Welcome to my Blog About Food featuring Simple Recipes and Easy Dinner Ideas that your whole family will love, from quick meals to delicious desserts.
Golden, crispy, and irresistibly juicy, these air fryer chicken tenders are a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Each bite offers a delightful crunch, revealing tender chicken seasoned to perfection. Paired with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something both delicious and wholesome. Among the myriad of chicken tender recipe ideas, this one stands out for its simplicity and flavor.
Growing up, chicken tenders were a staple in our household. My mother had a knack for turning simple ingredients into memorable meals. She’d marinate the chicken in buttermilk, coat it with seasoned breadcrumbs, and fry them to golden perfection. The aroma would fill the kitchen, drawing everyone to the table.
Years later, seeking a healthier alternative without compromising on taste, I experimented with the air fryer. The result? Crispy chicken tenders that rival the traditional fried version. Pairing them with a homemade honey mustard dipping sauce added that nostalgic touch, reminiscent of my mother’s cooking. This recipe not only brings back cherished memories but also introduces a modern twist to a classic favorite.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthier Alternative: Using the air fryer reduces oil consumption without sacrificing crispiness.
Versatile: Serve with salads, wraps, or your favorite sides.
Kid-Friendly: A hit among both children and adults.
Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or dipping sauce to suit your palate.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
For the Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce:
1/4 cup (60ml) Dijon mustard
1/4 cup (60ml) honey
1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for creaminess)
1 tsp lemon juice
Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a tangier sauce. For a gluten-free version, replace all-purpose flour with almond or coconut flour.
👩🍳 Air fryer chicken tenders Step-by-Step Instructions
Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken tenderloins in a bowl with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.
Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat for 5 minutes.
Arrange and Cook: Place breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Sauce: While chicken cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise (if using), and lemon juice in a bowl.
Serve: Once chicken is done, serve hot with the honey mustard dipping sauce on the side
Chef’s Tip: For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken: after the first flour coating, dip back into buttermilk and then again into the flour mixture.
🍽️ Chef’s Tips and Variations
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs like thyme or oregano into the breading for added flavor.
Alternative Dips: Try serving with barbecue sauce, ranch, or sriracha mayo.
Make It a Meal: Serve tenders over a salad or in a wrap with fresh veggies.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔁 Storage and Reheating Instructions
Refrigeration: Place cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A: Yes, slice chicken breasts into strips to mimic tenderloins.
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?
A: Mix 1 cup of almond milk with 1 tbsp of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 10 minutes.
Q: Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: How can I make the tenders extra crispy?
A: Ensure they’re not overcrowded in the air fryer and spray them lightly with oil before cooking.
Q: What sides pair well with these tenders?
A: Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
📋 Recipe Card
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Air fryer chicken tenders Ingredients:
1 lb (450g) chicken tenderloins
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray
1/4 cup (60ml) Dijon mustard
1/4 cup (60ml) honey
1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional)
1 tsp lemon juice
Air fryer chicken tenders Instructions:
Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
Mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Dredge chicken in the flour mixture.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place chicken in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray, and cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Mix Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and lemon juice for the dipping sauce.
Serve chicken tenders hot with the honey mustard sauce
