It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. These honey glazed chicken tenders are the perfect solution for a busy night. They are crispy, sweet, and ready in under 30 minutes. You will love how fast these come together for your family.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
These tenders are a total crowd-pleaser for back-to-school nights. They offer that restaurant-style crunch without the deep fryer mess. Your kids will love the sweet and savory glaze. You will love the minimal cleanup involved in this meal. Making these honey glazed chicken tenders is a great choice for any night.
Simple Method
Making these is incredibly straightforward and stress-free. You just bread the chicken and let the air fryer work. The sauce thickens up in the microwave in seconds. Even if you are new to air frying, you can do this. Cooking honey glazed chicken tenders in the air fryer is fast and easy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are pantry staples you already have at home.
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Non-stick olive oil cooking spray
Step-by-Step
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour in the first; beaten eggs in the second; and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip into the egg wash, and then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring no overlapping.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Cook for 6 minutes, flip the tenders, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic.
- Microwave the sauce for 30-45 seconds until it begins to bubble and thickens slightly.
- Place the cooked tenders in a large mixing bowl, pour the glaze over them, and toss gently until fully coated.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these warm with a side of steamed broccoli or rice. They also pair perfectly with a fresh garden salad. For a fun family dinner, put out extra dipping sauce. Pack them in lunchboxes for a treat the next day. Everyone loves these honey glazed chicken tenders at the dinner table.
Keep It Fresh
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. To keep them crispy, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F. Five minutes should make them perfectly crunchy again. Avoid using the microwave for reheating to prevent sogginess. This makes meal prep for the week very easy.
Recipe Tips
- Don’t skip the cooking spray for the best golden color.
- Avoid overcrowding the basket so the air circulates well.
- Substitute maple syrup if you run out of honey.
- Bread the chicken ahead of time to save evening minutes.
- For back-to-school season, make a double batch for lunches.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure they reach 165°F.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap flour for cornstarch for an even crispier coating.
- Use gluten-free panko and flour to make it gluten-free.
- Omit the sriracha for a milder, kid-friendly version.
- Add lime juice to the glaze for a zesty twist.
Common Questions
Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for a few hours. This makes dinner time even faster when you are ready to cook. Just air fry them right before you want to eat.
Is the glaze very spicy?
The sriracha adds a nice flavor but very little heat. If your kids are very sensitive, you can reduce it to a teaspoon. It still tastes delicious without the extra kick.
How do I get the breading to stay on?
Make sure to press the panko firmly into the chicken with your hands. This helps the crumbs stick during the air frying process. It ensures every bite is perfectly breaded and crunchy.
I hope these crispy tenders make your weeknights a little easier. They are a staple in my kitchen for a reason. Enjoy every sweet and crunchy bite with your family.
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast tenders
- 1/2 cup all -purpose flour
- 2 large eggs , beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup hone y
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon srirach a
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- Non -stick olive oil cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: flour in the first; beaten eggs in the second; and panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in the third.
- Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip into the egg wash, and then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat evenly.
- Arrange the tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring no overlapping.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Cook for 6 minutes, flip the tenders, spray the other side, and cook for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, sriracha, and minced garlic.
- Microwave the sauce for 30-45 seconds until it begins to bubble and thickens slightly.
- Place the cooked tenders in a large mixing bowl, pour the glaze over them, and toss gently until fully coated.
