If you're a fan of juicy chicken tenders with a sweet twist, then you're in for a treat. We'll show you how to make the best honey battered chicken tenders in an air fryer, step-by-step. Plus, we'll share the health benefits of air frying chicken tenders instead of deep-frying them. On top of that, we'll give you tips for using honey in your batter, including how to get the perfect consistency. And that's not all - we'll show you how to make these chicken tenders gluten-free, along with creative dipping sauces to serve with them. Finally, we'll cover how to store and reheat leftover honey battered chicken tenders, and provide perfect side dishes to pair with them. To kick things off, let's talk about how to make honey battered chicken tenders in an air fryer.
The best honey battered chicken tenders in an air fryer
Making honey battered chicken tenders in an air fryer is an excellent way of cooking up some crispy and juicy chicken tenders without the need for much oil. In fact, you need just one tablespoon of oil to make these chicken tenders in the air fryer. Here's the recipe for making these delicious chicken tenders:
- Preheat your air fryer to 350F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add honey, hot sauce, and milk to the bowl, and mix well.
- Dip chicken tenders into the batter and coat well on all sides.
- Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure they are well spread out.
- Spritz each chicken tender with some oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Not only are these honey battered chicken tenders delicious, but they are also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. Air fryers use hot air to cook food, which means you can achieve the same crispy texture as deep-fried food without the added calories and fat. Plus, the honey in the batter adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the savory chicken. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a guilt-free version of your favorite comfort food!
Step-by-step guide to making crispy honey battered chicken tenders in an air fryer
To make your honey battered chicken tenders extra crunchy, follow these easy tips:
- Use a dry rub - before dipping the chicken tenders in the batter, coat them in a dry rub mix of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will give the chicken tenders an added layer of flavor and crunch.
- Use seasoned breadcrumbs - mix some seasoned breadcrumbs into the batter to add a crispy texture.
- Use egg wash - dip the chicken tenders in some egg wash before dipping them into the batter. This will help the batter stick better and provide a thicker coating.
Another tip to make your honey battered chicken tenders even crispier is to preheat your air fryer. This will ensure that the chicken tenders cook evenly and become crispy on the outside. Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken tenders.
The health benefits of air frying chicken tenders instead of deep-frying them
The air fryer is an excellent kitchen appliance that can help you cook your favorite dishes without the guilt of deep-frying. With an air fryer, you can cook chicken tenders quickly and with just a tablespoon of oil. This method is not only healthier but also helps to reduce the fat content in the chicken tenders. Plus, air frying chicken tenders provides a crispy, crunchy texture that's even better than deep-frying.
In addition to being a healthier option, air frying chicken tenders also saves you time and energy. Unlike deep-frying, which requires heating up a large amount of oil and waiting for it to reach the right temperature, air frying only takes a few minutes to preheat and cook the chicken tenders. Additionally, air frying produces less mess and eliminates the need for disposing of used oil. So not only is air frying a healthier option, but it's also a more convenient and eco-friendly way to cook your favorite chicken tenders.
Why honey is the perfect ingredient for battering chicken tenders and how to get the right consistency
Honey is an excellent ingredient for adding sweetness to your chicken tenders, and it also provides a beautiful golden hue. When making honey batter, it's essential to get the right consistency. You want the batter to be thick enough to stick to the chicken tenders. Here are some tips for getting the perfect batter consistency:
- Use cornstarch - mixing cornstarch into the flour helps to absorb any excess moisture and creates a thicker batter.
- Add water gradually - when whisking the batter, add water gradually until you achieve the desired consistency. The batter should be thick enough to coat the chicken tenders, but not too thick that it doesn't spread out well.
Another benefit of using honey in your chicken tender batter is that it can help to tenderize the meat. The natural enzymes in honey break down the proteins in the chicken, resulting in a more tender and juicy texture. Additionally, honey has antibacterial properties that can help to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria in the batter. So not only does honey add flavor and color to your chicken tenders, but it also has some health benefits too!
