Master the art of perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful, and unbelievably easy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with our ultimate recipe! Say goodbye to greasy deep-fried options and hello to a healthier, fuss-free meal. Paired with our simple, 4-ingredient homemade honey-mustard dipping sauce, this dish is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults alike. Experience the ideal blend of crunchy exterior and juicy interior, all made effortlessly in your air fryer.

New to the world of air frying or looking to maximize your appliance’s potential? Unlock its full capabilities and learn all the essential tips and tricks by checking out our comprehensive Air Fryer Guide! It’s your go-to resource for mastering this revolutionary cooking method.

Ultimate Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: The Crispiest, Easiest Family Meal

Prepare to be absolutely amazed! If you’ve ever questioned whether an air fryer truly deserves a prime spot in your kitchen, this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe will undoubtedly make you a believer. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an introduction to a healthier, more efficient way of cooking your favorite comfort foods. Imagine perfectly cooked, succulent chicken tenderloins encased in a golden, gloriously crunchy coating, ready in a fraction of the time it takes to deep-fry or even bake. These tenders come together with minimal effort, cook ridiculously fast, and burst with incredible texture and savory flavor, making them an instant family favorite.

Why Air Frying is Your Go-To for Chicken Tenders

The air fryer is a true marvel when it comes to transforming chicken tenders into culinary perfection. Unlike traditional deep-frying, which requires submerging food in a vat of hot oil, air frying utilizes rapid air circulation to achieve that coveted crispy exterior with significantly less oil. This method results in a noticeably lighter and healthier version of your beloved comfort food, without compromising an ounce of its delicious taste or satisfying texture. You get all the crunch and flavor you crave, with less fat, less mess, and faster cleanup. It’s the ideal cooking solution for busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that appeals to everyone at the table.

But what if you don’t own an air fryer yet? Don’t let that deter you! While the air fryer delivers unparalleled crispiness and speed, you can absolutely still enjoy these mouthwatering chicken tenders by baking them in a conventional oven. They will be slightly less crispy and require a bit more cooking time, but we are confident you will still be thrilled with the flavorful, tender outcome. We’ve included instructions for both methods so everyone can enjoy this fantastic recipe.

Essential Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crafting the perfect air fryer chicken tender starts with selecting the right ingredients for both the succulent chicken and its irresistible coating. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component plays a vital role in achieving maximum flavor and texture:

For the Rich and Flavorful Batter:

• Egg and Mayonnaise: This foundational combination provides the essential liquid base for our batter. The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the coating adhere, while mayonnaise adds a wonderful richness, moisture, and a subtle tang that contributes to the chicken’s tender texture during cooking. Using a good quality, full-fat mayonnaise is key for the best flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: A tablespoon of Dijon mustard elevates the flavor profile with its distinctive sharp, tangy, and slightly spicy notes, adding complexity that a plain batter might lack. If Dijon isn’t readily available, classic yellow mustard can be used as a convenient substitute, offering a more familiar and equally delicious base.
• All-Purpose Flour: Incorporated directly into the wet batter, the flour serves as a crucial thickening agent. It creates a robust, uniform layer that clings firmly to the chicken, ensuring the subsequent breading has a solid foundation to stick to.
• Signature Spices (Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Onion Powder, Black Pepper): This meticulously chosen blend of savory and aromatic spices is mixed directly into the batter. This method guarantees that every single bite of chicken is infused with deep, consistent flavor, rather than just relying on the outer breading for seasoning. The paprika also contributes a beautiful color to the final product.

For the Ultimate Golden-Crisp Breading:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: This is the absolute secret weapon for achieving truly exceptional crispy chicken tenders! Panko breadcrumbs are superior to regular breadcrumbs due to their larger, lighter, and flakier texture. They absorb less oil and become much crispier and airier when cooked, delivering that satisfying crunch you desire. Discover why panko is a game-changer here. Don’t let leftover panko go to waste; it’s incredibly versatile and fantastic in recipes like our hearty Turkey Meatloaf, indulgent Chicken Parm Stuffed Shells, or creamy Cream Cheese Chicken Tortellini Bake.
• Yellow Cornmeal: Beyond adding a subtle, pleasant nutty flavor, yellow cornmeal contributes significantly to the breading’s texture. Its fine, gritty consistency ensures an extra layer of desirable crunch and helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color. We specifically recommend Alber’s® Yellow Cornmeal for its consistent quality and texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental ingredient in the dry breading mixture, flour works synergistically with the panko and cornmeal. It helps to evenly distribute and bind the other dry ingredients, creating a cohesive and thick coating that adheres perfectly to the chicken.
• Cooking Spray: While not an ingredient in the coating itself, a generous mist of cooking spray (preferably an oil with a high smoke point like avocado or grapeseed) over the breaded tenders is absolutely crucial. It activates the crisping process and encourages that beautiful golden-brown finish in the air fryer.

