Crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a sweet, sticky, garlicky honey glaze—air-fried to juicy perfection for a bold, flavor-packed crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthier than deep-fried options thanks to the air fryer
- Crisp texture without excess oil
- Quick to prepare—ready in under 30 minutes
- Kid-friendly and adult-approved
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory in the sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray
For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Season chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each piece in flour, dip into beaten eggs, and coat in panko breadcrumbs.
- Lightly spray both sides of the breaded chicken with cooking spray.
- Arrange tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
- Toss the chicken in the honey garlic sauce or serve it on the side as a dip.
Servings And Timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Calories per serving: 290 kcal
Variations
- Spicy kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha to the sauce for heat.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- No panko? Substitute with crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs.
- Oven method: Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Add sesame: Top finished tenders with sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a garnish.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes or in the oven until crispy. Avoid microwaving to keep the breading crunchy.
Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer before transferring to a freezer-safe container. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer.
FAQs
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead Of Tenders?
Yes, just slice the chicken breasts into strips of similar size and follow the same directions.
Can I Make This Without An Air Fryer?
Absolutely—bake in the oven at 425°F or shallow fry on the stovetop for a similar result.
How Do I Know When The Chicken Is Cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
Is The Sauce Very Sweet?
It’s a balance of sweet and savory, but you can reduce the honey or increase soy sauce to adjust to your taste.
Can I Double The Sauce?
Yes, especially if you like extra sauce for dipping or drizzling over rice or veggies.
Can I Marinate The Chicken Before Air Frying?
It’s not necessary for this recipe, but you can marinate in a little soy sauce and garlic for extra flavor.
What Can I Serve With These Tenders?
They pair well with rice, steamed veggies, salad, or even fries for a full meal.
Do I Need To Flip The Chicken In The Air Fryer?
Yes, flipping halfway helps ensure even browning and crispness on both sides.
Can I Use Store-Bought Honey Garlic Sauce?
You can, but homemade sauce is fresher and lets you control sweetness and saltiness.
Are These Good For Meal Prep?
Yes! Store them separately from the sauce and toss or dip just before eating to keep them crisp.
Conclusion
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are a weeknight winner—easy, fast, and packed with flavor. The air fryer makes them lighter without losing that satisfying crunch, and the sticky honey garlic glaze adds the perfect finishing touch. Whether served as a main, appetizer, or game-day snack, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
More Crispy & Flavorful Chicken Recipes
Love the crispy texture and sweet garlic glaze? Check out these other must-try chicken favorites on ClapRecipes:
- Firecracker Chicken Bites – Sweet and spicy nuggets of joy that bring the heat.
- Texas Roadhouse Smothered Chicken – Juicy, cheesy, and totally comforting.
- Sweet and Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Macaroni Cheese – A complete meal with bold flavors and creamy sides.
- Crockpot Chicken Gravy – Set it and forget it, this tender chicken is coated in rich, savory gravy.
- Hawaiian Chicken Sheet Pan Recipe – A one-pan tropical escape with pineapple-infused chicken.
Crispy Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer)
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are coated in a sweet and savory honey garlic glaze. Perfectly golden on the outside and juicy inside, they make a healthier alternative to deep-fried favorites without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Dredge each tender in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
- Spray both sides of the breaded tenders lightly with cooking spray.
- Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the sauce: in a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, garlic, and rice vinegar.
- Bring to a simmer, then stir in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Toss the cooked chicken tenders in the honey garlic sauce or serve as a dip on the side.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For extra crispiness, lightly toast the panko breadcrumbs before breading.
- Serve with steamed rice or a side salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 115mg