Description
These extra-crispy air fryer chicken tenders are a weeknight dinner savior, featuring a double-dredge technique for maximum crunch and a homemade honey mustard dip. Ready in under 20 minutes with minimal mess.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch strips)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (divided)
- ½ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (divided)
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
- 3 tablespoons whole grain Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Optional: Paprika or chili flakes for dip
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch thick strips and pat completely dry with paper towels.
- Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and half the salt/pepper; one with beaten eggs and a pinch of salt; and one with panko breadcrumbs seasoned with remaining salt and pepper.
- 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 ensure a thick, even coat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the tenders generously with oil.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through and spraying the other side with oil, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and optional spices to make the honey mustard dip.
- Let cooked tenders rest for 2-3 minutes before serving immediately with the dip.
Notes
Do not skip the double dredge (flour, egg, panko) as it ensures the breading sticks. Press the crumbs firmly onto the chicken. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this causes steaming instead of crisping. Let the tenders rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to keep them moist. For a gluten-free version, swap flour and panko for gluten-free alternatives. For a keto version, use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 tenders per servin
- Calories: 380
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 35
Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken, honey mustard dip, quick dinner, healthy fried chicken, weeknight meals, family friendly