Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

#### Instructions:

1. **Prepare the Chicken Tenders:**
Begin by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures the coating sticks better and the tenders crisp up nicely.

2. **Set Up the Breading Station:**
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the egg and water until smooth. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. This creates a three-step breading station for the chicken tenders.

3. **Bread the Chicken Tenders:**
Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.

4. **Preheat the Air Fryer:**
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken tenders will start cooking immediately when placed in the air fryer, helping them to become crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

5. **Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:**
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with more olive oil spray. Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. **Make the Honey Butter Garlic Sauce:**
While the chicken tenders are air frying, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the honey and soy sauce (if using), and let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. For a bit of heat, you can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

7. **Coat the Chicken with Sauce:**
Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle the honey butter garlic sauce over the top. Toss the tenders gently to coat them evenly, ensuring each tender is covered in the rich, flavorful sauce.

8. **Serve and Enjoy:**
Serve your Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders hot with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, or even more honey butter sauce. These tenders pair wonderfully with mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.

#### Tips for the Perfect Chicken Tenders:
– **Double coat for extra crunch:** For even more crispy texture, you can double dip the chicken tenders—dipping them back into the egg wash and breadcrumbs for a thicker coating.
– **Make it spicy:** If you like a spicy kick, add a bit more red pepper flakes to the honey butter sauce or sprinkle some chili powder into the breadcrumb mixture.
– **Use a meat thermometer:** To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
– **Customize the sauce:** If you want a tangier sauce, add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or lemon juice to the honey butter mixture.

#### Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders:
– **Crispy without the oil:** The air fryer gives the chicken tenders that deep-fried crispiness without the excess oil, making it a healthier option.
– **Sweet and savory:** The honey butter garlic sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich, creating an irresistible glaze.
– **Quick and easy:** This recipe is easy to follow and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or a fun family meal.
– **Customizable:** You can easily tweak the sauce or seasonings to fit your taste preferences.

#### Serving Suggestions:
Pair your honey butter garlic chicken tenders with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a side of sautéed vegetables. They also go great with a dipping sauce like ranch, spicy ketchup, or a zesty garlic aioli for even more flavor.

These Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders are the perfect combination of crispy, juicy, and flavorful. Whether you’re serving them as a main course or an appetizer, they are sure to impress everyone at the table!