Description
Air Fryer Honey Butter Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crispy and juicy, marinated in a flavorful buttermilk blend and coated with a crunchy flour and cornmeal crust. Finished with a luscious honey butter sauce that adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, this recipe delivers a quick, healthier twist on a classic comfort food using an air fryer for effortless cooking.
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
Coating
- 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, making sure all pieces are well-coated. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the marinade and mix thoroughly to cover the chicken evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal, stirring well to ensure an even mixture. Set aside for dredging the tenders later.
- Make the Honey Butter Sauce: Melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then remove from heat and stir in the honey. Add the hot sauce if using, mix well, and set aside to keep warm.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Place the coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet ready for air frying.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket to promote even cooking and browning.
- Cook the Tenders: Lightly spray the tops of the coated tenders with cooking spray. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until they become golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and crispy.
- Coat with Honey Butter: Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer and place them in a large bowl. Drizzle the warm honey butter sauce over the hot tenders and toss gently to coat them evenly, enhancing flavor and moisture.
- Serve: Serve the chicken tenders warm, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Offer any leftover honey butter sauce on the side for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a fresh garden salad. For variation, serve the tenders in a sandwich or wrap.
Notes
- Marinating overnight intensifies the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
- Use cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure safety and prevent overcooking.
- Adjust the hot sauce amount in the honey butter sauce to control the heat level.
- This recipe works well with chicken breasts or nuggets if desired.
- Prep Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey butter chicken, crispy chicken recipe, air fried chicken, quick chicken tenders, healthy fried chicken
