If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that’s crispy, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights, you’re going to love these Air Fried Chicken Tenders! Made in the air fryer for a healthier twist, these Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders combine the crunch of panko breadcrumbs with the bold, tangy-sweet taste of honey mustard. Whether you call them Air Fryer Chicken Strips, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Panko, or simply Easy Chicken Tenders, they’re a family favorite that’s easy to make and hard to resist.
These Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken tenders are coated in a homemade honey Dijon glaze and breaded to golden perfection. Think of them as a cross between classic Air Fryer Fried Chicken and a Honey Mustard Chicken Breast, but bite-sized and way more fun to eat! If you’re a fan of Chicken Dishes Recipes like Dijon Mustard Chicken Air Fryer or Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders, you’ll love how this recipe comes together in no time.
Whether you’re whipping up Glazed Chicken Breast for a fancy dinner or craving Homemade Chicken Tenders for a cozy meal, these tenders check all the boxes. Made with simple ingredients like panko breadcrumbs, Dijon mustard, and honey, they deliver big on flavor with minimal effort. Plus, if you’re looking for a Mustard Sauce For Chicken, this honey mustard glaze doubles as the perfect dipping sauce.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken Wings recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
From Panko Chicken Tenders Air Fryer to Breaded Honey Mustard Chicken, this Easy Air Fryer Chicken recipe will quickly become a staple in your weekly meal plan. So grab your air fryer, and let’s make these delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Recipes that your whole family will love!
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Strips
- Healthier Alternative: You get the crunch of fried chicken without all the oil.
- Kid-Friendly: My little ones devour these Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders—no complaints at dinner!
- Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey (sweet and sticky goodness!)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (for that tangy kick!)
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise (optional but adds creaminess).
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breast strips).
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch; think Panko Chicken Tenders Air Fryer level crisp!).
- ½ tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better).
- ½ tsp paprika (adds a nice smoky flavor).
- ½ tsp salt (season as you like).
- ¼ tsp black pepper (a pinch goes a long way).
- 1 large egg, beaten (helps the coating stick).
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze
Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise in a small bowl. Set aside half of it for dipping later. This glaze is the secret to the perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders.
2. Prep Your Chicken
Coat the Chicken Tenders Panko with the honey mustard glaze. Let them marinate for 10 minutes while you get the breading ready. This step makes your chicken extra flavorful—trust me, it’s worth it!
3. Make the Crispy Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This is the magic coating that turns plain chicken into crispy Breaded Honey Mustard Chicken!
4. Bread the Tenders
Dip each tender into the beaten egg, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure every piece is evenly coated for that perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Panko crunch.
5. Air Fry to Perfection
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Lay the tenders in a single layer—don’t overcrowd, or they won’t cook evenly.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Check with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions
These Breaded Chicken Tenders Air Fryer are super versatile! Pair them with:
- A fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Sweet potato fries or roasted veggies for a healthier side.
- Mashed potatoes or mac and cheese if you’re feeling indulgent.
Tips for Success
- Keep It Crunchy: Don’t skip the panko breadcrumbs—they’re key for that crispy texture in your Panko Chicken Tenders Air Fryer.
- Marinate Longer: If you have time, let the chicken sit in the honey mustard glaze for 30 minutes for even more flavor.
- Batch Cook: Cooking for a crowd? You can double the recipe and keep batches warm in the oven.
Why I Love This Easy Chicken Recipe
As a mom, I need recipes that are simple, quick, and foolproof. These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders check all the boxes. They’ve become a go-to in my house—my kids love dipping them in extra sauce, and I love that they’re not swimming in oil. Whether it’s for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, these Chicken Dishes Recipes always hit the spot.
FAQs About Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! If you only have chicken breast, slice it into strips to make your own Chicken Tenders Panko. This works perfectly for creating juicy, homemade Air Fryer Chicken Strips.
How do I make the coating stick better?
The secret to perfect Breaded Chicken Tenders Air Fryer is to pat the chicken dry before coating it in honey mustard glaze. Then dip it into beaten egg and press it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture.
Can I skip the panko breadcrumbs?
You can, but panko adds that irresistible crunch to your Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders. For a gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Marinate the chicken in the honey mustard glaze up to a day in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also pre-coat the tenders and refrigerate them, then air fry when ready to serve for fresh Air Fryer Honey Chicken Tenders.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftover Air Fryer Fried Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Recipe Card: Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Glaze:
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise optional
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg beaten
Instructions
Prepare the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix honey, Dijon mustard, and mayonnaise. Reserve half for dipping.
Marinate the Chicken:
- Coat chicken tenders with the honey mustard glaze and let them marinate for 10 minutes.
Prepare the Breading:
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bread the Chicken:
- Dip each tender into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cook in the Air Fryer:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
Serve:
- Serve warm with the reserved honey mustard glaze or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking oil before air frying.
- Pair with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or roasted veggies for a complete meal.
These Air Fried Chicken Tenders are more than just a meal—they’re a quick, delicious solution for busy evenings or special family nights. Whether you call them Air Fryer Chicken Strips or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Panko, they deliver a perfect combination of crunch and flavor that will keep everyone coming back for more. The tangy-sweet touch of Homemade Honey Mustard makes these Breaded Honey Mustard Chicken tenders irresistible, turning a simple dish into a favorite for both kids and adults alike.
From classic Honey Mustard Chicken Recipes to creative twists like Dijon Mustard Chicken Air Fryer, this recipe is a winner among Chicken Dishes Recipes. Whether you’re enjoying these as an appetizer, pairing them with sides for a complete meal, or preparing a comforting Weeknight Dinner, the versatility of these Panko Chicken Tenders shines through.
So, grab your air fryer and try this Easy Chicken Recipe today! With golden Glazed Chicken Breast flavor and the crispy goodness of Air Fryer Fried Chicken, you’ll be making these Easy Air Fryer Chicken tenders over and over. Don’t forget to save some extra Mustard Sauce for Chicken to dip these delightful Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders in—it’s truly the cherry on top!
Let these Breaded Chicken Tenders Air Fryer become your go-to for delicious, effortless meals that feel like a hug in every bite.