Transform your mealtime with these incredibly crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. This recipe offers a delightful and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken, delivering tenders that are perfectly golden and crunchy on the outside, yet wonderfully juicy and tender on the inside. Paired with our simple, tangy homemade honey mustard sauce, they’re an absolute game-changer for any occasion.
Whether you’re looking for an effortless weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing game day appetizer, or a quick and satisfying lunch, these air fryer chicken tenders hit all the right notes. They’re so versatile that any leftovers can be reimagined into exciting new meals. Consider whipping up a Southwest Crispy Chicken Wrap, a savory Chicken Bacon Ranch Wrap, or a zesty Buffalo Chicken Wrap for another easy dinner idea that leverages their delicious crunch.
Achieving Extra Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Every Time
If you’re a devoted air fryer enthusiast, you’re in for a treat with this recipe for perfectly crisp and healthy air fryer chicken tenders. The air fryer has revolutionized home cooking, offering a method to achieve deep-fried textures with significantly less oil, making it an ideal appliance for preparing healthier versions of beloved comfort foods. This recipe not only promises speed and convenience but also delivers a dish that is incredibly kid-friendly and nutritious.
From the initial preparation to serving, cooking these chicken tenders in the air fryer takes approximately 30 minutes, including the time dedicated to crafting our irresistible homemade Honey Mustard Sauce. The result is a batch of air fryer chicken tenders that are consistently crispy, remarkably juicy, and incredibly flavorful, making them the perfect centerpiece for a meal with a variety of side dishes. Forget the guilt associated with traditional fried chicken; with the air fryer, you can indulge in crispy goodness while embracing a healthier lifestyle.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Crafting the best air fryer chicken tenders begins with selecting quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that sought-after crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior.
- Chicken Tenders: Look for raw chicken tenderloins, often conveniently labeled as “chicken tenders” in most grocery stores. These naturally lean cuts are perfect for this recipe. Alternatively, you can easily create your own chicken strips by slicing boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch thick strips. This ensures even cooking and consistent texture, whether you’re using pre-packaged tenders or cutting your own.
- Buttermilk: This key ingredient is essential for marinating the chicken before breading. Buttermilk’s mild acidity works wonders in tenderizing the chicken, ensuring it remains incredibly juicy. It also acts as a fantastic binder, helping the breading adhere perfectly to the chicken, creating a crisp, uniform crust. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup and filling the rest with regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it slightly curdles.
- Breadcrumbs: The foundation of our crispy coating! You have excellent options here:
- Italian Breadcrumbs: These are pre-seasoned, offering a convenient burst of herbs and spices that perfectly complement the chicken.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Known for their larger, flakier texture, Panko breadcrumbs provide an even crunchier crust. If using Panko, you might want to add a bit more seasoning to the mix to ensure maximum flavor.
Using a blend of both can also create a unique texture profile.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory depth and a delightful crispy texture to the breading. Its salty, umami notes elevate the overall flavor profile, making these tenders truly irresistible. Ensure it’s finely grated to blend seamlessly into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Spices: Our carefully chosen blend of spices provides a balanced, aromatic flavor that permeates every bite. This recipe calls for garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Offer foundational savory notes.
- Paprika: Contributes a subtle sweetness and beautiful color to the crust.
- Dry Mustard: Adds a unique, slightly pungent kick that enhances the chicken’s natural flavor.
Feel free to adjust these seasonings to your preference, experimenting with a pinch of cayenne for heat or a dash of Italian seasoning for an herbal touch.
- Olive Oil: Just a few tablespoons drizzled over the breaded tenders before air frying are crucial. This minimal amount of oil ensures the breading browns beautifully and achieves that extra-crispy texture that defines these air fryer chicken tenders. It’s the secret to getting a golden crust without deep-frying.
Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce Ingredients
No chicken tender experience is complete without a stellar dipping sauce. Our homemade honey mustard is creamy, tangy, and perfectly balanced, making it an ideal accompaniment.
- Honey: Choose your favorite variety of honey. Its natural sweetness is key to balancing the mustard’s tang and mayonnaise’s richness.
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide a richer texture, but lite mayonnaise can also be used for a lighter option without compromising flavor significantly.
- Dijon Mustard: Crucial for that distinctive, sophisticated tang. Make sure to use Dijon mustard, as its sharper, more complex flavor is superior to standard yellow mustard in this recipe.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire sauce, adding a vibrant zing that cuts through the richness and enhances all the other flavors. It’s a small addition that makes a big difference.
- Garlic Powder: Provides a subtle garlic flavor without any textural chunks, ensuring the sauce remains perfectly smooth and creamy.
- Paprika: Just a tiny bit of paprika adds a beautiful hint of color and a touch of mild, sweet pepper flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crispy, juicy air fryer chicken tenders that your whole family will love:
- Prepare and Marinate the Chicken Tenders: Begin by patting your chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This helps the buttermilk adhere better. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders with the buttermilk. Use kitchen tongs to thoroughly turn and coat all sides of the chicken. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature. This step is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and ensuring a moist interior.
