If you’re craving crispy, golden chicken tenders with that perfect crunch—without the guilt of deep frying—you’re going to love these air fryer chicken tenders honey mustard! They’re my go-to weeknight dinner when I want something fast, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent. The air fryer works magic here, giving you that irresistible texture with way less oil. And that sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce? It’s so simple (just three ingredients!) but it takes these tenders to another level. Trust me, once you try this combo, you’ll be hooked—it’s kid-approved, crowd-pleasing, and ready in about 20 minutes flat.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Honey Mustard
Gathering the right ingredients is key to getting those perfect crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside chicken tenders. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I swear by panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for that first crispy layer)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (your glue for the breading)
- 1 tsp salt (don’t skimp – it brings out all the flavors)
- 1 tsp black pepper (freshly ground if you’ve got it)
- 1 tsp paprika (for that beautiful golden color)
- 1/4 cup honey (the star of our sauce)
- 1/4 cup mustard (yellow works great, but Dijon adds nice zing)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (this makes the sauce extra creamy)
That’s it! Simple pantry staples that transform into something magical in the air fryer.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Honey Mustard
Okay, let’s turn these simple ingredients into golden, crispy magic! The process is foolproof if you follow these steps – I’ve made this so many times I could do it with my eyes closed (though I don’t recommend trying that with raw chicken).
Preparing the Chicken Coating
First things first – set up your breading station! In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, beat those eggs until they’re nice and smooth. Then pour your breadcrumbs into a third bowl – I like to use a plate sometimes because it’s easier to roll the chicken. Now take each tender on a little journey: dip it in flour (shake off excess), then the egg wash (let the excess drip off), and finally coat it thoroughly in breadcrumbs. Pro tip: use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to avoid “club fingers” (you’ll thank me later).
Cooking in the Air Fryer
Preheat that air fryer to 375°F – this is crucial for getting that perfect crisp! While it heats, arrange your coated tenders in the basket in a single layer. No stacking! They need their personal space to get crispy all over. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip each one carefully (I use tongs to avoid burning my fingers). Cook another 5 minutes until they’re gorgeously golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. If your tenders are thicker, they might need an extra minute or two – just keep an eye on them!
Making the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whip up the easiest sauce ever. In a small bowl, mix together the honey, mustard, and mayo until smooth. Taste and adjust – want it sweeter? Add more honey. More tang? Extra mustard. Too thick? A splash of water or lemon juice loosens it right up. This sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything – no judgment if you eat some with a spoon while you wait for the chicken!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Oh my goodness, these tenders are absolute game-changers! Here’s why they’ve become a staple in my kitchen:
- That perfect crunch: The air fryer gives you that deep-fried crispiness without all the oil – every bite is pure golden deliciousness.
- 20-minute magic: From fridge to table in less time than it takes to order takeout – perfect for those “I’m starving NOW” moments.
- Kid-approved winner: Picky eaters devour these! The honey mustard sauce makes veggies disappear too (dip carrots in it – trust me).
- Healthier hack: You get all the flavor with way less guilt – about half the calories of traditional fried tenders.
- Meal prep superstar: They reheat beautifully for lunches – if any actually make it to the fridge!
Seriously, once you try this method, you’ll never go back to soggy oven-baked tenders again.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Honey Mustard
After making these tenders more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some foolproof tricks for the crispiest results every time:
- Dry chicken = better crunch: Always pat your tenders dry with paper towels before breading – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
- Give them space: Overcrowding the basket leads to steaming instead of crisping. Cook in batches if needed – it’s worth the wait.
- Parchment is your friend: A liner with holes prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze (though I sometimes skip it for maximum crisp).
- Shake it up: Give the basket a gentle shake halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides.
- Fresh breadcrumbs: If your panko feels stale, toast it in a dry pan for 2 minutes first – it makes a huge difference!
Follow these simple tips, and you’ll get restaurant-quality tenders right at home – no deep fryer required!
Ingredient Substitutions and Notes
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this recipe is super flexible! Here are my favorite swaps and tips:
- No panko? Regular breadcrumbs work, or crush up cornflakes for extra crunch!
- Gluten-free friends? Use GF flour and breadcrumbs – the texture comes out just as crispy.
- Dijon mustard adds fancy flair to the sauce, but yellow mustard keeps it classic.
- That mayo in the sauce? It adds creaminess but can be skipped if you’re not a fan.
- Out of honey? Maple syrup makes a delicious sweet alternative in the sauce.
The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adapts to what you’ve got on hand – just keep that chicken crispy!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, the possibilities with these crispy tenders! My favorite way? Piled high on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce and extra honey mustard – instant gourmet sandwich. They’re magical with:
- Air fryer fries (obviously!) for that perfect diner-style meal
- A bright kale salad when I’m pretending to be healthy
- Sweet potato waffle fries – the sweet-salty combo is everything
And don’t stop at honey mustard – ranch, BBQ sauce, or even sriracha mayo make fantastic dipping partners. Get creative!
Storage and Reheating
Here’s the best part – these chicken tenders actually stay crispy when you reheat them! Just pop any leftovers (if you’re lucky enough to have any) in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep for about 3 days, though in my house they rarely last that long. When you’re ready for round two, toss them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes. No soggy microwave chicken here – they come out almost as crispy as when they were first made. Pro tip: spritz them lightly with oil before reheating for extra crunch!
FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Honey Mustard
I get asked these questions all the time – here are my quick answers from years of crispy chicken experiments!
Can I use chicken breasts instead? Absolutely! Just slice them into strips about 1-inch thick so they cook evenly. Sometimes I actually prefer breasts because they’re easier to find on sale.
What other sauces work well? Oh honey, the options are endless! Sriracha mayo is my spicy go-to, BBQ sauce never fails, and ranch is always a crowd-pleaser. Mix it up!
Can I freeze these? Yes! Freeze them before cooking – just bread them, lay on a baking sheet to freeze solid, then transfer to bags. Cook straight from frozen (add 2-3 extra minutes).
Why isn’t my breading sticking? Make sure to pat the chicken dry first, and don’t rush the coating steps – flour → egg → crumbs, in that exact order. No shortcuts!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the scoop on what you’re eating (because let’s be honest – we all pretend to care about nutrition right before dunking another tender in sauce):
Per serving (about 3 tenders with sauce): roughly 320 calories, 24g protein, and way less guilt than drive-thru versions. But listen – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients (like if you go wild with extra honey or use turkey instead). My advice? Enjoy every crispy bite and don’t stress the small stuff!
Try this recipe and share your results in the comments – I want to hear about your crispy chicken adventures!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Honey Mustard in 20 Minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Crispy air fryer chicken tenders with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a bowl.
- Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
- Coat chicken tenders in flour, then dip in eggs, and roll in breadcrumbs.
- Place tenders in the air fryer basket and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Mix honey, mustard, and mayonnaise to make the sauce.
- Serve chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.
- Check internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F.
- Adjust honey mustard ratio to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American