For the Irresistible Homemade Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce:

• This effortless, four-ingredient dipping sauce is the perfect accompaniment to your crispy tenders. It features a creamy base of full-fat mayonnaise, the classic tang of yellow mustard (opt for traditional yellow over Dijon here for the authentic honey-mustard flavor), the natural sweetness of honey for balance, and a touch of honey BBQ sauce to introduce a delightful layer of smoky-sweet complexity. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting to your personal preference.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes, making them a fantastic choice for any meal occasion, from a quick weeknight dinner to a fun party appetizer. Here are some delightful suggestions to complete your plate:

• Crispy French Fries: A timeless and universally loved pairing! For ultimate convenience and flavor, consider air frying your fries before the chicken, then giving them a quick re-fry for 1-3 minutes just before serving to warm them up and restore their crispness. Alternatively, elevate your meal with gourmet frozen options like Alexia’s® sea salt sweet potato fries for a touch of sophistication.
• Healthy Air-Fried Vegetables: Enhance the nutritious aspect of your meal by adding some delicious air-fried vegetables. Options such as tender-crisp Roasted Broccoli or vibrant Roasted Asparagus become incredibly flavorful and retain a delightful texture when cooked in the air fryer, complementing the chicken beautifully.
• Fresh and Vibrant Salads: For a lighter, refreshing contrast to the rich chicken, pair your tenders with a crisp, cool salad. Try a cooling Cucumber Salad, a zesty and healthy Italian Salad, or a classic Olive Garden-style Salad. The fresh greens and tangy dressings offer a wonderful counterpoint to the savory chicken.
• Creamy Macaroni and Cheese: For the ultimate indulgent comfort food experience, a bowl of rich, creamy macaroni and cheese is always a guaranteed hit with crispy chicken tenders, creating a meal that feels like a warm hug.
• Tangy Coleslaw: A crisp, cool, and slightly tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch and a perfect acidic balance that cuts through the richness of the savory chicken.
• Sweet Corn on the Cob: Sweet and juicy corn, whether boiled, grilled, or even air-fried, makes a fantastic seasonal or year-round addition, bringing a burst of natural sweetness to your plate.

Tips for Achieving the Crispiest Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Every Time

To ensure your air fryer chicken tenders come out perfectly golden and irresistibly crispy, follow these expert tips:

• Avoid Overcrowding the Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip. Always arrange the tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, ensuring there’s ample space between each piece for hot air to circulate freely. If you overcrowd the basket, the chicken will steam rather than crisp, resulting in a soggy coating. Cook in batches if necessary – patience will be rewarded!
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Just as you would with a conventional oven, preheating your air fryer is essential. A preheated air fryer ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately at the desired temperature, promoting a consistent cook and a beautifully crispy crust right from the start. Give it about 3-5 minutes to preheat before adding the chicken.
• Generous Cooking Spray Application: As previously mentioned, a liberal coating of cooking spray on both sides of your breaded chicken is key for that enviable golden, crunchy crust. Use an oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or canola oil, to prevent burning and ensure even crisping.
• Flip Halfway Through Cooking: To ensure both sides of your chicken tenders brown evenly and develop that irresistible crunch, make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time. This exposes all surfaces to the circulating hot air, guaranteeing uniform crispiness.
• Always Check Internal Temperature: For food safety and to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy, always use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The “carryover heat” will help it reach this temperature even if you pull it at 160°F (71°C), ensuring it doesn’t dry out.
• Consider an Optional Buttermilk Marinade: For chicken tenders that are exceptionally tender and juicy on the inside, consider an optional buttermilk marinade. The lactic acid in buttermilk acts as a gentle tenderizer, breaking down the chicken fibers without making it tough. Marinate for 20-30 minutes, or even up to overnight in the refrigerator, for incredibly moist results. Remember to pat them thoroughly dry before breading.

Storage and Reheating Tips

These air fryer chicken tenders are truly at their peak crispiness and flavor when served immediately after cooking. The delightful crunch begins to soften over time, so we highly recommend cooking only the amount you plan to consume in one meal to savor their optimal texture. If you do happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To best reheat and regain some of that desired crispiness, we recommend using your air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped, or a conventional oven. Microwaving is generally not recommended as it will make them soggy rather than crispy.

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5 from 2 votes

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is incredibly crispy, bursting with savory flavor, and super quick to prepare. It’s guaranteed to be a family favorite for easy weeknight dinners. Plus, it features an effortless, five-ingredient homemade honey-mustard dipping sauce that complements the tenders perfectly!

