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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe with Easy Honey Mustard Sauce

crispy air fryer chicken tenders - featured image
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A quick and easy recipe for crispy, juicy chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer, served with a tangy and sweet honey mustard sauce. Perfect for family dinners, snacks, or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 cup (90g) panko breadcrumbs (Japanese brand recommended)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
  • ¼ cup (60ml) mayonnaise (use light mayo if preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the breading stations: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each piece first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the egg wash, and finally coat evenly with panko breadcrumbs. Set each coated tender on a plate.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  4. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. Arrange the tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray.
  5. Cook for 6-7 minutes, flip carefully with tongs, spray again, and cook for another 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  6. While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
  7. Once cooked, transfer chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Serve hot with the honey mustard sauce on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before breading for best crispiness. Use cooking spray to help brown and crisp the tenders. Flip halfway through cooking for even crispiness. Panko breadcrumbs are key for a flaky, light crunch. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. For extra crispiness, add 2-3 minutes more cooking time but watch closely to avoid drying out. Variations include gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, adding cayenne for spice, or swapping honey mustard sauce for other dips.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, honey mustard sauce, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken tenders, family dinner, snack recipe

Find it online: https://evabakery.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe-with-easy-honey-mustard-sauce/