Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Sink your teeth into these irresistibly crispy, sticky, and sweet Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders! This recipe takes tender strips of chicken breast, wraps them in a crunchy cornflake coating, and finishes with a glossy honey garlic glaze that checks every box for flavor, color, and undeniable comfort. It’s the kind of easy, crave-worthy meal that’ll have friends and family hovering around the kitchen—just try not to snag one before they’re all gone!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is how a handful of pantry staples combine for maximum impact. Every ingredient is thoughtfully chosen to make these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders crisp, golden, flavorful, and so much more memorable than anything store-bought.

• Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast keeps things lean and is perfect for slicing into juicy, tender strips.
• Salt: Just a pinch to enhance every bite and bring the flavors together.
• Pepper: Adds that hint of piquant warmth you love in every homemade chicken strip.
• Paprika: Gives the coating a pop of color and a subtle, earthy depth.
• Eggs: The magic glue that helps the crispy coating stick—don’t skip them!
• Corn Flakes: Crushed cornflakes make an ultra-light, shatteringly crisp exterior that outshines breadcrumbs every time.
• Honey: Your glaze’s sweet backbone; it caramelizes just enough to create a luscious sticky finish.
• Soy Sauce: A splash of umami that balances the honey and ties the sauce together.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh minced garlic infuses the glaze with warmth and aroma—it wouldn’t be honey garlic without it!

How to Make Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by slicing your boneless, skinless chicken breast into even strips or “tenders.” This not only helps them cook evenly but also ensures you get that perfect ratio of juicy center to crispy edge with every bite. Sprinkle the strips with a pinch of salt, pepper, and vibrant paprika, then rub it all in so every piece is perfectly seasoned. This quick step packs flavor right into the chicken, laying the foundation for deliciousness.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Crack two eggs into a small bowl and beat them until the yolks and whites are fully combined—this is your handy egg wash. Pour crushed cornflakes into another bowl. Crushing them a bit finer than usual helps them stick better and ensures the final coating is crisp with every bite, not too chunky or uneven. Easy, satisfying prep that primes you for foolproof breading.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dip each seasoned chicken strip into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it in the cornflake crumbs. Press gently so the coating adheres to every nook and cranny. As you finish each tender, set them aside—this assembly-line process makes things quick and lets you gaze longingly at each crunchy-crusted piece ready for the fryer.

Step 4: Arrange in the Air Fryer

Place your breaded chicken tenders into the air fryer basket, leaving a bit of space between each one for optimal crunch. Overcrowding means less airflow and less crisp. If you’re making a double batch, work in batches for best results. There’s nothing more satisfying than watching those golden pieces crisp up!

Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Set your air fryer to 350 degrees. Cook the tenders for about 12 minutes, or until they’re irresistibly golden and cooked through. Each oven is a little different, but you’ll know they’re ready when the coating audibly crunches and the inside stays juicy. This step is all about texture—it’s where Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders really shine.

Step 6: Make the Honey Garlic Glaze

While the tenders crisp up, whisk together honey, soy sauce, and minced garlic. This three-ingredient glaze is your secret sweet-and-savory weapon. Just a quick stir is all it needs to turn glossy and aromatic, transforming simple chicken into something you’ll crave again and again.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Once your tenders are sizzling and golden, remove them from the basket. Immediately toss them in the honey garlic glaze so every piece gets coated in that shimmering sweetness. Serve warm and watch faces light up around the table. Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are at their best hot and fresh, so don’t let them linger!

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Finish your Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for bright color and a bit of zip. Toasted sesame seeds add nutty crunch and make each piece extra appealing. If you’re after zing, try a dash of red chili flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime right before serving. These simple touches elevate your tenders from great to unforgettable.

Side Dishes

Pair your tenders with a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, a crisp salad, or classic fries for the ultimate comfort feast. For a lighter take, serve with steamed broccoli or crunchy slaw—perfect for soaking up that extra honey garlic glaze. If you love dipping, set out extra glaze or a quick garlic yogurt sauce. The versatility of Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders means they fit every mood and craving.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful and turn your tenders into sliders tucked into soft buns with lettuce and pickles, or slice and toss them on top of a vibrant salad. For casual entertaining, pile them onto a platter with toothpicks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. They’re gorgeous stacked high on a wooden board with plenty of napkins—the sticky fingers only add to the fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders (lucky you), let them cool before placing in an airtight container. They’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though you’ll want to re-crisp them before serving to bring back that signature crunch.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze breaded (but not yet glazed) chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When cravings strike, simply cook from frozen, adding a few extra minutes in the air fryer, then glaze and serve as usual.

Reheating

To restore maximum crispiness, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3–5 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, though the coating might soften. If possible, wait to glaze leftovers until after reheating, or pop them back into the fryer for a minute to reactivate the crunch before tossing in sauce.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs will give you even juicier results. Just be sure to slice them into strips and adjust cooking time as needed—thigh meat can be a little more forgiving and just as delicious in the air fryer.

How do I crush corn flakes without making a mess?

Pop your corn flakes into a large zip-top bag, push out any excess air, then roll a rolling pin over the bag until the flakes are finely crushed. No crumbs on the counter, and you can control the texture perfectly!

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check that your corn flakes and soy sauce are gluten-free—most mainstream corn flakes are, but some brands might contain malt flavoring. Tamari makes a great gluten-free swap for soy sauce.

Do I need to flip the tenders while air frying?

For truly even color and crunch, give your tenders a gentle flip about halfway through cooking. Some air fryers circulate air so well you might not need to, but flipping never hurts for even golden results.

What’s the best way to serve Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders at a party?

Pile the tenders on a large platter lined with parchment paper, sprinkle with scallions and sesame seeds, and add a bowl of extra honey garlic glaze for dipping. Toothpicks or small forks keep things tidy and fun for guests!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner (or a snack!) that’s crunchy, saucy, and just plain fun, these Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Tenders are your answer. Go ahead and give them a try—you might just find a new favorite that everyone will request again and again.

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