Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are a complete delight! Juicy, tender chicken encased in a flavorful, crispy coating, all cooked in your air fryer with just a light spray of oil. They might sound too good to be true, but they’re sensationally delicious.

Serve with my recipe for Air Fryer Potatoes and Onion, Air Fryer Grilled Panzanella Salad, or Air Fryer Cajun Fries.

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are a quick and delicious meal. Tender chicken strips are coated in a crispy breading and cooked in the air fryer with minimal oil, making them healthier yet flavorful.

Paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, these chicken tenders are perfect for a satisfying snack or a main dish. The recipe is straightforward and ideal for busy weeknights, offering a crispy, guilt-free alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Ingredients Needed

Here are the simple ingredients, you will need:

• Chicken Tenders: The main ingredient, offering a tender and juicy bite when cooked.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy coating for the chicken tenders.
• Flour: Helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken, ensuring an even coating.
• Eggs: Acts as a binder to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

For Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce For Chicken Tenders:

• Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce.
• Mustard: Gives the sauce a tangy flavor that complements the honey.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce for a smooth texture.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the flavor of the sauce with a subtle garlic note.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a hint of acidity to balance the sweetness of the honey.

How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Prep Chicken Tenders: Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper.

Set Up Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs.

Air Fry Chicken Tenders: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil and arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer. Spray the tenders with a bit of oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Make Honey Mustard Sauce For Chicken Tenders: While the chicken cooks, mix together honey, mustard, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and lemon juice in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to taste.

Serve: Once the chicken tenders are done, serve them hot with the homemade honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy: Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe Tips

• Pat Dry the Chicken: Ensure the chicken tenders are completely dry before seasoning and breading to help the coating stick better.
• Uniform Coating: For an even and crispy coating, make sure each tender is thoroughly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer helps achieve a crispy exterior. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for the best results.
• Use Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the breaded chicken tenders with cooking oil before air frying to enhance crispiness. A quick spritz is usually enough.
• Check for Doneness: Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked.
• Customize the Honey Mustard Sauce For Chicken Tenders: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the honey mustard sauce by varying the amounts of honey and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the cooked chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the tenders moist.
• Serve with Sides: Pair the tenders with your favorite side dishes, like a fresh salad or roasted vegetables, for a complete meal.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe Faqs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. Just increase the cooking time slightly, and make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

How do I make the tenders extra crispy? To achieve extra crispiness, make sure the tenders are well-coated with breadcrumbs and lightly spray them with cooking oil before air frying.

What if I don’t have an air fryer? If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Can I use a different type of breading? Yes, you can use different types of breading such as panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even a gluten-free alternative for a different texture and flavor.

How can I store leftovers? Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them up.

Can I prepare the chicken tenders in advance? Yes, you can bread the chicken tenders ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before air frying.

How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller air fryer? If your air fryer has a smaller capacity, cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. This ensures even cooking and crispy results.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Garlic Paprika Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Chicken Fajita Burritos
• Air Fryer Peruvian Chicken Drumsticks

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