Making crispy chicken tenders in the air fryer is easy and delicious. You only need a few simple ingredients, and the result is a golden, crunchy perfection that appeals to both kids and adults. It’s a classic dish that everyone loves.

To start, preheat your air fryer to 400°F. While it’s heating up, set up a breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and a mixture of breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat each chicken tender in flour, then eggs, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture.

Place the breaded tenders in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should turn a nice golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

While the chicken cooks, whip up a quick honey mustard sauce. Just mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the taste according to your liking.

Once the tenders are done, let them rest for a few minutes. Serve them with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping. The result is a simple and satisfying air fryer chicken tenders that brings joy to the table. Enjoy the crispy goodness of homemade chicken tenders without the fuss of deep frying, and savor the delightful combination of flavors with every bite.

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Experience crispy delight with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders—a quick, 32-minute recipe featuring golden tenders coated in flavorful breadcrumbs. Paired with a homemade honey mustard sauce, it's a crowd-pleaser suitable for all ages.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 12

Resting Time 5

Total Time 32

Course Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

Air Fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs

Ingredients

1.5 lbs chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs beaten
1.5 cups breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray

Honey Mustard Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Breading Station: In three separate bowls, place the flour in one, beaten eggs in another, and mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in the third.
Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they are not touching. Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
Cook in Batches: Depending on the size of your air fryer, cook the tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the tenders are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Make Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Rest and Serve: Once cooked, let the chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes. Serve the crispy tenders with the honey mustard sauce on the side.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Ensure the chicken tenders are spaced out in the air fryer basket for even cooking.
Customize the honey mustard sauce by adjusting the ratio of honey to mustard based on your preference.

Keyword Air Fryer, Chicken Tenders, Crispy, Honey Mustard

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders