Description
Garlic chicken tenders bring serious flavor to your dinner table with zero fuss. Crunchy golden coating and zesty garlic kick make this quick meal a total weeknight winner.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Dry Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Seasoning:
- 2 eggs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Create three separate shallow dishes: mix 1 cup flour with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper in the first dish. Whisk 2 eggs in the second dish. Pour 1 cup panko breadcrumbs into the third dish.
- Take each chicken tender and thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage. Dunk the floured tender into the whisked eggs, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated tender in panko breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to help crumbs adhere completely to your chicken. Repeat for all tenders, creating an even, crispy exterior.
- Prepare your air fryer by preheating to 375F. Lightly spray the basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Cook tenders for 10-12 minutes at 375F, flipping halfway through cooking time. Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F for safe consumption.
- While chicken cooks, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and saute for exactly 1 minute.
- Pour ¼ cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon lemon juice into the butter mixture. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to blend flavors.
- Remove tenders from air fryer when golden and crispy. Drizzle generously with warm honey garlic butter sauce or toss to coat completely.
- Transfer sauced tenders to serving plate immediately. Serve hot for maximum crispiness and flavor.
Notes
- Check your chicken tenders are similar in size to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
- Add extra garlic powder to the flour mixture if wanting more intense garlic flavor throughout the coating.
- Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to help panko crumbs stick better and create a crunchier exterior.
- For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 19 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg