Toss chicken tenders in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Ensure each tender is well coated with the seasoning mixture to infuse them with flavor before cooking.
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 3–5 minutes. Preheating is essential as it helps achieve that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Place seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding them. Cook for 10–12 minutes while flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter then add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice; let it simmer for about 1–2 minutes before removing from heat.
Once cooked, toss hot chicken tenders in a bowl with the warm honey garlic butter sauce until they are fully coated in that delightful glaze ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Garnish your beautifully glazed chicken tenders with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while they're hot! If you have extra sauce left over, it's fantastic drizzled over rice or vegetables as well!