Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Savor the deliciousness of Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer made effortlessly at home. These juicy chicken tenders are marinated in a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce, then cooked to golden perfection. They make for a delightful main dish or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, perfect for a quick weeknight meal or any special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Marinade: The combination of honey, soy sauce, and garlic creates a deliciously sweet and savory flavor.
• Crispy Texture: Using panko bread crumbs ensures your chicken tenders are crispy on the outside while remaining juicy inside.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve these tenders as an appetizer, main course, or even in salads and wraps for added flavor.
• Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste and crunchy texture make it a hit with kids, turning dinner into a fun experience.

Tools and Preparation

To make these Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Shallow dishes
• Whisk
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• Air fryer: This gadget cooks food quickly with less oil, giving you crispy chicken tenders without the deep frying.
• Mixing bowls: Perfect for marinating your chicken and mixing your ingredients together easily.
• Shallow dishes: They help in setting up the breading station efficiently by keeping ingredients organized.
• Whisk: Ideal for mixing marinade ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 pound chicken tenders

For the Breading

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs

For the Marinade

• ⅓ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger

Other

• Cooking spray

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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. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight in the refrigerator for extra flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

In separate shallow dishes:
1. Mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one dish.
2. Place the beaten egg in another dish.
3. Fill a third dish with panko bread crumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Remove each chicken tender from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge first in the flour mixture:
1. Dip into the beaten egg.
2. Coat with panko bread crumbs, 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 the air fryer and drizzle with any remaining honey sauce if desired. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy your delicious homemade honey chicken tenders!

How to Serve Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Serving Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer is a great way to elevate your meal. These crispy and flavorful tenders pair well with various sides and sauces, making them perfect for any occasion.

With Dipping Sauces

• Honey Mustard Sauce: A sweet and tangy complement that enhances the honey flavor.
• BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky depth that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
• Ranch Dressing: Creamy and cool, perfect for balancing the crispy texture.

In a Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss your chicken tenders over fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light meal.
• Caesar Salad: Upgrade a classic Caesar with crispy tenders for added protein and flavor.

As a Snack

• Slider Style: Serve on mini buns with coleslaw for fun sliders.
• Platter Style: Arrange tenders on a platter with veggies and sauces for an easy appetizer at gatherings.

How to Perfect Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

To achieve the best Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer, follow these tips for optimal flavor and texture.

• Marinate Longer: Allowing the chicken to marinate overnight enhances its flavor.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Ensure even cooking by placing tenders in a single layer without overlap.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: This helps achieve uniform browning on all sides.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption.
• Lightly Spray with Cooking Spray: This adds extra crispiness without excess oil.

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Best Side Dishes for Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

Pairing sides with your Honey Chicken Tenders elevates your meal experience. Here are some delicious options that complement their sweet and savory flavors.

1. French Fries: Classic and crispy, these are a favorite side that everyone loves.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy side that adds freshness and balances the sweetness of the chicken.
3. Steamed Broccoli: Nutritious and vibrant, it brings color to your plate while being healthy.
4. Mashed Potatoes: Creamy potatoes provide comfort and are perfect for dipping in sauces.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn pairs nicely with honey flavors, adding a summer vibe to your meal.
6. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice seasoned with herbs complements the chicken’s savory aspects beautifully.
7. Sweet Potato Wedges: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with honey chicken tenders.
8. Garlic Breadsticks: Deliciously buttery sticks add an Italian twist to your dinner table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome. Here are some tips to help you avoid those pitfalls.

• Skipping the Marinade: Not marinating the chicken tenders can lead to bland flavor. Always allow them to soak in the honey garlic sauce for at least 30 minutes for maximum taste.
• Overcrowding the Basket: Placing too many chicken tenders in the air fryer can prevent even cooking. Ensure they are arranged in a single layer with space between each piece.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Failing to preheat your air fryer can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat it for about 5 minutes before adding your chicken tenders.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Cooking for too long can dry out your chicken tenders. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Neglecting Cooking Spray: Forgetting to spray the basket and tops of the chicken tenders may lead to sticking. Use cooking spray to ensure they come out easily and remain crispy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover honey chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Let them cool completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness.

Freezing Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

• Place cooled chicken tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Label the container with the date so you keep track of how long they’ve been stored.

Reheating Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tenders on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently. This method may result in softer texture compared to air frying.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until heated through and crispy again.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer crispy?

To achieve crispy honey chicken tenders, ensure you coat them well with panko bread crumbs and lightly spray them with cooking spray before air frying.

Can I use boneless chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts cut into strips. Adjust cooking time as needed since larger pieces may require more time to cook through.

What dipping sauces go well with Honey Chicken Tenders?

These tenders pair nicely with ranch dressing, sweet chili sauce, or even a spicy mustard dip for extra flavor.

How long does it take to cook Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer?

Cooking honey chicken tenders typically takes about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through for even browning.

Final Thoughts

Honey Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer are not only delicious but also quick and easy to prepare. Their versatility makes them perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to parties. Feel free to customize them with different spices or sauces based on your preferences!