- Craft the Crispy Breading Mixture: While the chicken is marinating, prepare your breading. In a pie pan or a shallow baking dish, combine the breadcrumbs (Italian or Panko), grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk or mix these ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined. This ensures every piece of chicken gets a uniform coating of flavor.
- Coat the Chicken for Maximum Crunch: Using tongs, remove one chicken tender at a time from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Place the tender into the prepared breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breading onto all sides of the chicken, ensuring a generous and even coating. This firm press helps the breadcrumbs stick. Transfer each coated chicken tender to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat this process for all the remaining chicken tenders. Just before cooking, drizzle a small amount of olive oil evenly over the tops of the breaded tenders. This olive oil is essential for achieving that beautiful golden-brown color and ultimate crispiness in the air fryer.
- Air Fry to Golden Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to a high temperature, typically between 450-500 degrees Fahrenheit (232-260 degrees Celsius), for about 5 minutes. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch each other. Overcrowding the basket will lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results, so you may need to cook in batches. Cook the chicken tenders for 10 minutes. After the initial 10 minutes, use tongs to carefully flip each chicken tender to ensure even browning on both sides. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they reach a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius) as measured with a digital meat thermometer. This ensures they are safely cooked through and perfectly juicy.
- Whip Up the Honey Mustard Sauce: While your chicken tenders are air frying, prepare the delicious dipping sauce. In a small bowl, combine the honey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary – you might want a little more lemon for tang or honey for sweetness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken tenders are perfectly cooked and golden, remove them from the air fryer basket. Let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum juiciness. Serve the warm, extra crispy air fryer chicken tenders immediately with your freshly made honey mustard dipping sauce. Get ready to enjoy a fantastic, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal!
Delicious Dips for Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
While our homemade honey mustard sauce is phenomenal, the versatility of crispy chicken tenders means they pair well with a wide array of dipping sauces. Here are some fantastic alternatives to explore:
- BBQ Sauce: A classic choice, offering a smoky, sweet, and tangy contrast to the savory chicken. Perfect for those who love bold flavors.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy, herby, and wonderfully cool, ranch is a perennial favorite that complements the crispiness of the tenders beautifully.
- Southwest Ranch: A zesty twist on classic ranch, infused with a hint of spice and Southwest flavors for an extra kick.
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce: For those who crave heat, a fiery and tangy buffalo sauce provides an exhilarating flavor experience.
- Nashville Hot Sauce: Take your tenders to the next level with this intensely spicy and flavorful sauce, a nod to the iconic Nashville hot chicken.
Expert Tips and Creative Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Mastering air fryer chicken tenders is easy with a few key tips and a dash of creativity. Elevate your cooking and make this recipe truly your own:
- Ensure Optimal Breading Adhesion: Before marinating, always pat the chicken tenders thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture on the chicken’s surface can prevent the buttermilk and subsequent breading from sticking properly, leading to a less crispy result.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Air Fryer Basket: For truly even cooking and maximum crispiness, it is crucial that the chicken tenders are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket without touching. Air circulation is key to the air fryer’s effectiveness. If necessary, cook the chicken in multiple batches. You can also lightly spray the basket with cooking spray to prevent any sticking.
- Serve Immediately for Best Texture: These air fryer chicken tenders are at their peak crispiness and flavor when served fresh and warm. Have your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard or ranch, ready for immediate enjoyment right after they come out of the air fryer.
- Experiment with Spice Blends: Don’t hesitate to customize the flavor profile of your chicken tenders. Consider adding different spices to the breading mixture for a unique taste experience. Suggestions include:
- Cumin: For an earthy, smoky note.
- Chili Powder: To introduce a mild, savory heat.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of classic herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme for an aromatic, Mediterranean touch.
- Cajun or Creole Seasoning: For a bold, spicy, and complex Southern-inspired flavor.
- Lemon Pepper: For a bright, zesty kick that pairs wonderfully with chicken.
You can also get creative with your dipping sauces beyond the usual. Try sriracha mayo for a spicy and creamy dip, a sweet and sour sauce, or even a homemade avocado ranch for a fresh twist.
- Allow Chicken to Rest: After cooking, always let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes (3-5 minutes) before cutting into them or serving. This short resting period allows the internal juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender and juicy.
- Uniform Thickness: If you’re slicing chicken breasts into strips, aim for uniform thickness. This ensures all pieces cook evenly and are done at the same time, preventing some from being overcooked while others are still raw.
- Preheating is Essential: Always preheat your air fryer. Just like an oven, a preheated air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately at the right temperature, leading to a crispier exterior and a shorter overall cooking time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
The cooking time for raw chicken tenders in an air fryer can vary but generally ranges between 15-20 minutes when the air fryer is preheated to between 450-500 degrees F (232-260 degrees C). Several factors influence this timeframe: the quantity of chicken you’re cooking at once (avoid overcrowding!), the thickness of the chicken pieces, and the specific model and efficiency of your air fryer. To ensure safety and perfect doneness, always use a digital meat thermometer. Your air fryer chicken tenders are fully cooked and safe to eat once the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) in the thickest part of the meat.
