Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

When you’re craving comfort food that’s crispy, flavorful, and just a little indulgent—but still easy and healthier than deep frying—look no further than Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer. These tenders come out golden and crunchy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze that balances sweetness with savory depth.

The air fryer has become a kitchen hero for anyone who loves fried food but wants to cut back on oil. With just a fraction of the fat, you can achieve crispy, restaurant-quality chicken tenders at home. By tossing them in a luscious honey garlic sauce, you get the best of both worlds: satisfying crunch and finger-licking flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game-day snacks, or even meal prep, these tenders are guaranteed to be a hit with both kids and adults.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Air fryer magic: Crispy tenders with minimal oil.
• Sticky glaze: Sweet honey meets savory garlic for irresistible flavor.
• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Family-friendly: Kids love chicken tenders, and the glaze appeals to adults.
• Versatile: Great as a main dish, snack, or party appetizer.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1.5 lbs (700 g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
• 1 cup flour
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray (or olive oil spray)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce

• 1/2 cup honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (slurry, optional for thickening)

Garnishes (Optional)

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Sesame seeds
• Extra honey drizzle

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Bread the Chicken Tenders

1. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
3. Place breaded tenders on a tray.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–4 minutes.
2. Spray basket lightly with cooking spray.
3. Arrange tenders in a single layer, leaving space between them.
4. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
2. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and vinegar.
3. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add cornstarch slurry if you prefer a thicker glaze.
4. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

1. Place cooked chicken tenders in a large bowl.
2. Pour honey garlic sauce over tenders and toss to coat.
3. Garnish with parsley or sesame seeds. Serve hot.

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Tips for Success

• Crispier tenders: Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
• Even cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Season well: Add spices to flour and breadcrumbs for more depth.
• Extra sticky glaze: Let tenders sit in sauce for a few minutes before serving.
• Kid-friendly version: Reduce garlic and vinegar for milder flavor.

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Variations to Try

• Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the honey garlic sauce.
• Asian-inspired: Use sesame oil and garnish with scallions.
• Buffalo-honey garlic: Mix buffalo sauce into glaze for tangy heat.
• Low-carb version: Use almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
• Vegan option: Use cauliflower florets or tofu cubes in place of chicken.

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Serving Suggestions

These chicken tenders are versatile and can be served in many ways:

• With sides: Fries, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
• As a meal: Over rice or quinoa with steamed broccoli.
• Party platter: Serve with toothpicks and extra glaze for dipping.
• Sandwich style: Tuck tenders into a brioche bun with lettuce and coleslaw.
• Salad topper: Slice tenders and place on a crisp garden salad.

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Health Benefits

These air fryer chicken tenders are lighter than traditional fried versions:

• Chicken: Lean protein for muscle repair and satiety.
• Air frying: Cuts oil by up to 75% compared to deep frying.
• Garlic: Heart-healthy and immune-boosting.
• Honey: Natural sweetener with antioxidants.
• Soy sauce & vinegar: Add flavor without extra fat.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Approximate)

• Calories: 480
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Sugar: 15 g

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The Cultural Inspiration

Crispy chicken tenders are an American comfort food classic, often served at diners, fast-food restaurants, and family dinners. The addition of honey garlic glaze reflects Asian-inspired flavors, popularized in fusion cuisine across North America. Using the air fryer brings this timeless favorite into modern kitchens, where health-conscious home cooks can enjoy fried flavors with less guilt.

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Storing and Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer.
• Reheat: Crisp tenders in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 minutes. Warm sauce separately and toss before serving.
• Meal prep: Prep breaded chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to air fry.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes—cut into strips for juicy, flavorful tenders.

2. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes—bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in fridge for 3–4 days, reheat before tossing.

4. How do I make them extra spicy?
Add chili paste, cayenne pepper, or extra hot sauce to the glaze.

5. Are these good for kids?
Yes! Just reduce garlic and vinegar for a sweeter, milder version.

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Final Thoughts

Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are the perfect mix of crispy comfort and bold flavor. With juicy chicken, a crunchy coating, and a sticky honey garlic glaze, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, these tenders bring restaurant-style indulgence to your kitchen with the convenience of air frying. Once you try them, they’ll become a go-to recipe for busy nights, game days, and everything in between.

So grab your air fryer, whip up that sticky sauce, and get ready for crispy, saucy perfection tonight.

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