Description
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are golden and crunchy on the outside while juicy and tender inside. Served with a creamy honey mustard dip, they’re a healthier and faster alternative to deep frying, perfect for weeknight meals or snacks.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts cut into strips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (for dip)
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for dip)
- 1 tablespoon honey (for dip)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for dip)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs mixed with water, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
- While chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl to make the dip.
- Serve chicken tenders hot with honey mustard dip on the side.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, use panko breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the dip for a lighter version.
- Add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix for a spicy kick.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 2-3 tenders)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 105mg