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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders & Honey Mustard Dip

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders & Honey Mustard Dip

Crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders paired with a tangy-sweet homemade Honey Mustard Dip. This healthier alternative to fried chicken delivers golden crunchy tenders quickly and easily, perfect for snack time, family meals, or entertaining. The recipe is kid-friendly and versatile, offering options for gluten-free, vegan, or spicy variations while keeping cleanup minimal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders

  • 1 lb fresh or thawed chicken tenders
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Garlic powder, 1 tsp
  • Paprika, 1 tsp

Coating

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil spray

Honey Mustard Dip

  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Greek yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set up a dredging station by placing beaten eggs in one bowl and seasoned panko breadcrumbs in another.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender fully into the egg, then press into the breadcrumbs to cover all sides. For extra crispiness, repeat the egg and breadcrumb coating one more time on each piece.
  3. Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Place the coated tenders in a single layer in the basket, lightly spraying with olive oil to promote browning. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C).
  4. Whip Up the Honey Mustard Dip: While the chicken cooks, mix Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Chill until ready to serve.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. Serve immediately alongside the honey mustard dipping sauce for a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Notes

  • Patting the chicken dry ensures the coating sticks and crisps better.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even air circulation; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Lightly spraying the coated tenders with olive oil helps them turn golden and crunchy.
  • Double coating with egg and breadcrumbs creates a thicker, extra crunchy crust.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, honey mustard dip, crispy chicken, quick snack, healthy chicken recipe, kid friendly appetizer, gluten free chicken tenders