Why I Love This Recipe

There’s nothing better than a crispy chicken tender, especially when you can make it right in the air fryer. The seasoned panko coating turns perfectly golden and crunchy without the extra oil from deep frying. A little hot sauce in the egg wash adds just enough kick, while the honey mustard glaze brings the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory. I love how versatile these are, too. Toss them on top of a salad, serve them with fries, slice them into wraps, or enjoy them straight from the air fryer with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but delicious enough to make on repeat.

Enjoying The Leftovers

The leftovers stay surprisingly crispy and make a great lunch the next day. Slice them over a salad, tuck them into a wrap, or reheat them for an easy dinner with your favorite sides.

Storing

Store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating

Reheat the tenders in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to bring back the crispy coating. You can also warm them in the oven, but I would skip the microwave if you want to keep that crunchy texture.

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders
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Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

These Air Fryer Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders feature juicy chicken coated in seasoned panko, air fried until crispy, and brushed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard glaze. They're an easy, family-friendly dinner that's lighter than traditional fried chicken but just as satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
US M
Servings 4

Ingredients

For the chicken
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 large eggs beaten
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce
  • Avocado oil spray
For the honey mustard glaze
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional for serving
  • Chopped salad kit
US – M

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
  • In a shallow wide bowl or plate, mix together the panko, flour, 1 tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  • In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and hot sauce.
  • Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then coat in the panko mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks well. Place on a plate or tray and repeat with the remaining tenders.
  • Lightly spray both sides of the chicken with olive oil spray. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer, working in batches if needed.
  • Cook for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  • For extra color, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the end, watching closely.
  • While the chicken cooks, make the honey mustard glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together all glaze ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust, adding more honey for sweetness or mustard for tang.
  • Brush on or toss the crispy chicken tenders in the honey mustard glaze.
  • Serve alongside or over a chopped salad kit. Enjoy!

Equipment

large baking sheet
measuring cups
mixing bowls

Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 37g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g