If you’re longing for a delicious, fuss-free dinner that gets everyone excited, let me introduce you to my absolute favorite Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. These chicken tenders are juicy and succulent on the inside, perfectly crisp and golden on the outside, and paired with a creamy, sweet-tangy honey mustard sauce that’s so good, you’ll want to dunk everything in it! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party platter, this recipe brings that irresistible combination of comfort and fun to your table, and I can guarantee it won’t leave you with leftovers for long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s truly wonderful about these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe is just how straightforward the ingredients are. Each component is carefully chosen for the flavor, crunch, or creaminess it brings—no weird additives, just pure, simple goodness that transforms into a show-stopping meal.
- Chicken Tenders (1½ lbs): Fresh chicken tenders give you tender, juicy strips that cook up so quickly in the air fryer.
- Buttermilk (1 cup): Marinating the chicken in buttermilk keeps it incredibly moist and adds a gentle tang.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Delivers a warm, savory depth to both the marinade and the finished tenders.
- Onion Powder (1 teaspoon): Balances the garlic and enhances overall flavor complexity.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Adds color and a subtle smokiness you’ll notice in every bite.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for seasoning—don’t skip it!
- Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Gives a gentle kick without overpowering the chicken.
- Panko Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to that outrageously crispy outer layer.
- Plain Breadcrumbs (½ cup): Fills in the texture gaps for a coat that sticks perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese (¼ cup): Boosts savoriness and gives a gorgeous golden crust.
- Olive Oil Spray: Helps the coating brown up extra crispy in the air fryer—don’t skimp!
- Mayonnaise (¼ cup, for sauce): Makes the honey mustard sauce rich and creamy.
- Dijon Mustard (2 tablespoons, for sauce): Brings sharpness and complexity to the dipping sauce.
- Yellow Mustard (1 tablespoon, for sauce): Adds familiar, tangy comfort flavor and that classic yellow color.
- Honey (2 tablespoons, for sauce): Sweetness that balances the sharpness of the mustards beautifully.
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon, for sauce): A splash of citrus ties all the honey mustard sauce flavors together.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together your chicken tenders, buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the chicken is well coated, then cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This soak tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with fantastic flavor, ensuring each bite is ultra juicy.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Mixture
While the chicken marinates, grab a shallow dish and combine the panko breadcrumbs, plain breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. This trio is what sets apart the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe—delivering a crisp, savory, and beautifully golden exterior that crunches with every bite.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Take each marinated chicken tender straight from the buttermilk bath and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure every inch is coated for maximum crunch. If you love that extra crispy bite, feel free to double-dip: plunge back into buttermilk and then breadcrumbs one more time!
Step 4: Preheat and Set Up the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray both the air fryer basket and the breaded chicken tenders with olive oil spray. This quick spritz is the secret to achieving that perfect golden, crispy coating—without any deep frying mess.
Step 5: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them (you may need to work in batches). Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is deeply golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F. The result: chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside and impossibly juicy inside!
Step 6: Make the Honey Mustard Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon and yellow mustard, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl until silky smooth and well combined. This luscious sauce is tangy, creamy, and a total flavor bomb that’ll make your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A little sprinkle goes a long way! Try topping your tenders with a dusting of fresh chopped parsley or chives for color and brightness. A crack of black pepper or a pinch of flaky salt right before serving really elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders are a natural match for creamy mashed potatoes, oven-roasted fries, or a crisp green salad. For a lighter side, go for steamed veggies or a tangy slaw that echoes the flavors of the honey mustard sauce. If you’re planning for a party spread, they’re perfect alongside crunchy crudité and extra dipping sauces!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the cooked tenders and pack them into wraps with lettuce and tomatoes, or pile them atop a hearty salad. Serving them on a platter with little cups of honey mustard sauce makes them ideal for game day or family gatherings. Kids and adults alike can’t resist grabbing one (or three).
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop any remaining cooked chicken tenders and sauce into airtight containers. The chicken stays good in the fridge for up to 3 days, while that dreamy honey mustard sauce keeps well for up to a full week—ideal for sandwiches and dipping veggies, too!
Freezing
Chicken tenders freeze beautifully! Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. The sauce doesn’t freeze well, but it’s so quick to whip up fresh, you won’t mind.
Reheating
To recapture that just-cooked crispiness, reheat cooked chicken tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–6 minutes. Skip the microwave, since it tends to make the coating soggy. Serve with fresh honey mustard sauce, and you’ll never guess they weren’t just made!
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about the size of tenders. The cooking process for this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe will be exactly the same—just keep an eye on thickness to ensure even cooking.
Do I need to flip the chicken tenders halfway through cooking?
Yes, for beautifully even browning, it’s worth flipping the chicken tenders once about halfway through air frying. This ensures each side gets wonderfully crisp and golden.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply swap out the panko and plain breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free versions. The results are just as crispy and delicious, and the rest of the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe is already naturally gluten-free.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
You bet! The sauce keeps perfectly in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Just give it a stir before serving—the flavors only get better as they meld.
What’s the best way to get the coating super crispy?
Don’t rush the breading process and make sure to press the chicken into the coating, so it adheres well. Spraying with olive oil right before air frying also gives you that extra-crunchy finish in the Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something irresistible about this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe—whether you’re serving them hot for a cozy weeknight meal or as the star of your next gathering, they always disappear fast. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with the flavor-packed crunch and signature dip. Happy cooking!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 52 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce are a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will love. The chicken tenders are coated in a crispy breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to perfection, then served with a tangy and sweet honey mustard sauce.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup plain breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- olive oil spray
Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken tenders with buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: Mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese in a shallow dish.
- Coat the Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and coat each tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray both the basket and tenders with olive oil. Air fry tenders in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, yellow mustard, honey, and lemon juice.
- Serve: Enjoy the crispy chicken tenders with the honey mustard sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double-coat the tenders by dipping back into buttermilk and breadcrumbs.
- Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 tenders with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
