Say goodbye to boring weeknight dinners! These Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer are crispy, packed with flavor, and so easy to make. Sweet, garlicky, and totally addictive. This dinner simple, stress-free, and seriously delicious!
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This is an easy simple dinner idea that is ready in less than 30 minutes, you can even prep these ahead of time. Bake in the oven if you're making a big batch.
Other chicken tender recipes you need to try - Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders or Korean Fried Chicken Tenders.
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How to make Honey Garlic Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Prepare the chicken tenders
Air fry the chicken tenders
Prepare the honey garlic sauce
Toss the chicken tenders in the sauce
Substitutions
- Chicken Tenders: Chicken breasts cut into strips or even tofu strips for a vegetarian option.
- Corn Flakes: Crushed breadcrumbs, panko crumbs, or crushed crackers can be used as a substitute for a crispy coating.
- Garlic Powder:
- Eggs: For an egg substitute in the coating, you can use a mixture of buttermilk, yogurt, or even non-dairy alternatives like almond milk or soy milk. This helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Butter: Vegan (plant-based) butter, coconut oil, or ghee can be used as substitutes for butter, depending on the flavor profile you desire.
- Garlic: Always use fresh garlic, the jarred garlic will not work.
- Honey: Maple syrup, agave nectar, or brown rice syrup can be used as alternatives to honey. Use whatever you have on hand.
- Soy Sauce: Tamari, coconut aminos, or liquid aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce.
Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders - FAQs
Honey garlic chicken tenders pair well with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
The calorie count can vary based on the specific recipe, but a standard serving may range from 200 to 300 calories.
Any mild-flavored honey, such as clover or wildflower honey, works well for chicken dishes. Choose a honey that complements rather than overpowers the other flavors.
Related
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Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Air Fryer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow dish, crush the corn flakes to create a coating for the chicken tenders.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Roll the coated chicken tender in the crushed corn flakes, pressing gently to adhere the flakes to the chicken.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken is cooking, make the honey garlic sauce.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Stir in honey and soy sauce, continuing to cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to the honey garlic saucepan.
- Gently toss the chicken tenders in the sauce until they are well coated.
- Serve the Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders hot, garnished with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.
Tried this recipe?
Mention @eatwithcarmen in all social platformsFood safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Maris says
Added some chillis for extra kick and rice too😂
Gladys says
Made this with store bought ranch sauce. I suggest carmen's ranch too hahah
zep says
how can i make this w/o airfryer?
Carmen Spillette says
You can bake it at 425 deegrees for 30 minutes flipping halfway through. Then follow the next steps. Hope that helps!
Rava says
Just like on a takeout, wait its better 😊
Leia says
Better than take out! hmmp
Robin D says
My whole family's new favorite and my kids are obsessed!!! Crazy easy to make and the best chicken fingers I've ever had!!
Selena says
These were just the best. Easy to make gluten free with GF cornflakes and soy sauce. Absolutely loved them!
Carmen Spillette says
Thank you Selena - that’s so good to hear.