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Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Best Easy Recipe

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These crispy air fryer chicken tenders offer a shattering crunch and juicy interior without the guilt of deep frying. Paired with a homemade honey mustard sauce, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknights or late-night cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1–2 tablespoons water

Instructions

  1. Trim chicken breasts and cut into 1-inch wide, 3-4 inch long strips, keeping them uniform in size.
  2. Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  3. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  4. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg wash, and finally press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
  6. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding.
  7. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with oil.
  8. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil.
  9. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and coating is deep golden brown.
  10. While chicken cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and water to make the honey mustard sauce.
  11. Let chicken rest for 2 minutes before serving with the honey mustard sauce.

Notes

Do not skip the oil spray as panko needs fat to brown properly. Ensure chicken strips are uniform in size for even cooking. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the basket, which prevents steaming. For extra crunch, double dredge the chicken. Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken, honey mustard sauce, easy dinner, weeknight meals, healthy fried chicken, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://avabowls.com/crispy-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-best-easy-recipe/