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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Easy Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

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These crispy air fryer chicken tenders are perfectly crunchy without the mess of deep frying, paired with a tangy and sweet homemade honey mustard sauce. A quick, satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh chicken tenders or chicken breast sliced into tender-sized strips
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
  • Honey Mustard Sauce:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise (can use dairy-free mayo)
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat 1 pound of chicken tenders dry with paper towels. If using chicken breasts, slice into 1 inch thick strips.
  2. Set up breading stations: place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs in a second bowl, and mix panko crumbs with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a third bowl.
  3. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into beaten eggs, letting excess drip off, and finally press into the seasoned panko mixture to coat well. Lay coated tenders on a plate or baking sheet.
  4. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes.
  5. Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray tops with oil.
  6. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 minutes. Flip tenders, spray the other side lightly with oil, and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While tenders cook, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste to make the honey mustard sauce.
  8. Transfer tenders to a serving plate and let rest for a minute. Serve warm with honey mustard sauce on the side.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before breading for better crispiness. Lightly spray oil on tenders before air frying to achieve golden crust. Do not overcrowd air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Check internal temperature to ensure doneness. Sauce can be made ahead and stored refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat leftovers in air fryer at 375°F for 4-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Nutrition

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

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