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This air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, sweet and savory delight that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your dinner table. The cornflake coating creates an irresistible crunch that perfectly complements the sticky, aromatic honey garlic sauce.
I discovered this recipe during a busy weeknight when I needed something quick that would please everyone. The first time my family tried these tenders, there was complete silence at the dinner table followed by requests for seconds. Now it's in our regular rotation for those nights when we want something a little special without much fuss.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: the perfect size for even cooking and easy handling
- Cornflakes: creates an exceptionally crunchy coating that stays crisp even after saucing
- Eggs: acts as the glue to help the coating adhere perfectly to the chicken
- Garlic powder: infuses the chicken with flavor before the sauce even comes into play
- Paprika: adds a subtle smoky note and beautiful color to the coating
- Salt and pepper: essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors
- Honey: provides the perfect sticky sweetness that caramelizes slightly in the air fryer
- Fresh garlic: stronger and more aromatic than powder for the sauce
- Soy sauce: adds that umami depth that balances the sweetness of the honey
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Your Air Fryer:
- Set your air fryer to 400°F and give it about 3 minutes to fully preheat. This ensures the tenders start cooking immediately upon entry, helping create that crucial outer crispiness.
- Season The Chicken:
- Combine your chicken tenderloins with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Use your hands to massage the seasonings into every piece, making sure each tenderloin is evenly coated. This pre-seasoning step ensures flavor goes beyond just the sauce.
- Prepare Your Coating Station:
- Crush your cornflakes to the texture of coarse breadcrumbs. Not too fine, as you want some texture, but not too chunky or they won’t adhere properly. Beat the eggs in a separate bowl until completely smooth.
- Coat The Chicken:
- Dip each seasoned tenderloin into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off. Then thoroughly roll in the cornflake mixture, using your fingers to press the coating onto the chicken. Make sure every bit of the surface is covered for maximum crunch.
- Air Fry To Perfection:
- Place the coated tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Cook for 10-12 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through. Look for a deep golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Prepare The Sauce:
- While the chicken cooks, whisk together honey, minced fresh garlic, and soy sauce in a large bowl. The bowl should be spacious enough to toss all the chicken pieces later.
- Sauce The Chicken:
- Once the chicken is fully cooked and crispy, immediately transfer the hot tenders to your sauce bowl. Gently toss until each piece is generously coated with the sticky, fragrant sauce.
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The honey garlic sauce is what transforms this dish from good to exceptional. I discovered through trial and error that using fresh garlic rather than powdered makes an enormous difference in the final flavor. My daughter, who typically avoids saucy dishes, always asks for extra sauce with these tenders to drizzle over her rice.
Make-Ahead Options
You can prepare these tenders up to the coating stage and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before cooking. Simply place the coated uncooked tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover loosely with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to cook, proceed with air frying as directed, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time since they’ll be cold.
Serving Suggestions
These honey garlic chicken tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them over steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a crisp Asian slaw for textural contrast. They also make excellent protein for grain bowls with vegetables, or can be served as appetizers with extra sauce for dipping. For a complete meal, pair with simple steamed broccoli or green beans that can also benefit from a drizzle of the honey garlic sauce.
Storage And Reheating Tips
Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible as this will make the coating soggy. If you need to make the sauce ahead of time, it can be refrigerated separately for up to a week and gently reheated before tossing with freshly cooked tenders.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I make the chicken crispy?
Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with crushed cornflakes and not overcrowded in the air fryer. This allows proper air circulation for crispness.
- → Can I use other coatings instead of cornflakes?
Yes, you can use breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed crackers as alternative coatings for a similar crunch.
- → What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad to complement the sweet and savory flavors.
- → Can I make ahead and reheat later?
Yes, store leftovers in the fridge and reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
- → How do I adjust the sauce sweetness?
Reduce the honey amount or balance it with extra soy sauce if you prefer a less sweet taste.