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Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce Recipe

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Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders coated in a buttery breadcrumb crust and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This recipe yields juicy chicken strips cooked to perfection using an air fryer for a healthier alternative to frying.

  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

  • 2¼ pounds chicken tenders (about 12-14 tenders)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk
  • ¾ cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • ¾ cup plain breadcrumbs (not Italian seasoned)
  • Olive oil cooking spray

Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1½ tablespoons honey
  • 1½ tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and smoked paprika. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Prepare Egg Wash: In a medium bowl, whisk together the two large eggs, ¼ cup milk, and a pinch of salt and black pepper until well combined. This mixture will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
  3. Mix Breadcrumbs: On a large shallow plate, combine the panko and plain breadcrumbs evenly to create a crunchy coating blend.
  4. Coat Chicken with Breadcrumbs: Dip each chicken tender one at a time into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Transfer it onto the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to adhere the crumbs to one side, then flip to coat the other side thoroughly. Repeat with all tenders.
  5. Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat. Spray the basket lightly with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  6. Cook Chicken Tenders: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F for 7-10 minutes total, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), indicating they are fully cooked.
  7. Repeat Cooking: If cooking in batches, repeat the air frying process until all chicken tenders are done.
  8. Make Honey Mustard Sauce: While chicken cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and well blended.
  9. Serve: Plate the hot crispy chicken tenders alongside the honey mustard dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use a combination of panko and regular breadcrumbs as suggested.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
  • Adjust the seasoning on the honey mustard dipping sauce according to your taste preference.
  • Use a digital meat thermometer to verify chicken safety and juiciness.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispiness.
  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://avascooking.com/air-fryer-chicken-tenders-with-honey-mustard-dipping-sauce-recipe/