Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

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Hello, welcome to my beautiful world! My name is Emmy Graig. I am a food lover; I enjoy writing about my favorite recipes. 

Introduction

 

There’s something nostalgic about chicken tenders. Growing up, they were my comfort food of choice—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and always paired with my favorite dipping sauce. But as I got older, deep-fried chicken tenders didn’t exactly fit into my healthier lifestyle.

One day, while experimenting with my new air fryer, I had a lightbulb moment: why not recreate those childhood favorites, but in a way that’s lighter, crispier, and easier? I coated the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs, popped them into the air fryer, and within minutes, golden-brown tenders were ready. To elevate things, I whipped up a homemade honey mustard sauce that balanced sweet, tangy, and savory notes.

The result? Air fryer chicken tenders that were every bit as delicious as the ones I remembered—only better. They were crunchy, guilt-free, and paired perfectly with that luscious dipping sauce. Now, this dish has become a family favorite for quick dinners, game nights, and even meal prep.

 

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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe (2025)

Meaning 

 

Chicken tenders symbolize comfort food in its purest form—familiar, crispy, and universally loved. By using an air fryer, we give them a modern twist: a healthier version that doesn’t compromise on flavor or texture. The honey mustard sauce adds depth, turning a simple meal into something special.

This dish represents balance. It combines wholesome protein, the convenience of air frying, and a homemade dipping sauce that’s far better than anything store-bought. Whether you’re cooking for kids, entertaining guests, or just craving comfort food, air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce deliver joy on a plate.

Ingredients

 

For the Chicken Tenders:

 

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • ½ cup regular breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • Olive oil spray

For Honey Mustard Sauce:

 

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

How to Prepare

 

Making these chicken tenders is straightforward but results in restaurant-quality flavor.

 

  1. Prepare the breading station.
    • In one shallow bowl, add flour.
    • In a second, whisk eggs with water.
    • In a third, mix panko, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
  2. Coat the Chicken
    Dredge chicken strips in flour, dip into egg wash, then press into breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
  3. Preheat the air fryer.
    Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  4. Cook the Tenders
    Spray the basket lightly with olive oil. Place chicken strips in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Spray tops lightly with oil for extra crispiness. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  5. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
    In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Chill until ready to serve.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

 

  • Classic Style: Serve on a platter with a bowl of honey mustard sauce for dipping.
  • Meal Prep: Pair with roasted veggies or a side salad for a balanced lunch box.
  • Party Platter: Serve alongside other dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or buffalo for variety.
  • Family Dinner: Add a side of sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or mac and cheese.
  • Healthy Option: Wrap tenders in lettuce leaves or serve with quinoa and steamed broccoli.

Variations

 

  • Spicy Buffalo Tenders: Toss cooked chicken tenders in buffalo sauce for a fiery twist.
  • Parmesan-Crusted: Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for cheesy flavor.
  • Gluten-Free: Use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Herb Crusted: Mix dried basil, oregano, and parsley into the breadcrumb coating.
  • Asian-Inspired: Swap honey mustard for a soy-ginger dipping sauce.
  • Kid-Friendly: Skip cayenne pepper and serve with ketchup or ranch.

Instructions 

 

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
  2. Set up flour, egg wash, and breadcrumb mixture.
  3. Dredge chicken tenders in flour, egg, then breadcrumbs.
  4. Spray basket and tenders lightly with olive oil.
  5. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
  6. Mix honey mustard sauce ingredients in a bowl.
  7. Serve chicken hot with dipping sauce.

Notes

 

  • Always cook in batches—don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
  • Panko breadcrumbs yield the crunchiest tenders.
  • For even browning, flip halfway and spray lightly with oil.
  • Check doneness with a meat thermometer—165°F is perfect.
  • Sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to a week.

Storage

 

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags. Keeps for 2 months.
  • Reheating: For best crispiness, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which softens the breading.
  • Sauce Storage: Keep honey mustard sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Stir before serving.

Final Thoughts

 

Air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce prove that you don’t need deep frying to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken. The air fryer locks in flavor while giving that crave-worthy crunch, and the homemade honey mustard sauce ties everything together with its perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

This recipe is simple enough for weeknights, fun enough for parties, and wholesome enough for meal prep. It’s one of those dishes that satisfies everyone, from picky eaters to foodies. If you’ve been searching for a healthier way to enjoy your favorite comfort food, this recipe might just become a staple in your kitchen.

Next time you’re tempted by takeout chicken strips, grab your air fryer instead—you’ll be amazed at how easy and delicious homemade can be.

 FAQs

 

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?

Yes, just cut chicken breast into strips to mimic tenders.

2. Do I need to marinate the chicken first?

It’s optional, but you can marinate it in buttermilk for 1–2 hours for extra tenderness.

3. Can I use frozen chicken tenders?

Yes, thaw before breading and air frying for best results.

4. How do I keep chicken tenders crispy?

Don’t overcrowd the basket, and spray lightly with oil before cooking.

5. Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.

6. How do I make the tenders spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.

7. What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

Greek yogurt works well for a lighter option.

8. Are these chicken tenders kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Just omit the cayenne pepper for a milder taste.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches so the air fryer isn’t overcrowded.

10. What sides go best with chicken tenders?

French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully.

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