01 -
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure the tenders cook evenly and get that nice crispy exterior.
02 -
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed into a smooth, aromatic sauce.
03 -
Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish where you can easily coat the chicken tenders.
04 -
Take each chicken tender and dip it first into the honey butter garlic mixture, making sure it's completely coated on all sides. Then roll it in the breadcrumbs, gently pressing to help the crumbs stick to the chicken.
05 -
Give the air fryer basket a light spray with cooking spray to prevent the tenders from sticking during cooking.
06 -
Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don't overcrowd or overlap them – this might mean cooking in batches depending on your air fryer size.
07 -
Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F for 10-12 minutes total. Flip them halfway through cooking so both sides get equally crispy and golden brown. They're done when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
08 -
Take the tenders out of the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Serve them up with your favorite dipping sauce for an extra flavor kick!