How to make a gluten-free version of honey battered chicken tenders using almond flour
If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, try using almond flour instead of regular flour. Here's the recipe for gluten-free honey battered chicken tenders:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together almond flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Add honey, hot sauce, and milk to the bowl and mix well.
- Dip chicken tenders into the batter and coat them well on all sides.
- Spritz each chicken tender with some oil.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and crust is golden brown.
- Remove from the air fryer basket and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Almond flour is a great alternative to regular flour for those who are gluten intolerant or have celiac disease. It is made from ground almonds and is naturally gluten-free. Almond flour is also a good source of protein, healthy fats, and fiber. When used in this recipe, it gives the chicken tenders a crispy and flavorful coating that is sure to satisfy your cravings. So, next time you're in the mood for some honey battered chicken tenders, give this gluten-free version a try!
Creative dipping sauces to serve with your honey battered chicken tenders
Apple cider dipping sauce is a great accompaniment to these honey battered chicken tenders as it complements the sweetness of the honey batter. Here's how to make it:
- In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Serve cold alongside the honey battered chicken tenders.
If you're looking for a spicier dipping sauce, try making a sriracha mayo. Here's how:
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise and sriracha sauce until well combined.
- Add a squeeze of lime juice and a pinch of salt to taste.
- Serve cold alongside the honey battered chicken tenders for a delicious kick of heat.
How to store and reheat leftover honey battered chicken tenders for maximum flavor and texture
Leftover chicken tenders can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat them, place them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 350F. This will make them crispy and tasty again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven at 350F for around 10 minutes. Be sure to store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container to keep them fresh for longer.
If you want to add some extra flavor to your leftover chicken tenders, try drizzling some honey or hot sauce over them before reheating. This will give them a sweet or spicy kick, depending on your preference. Another option is to chop up the chicken tenders and use them as a topping for a salad or pizza.
It's important to note that leftover chicken tenders should be reheated to an internal temperature of 165F to ensure they are safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before consuming. If the chicken tenders have been in the fridge for more than 3 days, it's best to discard them to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
The perfect sides to pair with your air fryer honey battered chicken tenders for a complete meal
Honey battered chicken tenders go perfectly with a side of roasted sweet potatoes and a crisp garden salad. Here's how to make roasted sweet potatoes:
- Preheat your oven to 400F.
- Peel and chop sweet potatoes into bite-sized chunks.
- Toss the sweet potatoes in olive oil, paprika, and salt.
- Spread the sweet potatoes evenly on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until the edges are crisp and golden brown.
For a healthier option, you can also pair your honey battered chicken tenders with a side of steamed broccoli. Broccoli is a great source of vitamins and minerals, and it complements the sweetness of the chicken tenders perfectly. Here's how to steam broccoli:
- Wash and chop the broccoli into bite-sized florets.
- Place the broccoli in a steamer basket over a pot of boiling water.
- Cover the pot with a lid and steam for 5-7 minutes until the broccoli is tender but still slightly crisp.
- Remove the broccoli from the steamer basket and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips for getting the most out of your air fryer when making honey battered chicken tenders
To get the most out of your air fryer when making honey battered chicken tenders, follow these tips:
- Preheat your air fryer - heating your air fryer before cooking helps to ensure that your chicken tenders cook evenly.
- Open the air fryer halfway through - when cooking, open the air fryer halfway through cooking the chicken tenders and flip them over. Spritz with oil to help them crisp up on both sides before returning them to the air fryer to finish cooking.
- Clean your air fryer - make sure to clean the air fryer after each use to prevent any leftover bits from sticking to the bottom and burning.
In conclusion, honey battered chicken tenders cooked in an air fryer are a delicious and healthy recipe that you can enjoy any time. With our step-by-step guide and tips, you can make these tenders perfectly every time and even experiment with a gluten-free version. Now that you have an array of creative and flavorful dipping sauces to choose from, there's no reason to settle for regular chicken tenders. So, fire up your air fryer and try this recipe today!
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