or main dish, with the dips and sides you like best. They're super simple to prep, so they fit even busy weeknights or family get-togethers. Like extra heat? Shake in some cayenne or change up the flavors how you like.

Save to Pinterest Post Online Share with Friends Print Recipe Skip to Recipe
Barbara Chef
Created By Sasha
Last updated on Sun, 08 Jun 2025 13:36:16 GMT
A plate with crispy fried chicken and a drizzle of sauce. Save Pin
A plate with crispy fried chicken and a drizzle of sauce. | foodthingle.com

Outside's super crunchy and inside's tender, which is exactly why I keep making these air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders. Each bite is sticky-sweet with loads of garlicky kick, and they're always a perfect golden color. Seriously—the air fryer makes it so easy, I barely do anything. Whenever my evening's packed, this is my go-to meal since it's quick and feels extra special.

The first time I tried these was during a rushed dinner. My husband totally thought I'd deep fried 'em! Now we fix them for game night all the time.

Mouthwatering Ingredients

  • Cooking spray: stops sticking in the air fryer basket and makes cleanup easy
  • Butter: melt it so the sauce hugs the chicken, real butter makes the taste pop
  • Breadcrumbs: use panko for extra crunch, or make your own if you want more texture
  • Honey: gives that standout sweetness, pure or local honey makes it taste deeper
  • Salt: wakes everything up and keeps the honey from overpowering it
  • Black pepper: a hint of heat, fresh cracked if you can
  • Chicken tenders: get fresh or high-quality ones so they're juicy
  • Garlic cloves: fresh and minced for a punchy aroma, don't skimp here!

Quick Steps to Follow

Pause Before Eating:
Let them sit a couple minutes once they're out so the chicken stays juicy. Dip 'em or toss on a salad however you like.
Lay Out and Air Fry:
Pop the breaded tenders in a single layer in your fryer basket, leaving space so they're not crowded. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, turn them halfway for that deep golden crunch and juicy middle.
Mist the Basket:
Give your fryer basket a thorough spray so taking the chicken out later is a breeze.
Toss Each in Breading:
After sauce, press the chicken pieces into breadcrumbs. They'll be coated extra thick—be sure both sides are covered.
Dip in the Sauce:
Roll every piece of chicken in the garlic honey butter mixture so they get totally slathered.
Breading Station Setup:
Breadcrumbs go in a low dish with the sauce bowl beside it for easy dipping and rolling.
Mix Up the Sauce:
Melt butter, then stir together with honey, chopped garlic, pepper, and salt. Mix well until glossy.
Crank Up the Air Fryer:
Heat your air fryer to 400°F for five minutes so it's ready to go when you are.
A close up of some fried chicken. Save Pin
A close up of some fried chicken. | foodthingle.com

It's the garlic that wins me over. That sharp combo with honey is pure happiness. I once made these for a birthday bash and people were shocked they weren't restaurant fried. Can't help but smile thinking back on that!

How to Save Leftovers

Put any extras in a tightly sealed container in your fridge for two or three days tops. Warm them up back in the air fryer at 375°F so that crispy layer comes back. If you microwave, just know you'll lose all the crunch.

Ingredient Swaps

No tenders? Just cut up chicken breast or thigh meat for the same effect. Gluten free breadcrumbs work fine if someone can't eat wheat. If you're out of honey, try maple syrup instead—it works in a pinch.

Ways to Serve Them

They're awesome with simple sides like a fresh salad, potato wedges, or coleslaw. My crew loves dunking them in ranch or honey mustard too. And honestly, they're killer on a soft roll as mini sandwiches.

A close up of some fried chicken. Save Pin
A close up of some fried chicken. | foodthingle.com

Fun Facts and Background

Lots of classic American comfort dishes give us honey butter chicken. The air fryer lets you get that old-school crispy goodness without the fuss, which is perfect for busy nights. Makes me think of summer fairs, where everything's best eaten with your hands and always on the go.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How do I know if the chicken tenders are done in the air fryer?

When your chicken hits 165°F (74°C) on the inside and the outside looks golden and crunchy, they're finished.

→ Can I swap chicken breast for tenders?

Sure thing — just cut some boneless chicken breast into strips then coat and air fry the same way.

→ How do I make these tenders hotter?

Stir in a bit of cayenne pepper with your honey butter garlic before covering the chicken. Easy way to kick up the heat.

→ What dips taste good with these tenders?

Ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, or even a garlicky aioli all go well with the sweet and salty chicken.

→ How do I keep that crunchy breadcrumb shell?

Spritz the air fryer basket with some cooking spray and set the tenders apart from each other, so they get nice and crispy.

→ Can I prep these in advance?

Coat your chicken and pop it in the fridge for a few hours, but air fry right before eating for best crunchiness.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken

Juicy tenders with a honey butter garlic drizzle, air fried till crisp for a speedy, sweet and salty dish.

Preparation Time
10 Minutes
Cooking Time
12 Minutes
Overall Time
22 Minutes
Created By: Sasha

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Simple

Regional Style: American

Output: 4 Number of Servings (approximately 12 chicken tenders)

Special Diets: ~

What You'll Need

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 lb chicken tenders

→ Honey Butter Garlic Sauce

02 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
03 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
04 2 tablespoons honey
05 1/2 teaspoon salt
06 3 cloves garlic, finely minced

→ Breading

07 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

→ Preparation

08 Cooking spray

Steps to Follow

Step 01

When you’ve finished air frying, take the chicken out and leave them off to the side for a few minutes. They’ll cool down just enough to eat, and that’s when they’re best. Add dip or a crisp salad if you want.

Step 02

Set your breaded chicken strips in the basket so none are touching, giving them their own space. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping at the halfway mark. Stop when they’re nicely golden and cooked all the way through.

Step 03

Mist the inside of the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray so your chicken won’t stick.

Step 04

Cover each chicken tender all over in the honey butter garlic mix. Next, roll it in the breadcrumb bowl so every side’s coated.

Step 05

Pour your breadcrumbs into a low dish so coating chicken is easy.

Step 06

Use a small bowl to mix together the melted butter, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until everything’s mixed up nicely.

Step 07

Turn your air fryer on and crank it up to 400°F (200°C). Let it run for about five minutes, so it heats up for even cooking.

Additional Tips

  1. Toss in a bit of cayenne if you’re after extra spiciness.
  2. If you have chicken breast around, just slice it into strips and swap them in.
  3. These are perfect with honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch dip.

Essential Tools

  • Air fryer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Shallow dish
  • Measuring spoons
  • Cooking spray

Allergen Information

Always verify ingredient labels for allergens and consult with a healthcare expert if unsure.
  • Has dairy (butter)
  • Has gluten (breadcrumbs)

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are best used as an estimate and shouldn't replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 290
  • Fat Content: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Protein: 21 g