Absolutely! Reheating chicken tenders in the air fryer is arguably the best method to restore their original crispiness. Unlike a microwave, which can make them soggy, the air fryer circulates hot air, reviving that delightful crunch. Simply place your leftover chicken tenders in a preheated air fryer at 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C) for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’ll come out wonderfully crispy, almost as good as fresh!
Yes, you certainly can! While the air fryer is fantastic for convenience and crispiness, you can achieve delicious results in a conventional oven. Instead of using air fryer baskets, transfer your breaded chicken tenders to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper (for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking). Bake them in a preheated 500-degree F (260 degrees C) oven for approximately 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Keep an eye on them to ensure they turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). The high heat mimics the air fryer’s effect, promoting a crispy crust.
Yes, both uncooked and cooked air fryer chicken tenders can be frozen. For uncooked tenders, bread them as directed, then arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Cook from frozen in the air fryer, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time. For cooked tenders, let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer before transferring to an airtight container. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer until heated through and crispy.
Storing and Reheating Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Refrigerator: To maintain freshness, store any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Ensure they are completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation.
- How to Reheat Chicken Tenders:
- Air Fryer (Recommended): For the best results, reheat chicken tenders in a preheated air fryer at 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until thoroughly heated and crispy again. This method best preserves their original texture.
- Oven: You can also reheat them on a baking sheet in a preheated 350-degree F (175 degrees C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Microwave: While convenient, reheating in a microwave is not recommended as it can make the tenders soft and less crispy. If you must use a microwave, heat in short bursts until warmed through.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
These extra crispy air fryer chicken tenders are super simple to make and a healthy alternative to regular fried chicken. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, and taste amazing with our homemade honey mustard sauce.
Author: The Carefree Kitchen
Prep Time: 15 mins | Cook Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 30 mins
Yields: 6 people
Ingredients
Chicken & Marinade
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
Breading
- 1 cup Italian bread crumbs (or Panko for extra crunch)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Honey Mustard Sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 450-500 degrees F (232-260 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Use kitchen tongs to ensure all sides of the chicken are coated, then let sit for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Meanwhile, in a pie pan or shallow baking dish, add the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dry mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Using tongs, remove chicken tenders one at a time from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Place each tender into the breadcrumb mixture and coat thoroughly on all sides, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres.
- Transfer the coated chicken tenders to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top of each breaded tender.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. Ensure there is space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation; you may need to cook in multiple batches.
- Cook in the preheated air fryer for 10 minutes. Use tongs to flip the chicken tenders, then continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and an internal temperature of 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) is reached.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey mustard sauce. In a bowl, combine the honey, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with the homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. Enjoy your delicious, crispy air fryer chicken tenders!
Notes
- Storing Leftovers: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-5 days.
- Reheating: For best results, reheat in a preheated air fryer at 350-375 degrees F (175-190 degrees C) for about 5-7 minutes, or in a 350-degree F (175 degrees C) oven for 10-15 minutes, until crispy and heated through.
Nutrition (estimated per serving)
- Calories: 438kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Cholesterol: 83mg
- Sodium: 937mg
- Potassium: 565mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 15g
- Vitamin A: 314IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 196mg
- Iron: 2mg
Disclaimer: Nutritional values were calculated using a third-party tool and are provided as an estimation only.
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More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes and Family-Friendly Meal Ideas
Once you fall in love with these air fryer chicken tenders, you’ll be eager to explore more amazing air fryer recipes. The air fryer is a versatile kitchen appliance that can handle a wide variety of ingredients, from vegetables to meats, making healthy and delicious cooking incredibly simple. Here are some more fantastic ideas to try that can complement your chicken tenders or serve as standalone meals:
- Air Fryer Squash: A healthy and flavorful side dish, perfect for adding vegetables to your meal.
- Air Fryer Red Potatoes: Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, these are a wonderful alternative to traditional fries.
- How to Make Air Fryer Baked Potatoes: Achieve perfectly tender baked potatoes with crispy skins in a fraction of the time.
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Asparagus: An elegant and quick side dish or appetizer that’s always a hit.
- Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes: A naturally sweet and nutritious side that’s simple to prepare and packed with flavor.
- Garlic Parmesan Wings: If you love crispy chicken, these wings are another must-try air fryer recipe!
- More Best Chicken Recipes: Explore a broader collection of chicken dishes suitable for any occasion.
- More Easy Appetizers: Discover quick and simple starters that are perfect for entertaining or snacking.
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the epitome of convenience, health, and flavor. Delivering a delightful crunch and tender interior, they are super simple to make and a guaranteed family favorite. Serve them with our delectable homemade Honey Mustard Sauce for a complete, satisfying, and kid-friendly meal that everyone will rave about. Enjoy the ease and deliciousness of air fryer cooking!