Print

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Easy Honey Mustard Recipe

crispy air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard - featured image
Print Recipe

These crispy air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard are quick, easy, and incredibly crunchy. Made with simple ingredients and a double-dip method, they deliver juicy chicken with a shatteringly crisp crust in about 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken breast tenders (or boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese panko preferred; use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • Olive oil spray (or avocado oil spray)
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard until smooth. In a second shallow bowl, combine the panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Working one piece at a time, dip a chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then press it into the panko mixture, turning to coat evenly. Place on a plate. Repeat with all the chicken.
  4. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Place the tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each. Spray the tops generously with oil.
  6. Air fry at 400°F for 6 minutes. Flip each tender carefully with tongs, spray the other side with oil, and cook for another 4-6 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Taste and adjust.
  8. Let the cooked tenders rest for 2 minutes on a wire rack. Serve immediately with the honey mustard sauce.

Notes

Don’t skip the mustard in the egg wash—it helps the breading adhere. Spray both sides of the tenders generously with oil for a golden crust. Let them rest on a wire rack to stay crispy. If baking instead, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, honey mustard, easy chicken recipe, weeknight dinner, game day appetizer

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