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.
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.