Savor the deliciousness of Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer made effortlessly. These juicy chicken tenders are marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then cooked to golden perfection. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders are sure to impress everyone at your table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With minimal prep time, these chicken tenders are ready in just 27 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavorful Marinade: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and spices creates a delightful sweet and savory flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Air Fryer Perfection: Cooking in an air fryer ensures crispy chicken tenders without the extra oil, making them a healthier option.
- Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer for parties or served with sides for a family dinner; these tenders fit any occasion.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love the crunchy texture and sweet taste—make mealtime fun and enjoyable!
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect Honey Chicken Tenders, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dishes
- Whisk
- Cooking spray
- Tongs
Importance of Each Tool
- Air fryer: This tool cooks the chicken evenly while ensuring a crispy outer layer without excessive oil.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients and marinating the chicken to infuse flavor effectively.
- Shallow dishes: Perfect for setting up your breading station, allowing ease of access when coating each tender.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make delicious Honey Chicken Tenders:
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 pound chicken tenders
For the Breading Mixture
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
For the Egg Wash
- 1 large egg, beaten
For the Crunchy Coating
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
For the Honey Garlic Marinade
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
For Cooking
- Cooking spray
How to Make Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Whisk together until smooth.
1. Add the chicken tenders to this mixture.
2. Toss to coat thoroughly.
3. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for deeper flavor.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
Prepare three shallow dishes:
1. In one dish, mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
2. Place the beaten egg in another dish.
3. Fill the third dish with panko bread crumbs.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Remove each chicken tender from the marinade:
1. Allow excess marinade to drip off.
2. Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture.
3. Dip it into the beaten egg.
4. Finally, coat with panko bread crumbs by pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
Step 5: Cook the Chicken
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange breaded chicken tenders in a single layer without touching each other.
- Spray tops lightly with cooking spray.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Remove chicken tenders from air fryer:
– Drizzle with any remaining honey sauce if desired.
– Serve hot with dipping sauces of your choice.
Enjoy your delicious homemade honey chicken tenders!
How to Serve Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Serving Honey Chicken Tenders is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. These crispy, golden tenders pair well with a variety of sides and dips, making them perfect for any occasion.
With Dipping Sauces
- Sweet and Sour Sauce: A tangy contrast that complements the sweetness of the honey.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cool, ranch dressing adds a delicious flavor to the crispy tenders.
- Honey Mustard: Enhance the honey flavor with a zesty honey mustard sauce for a perfect dip.
As Part of a Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: Top fresh greens with sliced chicken tenders for a quick meal.
- Caesar Salad: Add crispy tenders to romaine lettuce and Caesar dressing for a hearty salad.
In a Wrap
- Chicken Tender Wrap: Roll up tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your choice of sauce for an easy lunch.
- Asian-Inspired Wrap: Include shredded cabbage, carrots, and hoisin sauce for an Asian twist.
How to Perfect Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
To achieve the best results when making Honey Chicken Tenders in the air fryer, follow these essential tips.
- Marinate Well: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor; overnight is even better.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates an extra crispy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Preheat Your Air Fryer: Always preheat your air fryer for optimal cooking. This ensures even cooking and browning.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook in batches if necessary; overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
- Flip Halfway Through Cooking: Turning the tenders halfway ensures they cook evenly on both sides.
- Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm that chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Pairing side dishes with your Honey Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal further. Here are some fantastic options to consider.
- Crispy French Fries: Golden fries add crunch and pair perfectly with your chicken tenders.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw balances out the sweetness of the honey with its tangy crunch.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers nutrition and color to your plate without overpowering flavors.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes provide comfort and richness alongside tender chicken.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings out flavors while keeping it simple and delicious.
- Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf makes a great base for soaking up any leftover honey sauce.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer, it’s easy to overlook a few key details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the marinade: Failing to marinate the chicken tenders can result in bland flavors. Allow at least 30 minutes for the marinade to infuse.
- Overcrowding the basket: Placing too many tenders in the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking. Always arrange them in a single layer for best results.
- Not preheating the air fryer: Neglecting this step may cause your chicken tenders to cook unevenly. Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Ignoring internal temperature: Not checking the doneness can lead to undercooked chicken. Ensure each tender reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Using too much oil: Over-spraying with cooking spray can make the chicken soggy instead of crispy. A light mist is sufficient.
- Not letting them rest: Cutting into the chicken immediately can release juices. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Honey Chicken Tenders in an airtight container.
- They will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Place cooled tenders in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months; label with date for reference.
Reheating Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, turning occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?
Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer are juicy chicken strips coated with a sweet honey garlic sauce, then air-fried to crispy perfection.
How do I make Honey Chicken Tenders extra crispy?
To achieve extra crispiness, ensure you use panko breadcrumbs and don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket during cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders but adjust cooking time accordingly. They may need an additional few minutes compared to fresh ones.
What dipping sauces pair well with Honey Chicken Tenders?
Common options include ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or sweet and sour sauce which complement the sweetness of the honey.
Final Thoughts
Honey Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures that everyone will love. They’re versatile enough for weeknight dinners or as appetizers at gatherings. Feel free to customize your dipping sauces or add spices to suit your taste. Enjoy making this delicious recipe!
Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer, where crispy meets juicy! These tender chicken strips are marinated in a sweet honey garlic sauce that infuses each bite with mouthwatering flavor. Perfect for busy weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these air-fried tenders offer a healthier twist without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- ⅓ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 large beaten egg
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Marinate: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Add chicken tenders and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare Breading: Set up three shallow dishes—one with flour mixed with salt, pepper, and garlic powder; one with beaten egg; and one with panko bread crumbs.
- Bread Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with panko.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
- Cook: Place chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken tenders (120g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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