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
35 minutes

Servings:
2 servings

Equipment

• Air fryer
• Two shallow bowls for battering and breading
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Instant-read meat thermometer

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 pound chicken tenderloins (approximately 6-8 pieces; see Note 1 for alternatives)
• 1 cup buttermilk (optional, for extra tender and juicy chicken)

Chicken Batter

• 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (full-fat recommended, divided for sauce and batter)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
• 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1-1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Chicken Breading

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style for extra crunch; see Note 2)
• 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Cooking spray (e.g., avocado oil spray)

Homemade Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup full-fat mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 teaspoons honey BBQ sauce
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

• 1. Optional Buttermilk Marinade (for extra tenderness): Begin by thoroughly patting your chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Trim any visible fat and remove the tough white tendon (you can find an easy hack for tendon removal here!). Place the prepared tenders in a large container or a resealable bag, pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the container or bag and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, or for up to overnight for maximum tenderization. Before proceeding with breading, discard any remaining buttermilk and pat the tenders completely dry with fresh paper towels. This drying step is absolutely crucial for achieving crispy breading.
• 2. Prepare Batter and Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise (from the “Chicken Batter” ingredients list) with the large egg, Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until you have a well-combined, smooth batter. In a second shallow bowl, thoroughly stir together all the “Chicken Breading” ingredients: 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal, and 1/2 cup all-purpose flour. Using tongs, generously coat each chicken tenderloin in the wet batter mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, immediately transfer the battered tender to the dry breading mixture and dredge it completely, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well from all sides. Once all tenders are coated, lay them on a clean plate or baking sheet and liberally spray one side of each tender with cooking spray.
• 3. Air Fryer Instructions: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 3-5 minutes. Carefully arrange the prepared tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. It’s important to cook in batches if necessary, depending on the size of your air fryer, to avoid overcrowding and ensure optimal crispiness. Cook for 5-8 minutes, then carefully flip each tender, spray the other side generously with cooking spray, and continue cooking for another 5-8 minutes, or until the tenders are beautifully golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remember, carryover heat will continue to cook them to the safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) after removal. Check smaller tenders sooner to prevent them from overcooking and drying out.
• 4. Oven Instructions (Alternative Method): If you are using a conventional oven, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded, sprayed tenders on a wire cooling rack set on top of a baking tray. This setup allows air to circulate around the tenders, mimicking the crisping effect of an air fryer. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip the tenders, spray the newly exposed side with cooking spray, and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
• 5. Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/4 cup of mayonnaise (from the “Dipping Sauce” ingredients list) with the yellow mustard, fresh lemon juice, honey, and honey BBQ sauce. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until all are well incorporated and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as desired, adding a pinch of salt and pepper to achieve your perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• 6. Serve Immediately: Serve your crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders hot, straight out of the appliance, accompanied by the homemade honey-mustard dipping sauce. For the best culinary experience, these tenders are best enjoyed fresh, as they tend to lose their signature crispiness relatively quickly when stored. We highly recommend cooking only the amount you plan to consume in one meal to savor their optimal texture and taste.

Recipe Notes

Note 1 – Chicken Preparation Options: One pound of chicken tenderloins typically amounts to approximately 6-8 individual pieces, depending on their size. If chicken tenderloins are not available or you prefer, you can easily substitute them with boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply slice the chicken breasts into uniform 3/4-inch thick strips to ensure even cooking and a consistently tender result.

Note 2 – The Power of Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a unique Japanese-style breadcrumb renowned for their distinct light, airy, and flaky texture. Unlike traditional breadcrumbs, Panko absorbs less oil during cooking, which is key to creating a much crunchier and lighter coating. You can typically find Panko in the baking aisle of your grocery store, usually located near regular breadcrumbs, various flours, or cornmeal.

Storage & Reheating for Best Results: These chicken tenders are truly at their peak crispiness when served immediately after cooking. The delightful crunch begins to soften over time, so we highly recommend cooking only the amount you plan to consume in one meal to savor their optimal texture. If you do happen to have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To best reheat and regain some of that desired crispiness, we recommend using your air fryer again at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through and re-crisped, or reheating in a conventional oven. Microwaving is generally not recommended as it will lead to a soggy texture rather than a crispy one.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 497kcal | Carbohydrates: 43.9g | Protein: 35.5g | Fat: 18.2g | Cholesterol: 141.7mg | Sodium: 632.2mg | Fiber: 2.4g | Sugar: 4.8g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be considered an approximation. Individual results may vary based on specific ingredients, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

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