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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Easy Homemade Recipe with Honey Mustard Sauce

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This recipe delivers golden, crispy chicken tenders with a tender inside, paired perfectly with a sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten, room temperature
  • 1 cup (100 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray or a light drizzle of olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise (use vegan mayo if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan twist)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Set aside.
  2. Set up the breading stations: In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Working one piece at a time, dredge each tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the beaten eggs, and press into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. For extra crunch, repeat the egg and breadcrumb step once more.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  5. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the basket—avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  6. While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  7. Transfer chicken tenders to a plate and serve hot alongside the honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Notes

Dry the chicken tenders well before breading to ensure the coating sticks. Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker, crunchier crust. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. The honey mustard sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

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