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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Easy Honey Mustard Recipe

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These crispy air fryer chicken tenders with homemade honey mustard are quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients. The secret to the shatteringly crunchy coating is toasting the panko before breading, resulting in a healthier, guilt-free version of a classic favorite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts), cut into 1-inch thick strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray
  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prep the chicken: Slice chicken breasts against the grain into strips about 1-inch thick and 3-4 inches long. Pat completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Set up breading station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, combine panko and Parmesan cheese.
  3. Toast the panko: Spread panko mixture on a baking sheet and toast at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool.
  4. Coat the chicken: Dredge each strip in flour, shaking off excess. Dip in egg, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into panko mixture to coat completely. Place on a wire rack.
  5. Let rest: Allow breaded tenders to rest on the wire rack for 5-10 minutes to help coating adhere.
  6. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  7. Air fry: Lightly spray air fryer basket with oil. Place tenders in a single layer without touching. Spray tops generously with oil. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes, flip, spray other side, and cook for another 4-6 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F and coating is golden and crispy.
  8. Make honey mustard: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust to taste.
  9. Rest and serve: Let tenders rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve immediately with honey mustard sauce.

Notes

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Toasting the panko is the secret to extra crunch. For gluten-free, use gluten-free flour and panko. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.

Nutrition

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

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