Name: Sweet & Savory Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, sliced into strips); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket); ⅓ cup honey; 3 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tbsp ketchup; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar); 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening); 1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Description

Crispy, juicy, and coated in a sticky honey garlic glaze—these air fryer chicken tenders are the ultimate mix of sweet and savory. The air fryer makes them perfectly golden and crunchy without the heaviness of deep-frying, while the honey garlic sauce adds a glossy, flavorful finish. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a game-day snack. Pair them with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for a full meal, or simply enjoy them as finger food with extra sauce for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 ½ lbs (700 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Cooking spray (for the air fryer basket)

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

⅓ cup honey
3 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp ketchup
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (slurry, optional for thickening)
1 tsp sesame oil (optional, for extra flavor)

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: flour (seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder), beaten eggs, and panko breadcrumbs.
Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Lightly spray coated tenders with cooking spray.
Place chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
While chicken cooks, prepare sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, ketchup, garlic, and vinegar. Simmer for 2–3 minutes. If desired, stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Finish with sesame oil.
Toss cooked chicken tenders in the honey garlic sauce until coated.

Serve immediately with sesame seeds and chopped scallions for garnish

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes