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- 1 lb chicken tenderloin - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste For the chicken tenders, I use chicken tenderloin. It’s juicy and cooks fast. I season the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This mix adds a lot of flavor. For the breading, I use eggs and breadcrumbs. I like to use panko for extra crunch. - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat) The honey mustard sauce is simple yet tasty. I mix honey and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice zing. If you want it spicy, I suggest adding cayenne pepper. - Cooking spray - Additional tools needed: bowls for breading, whisk, measuring cups, and an air fryer I always use cooking spray for air frying. It helps the chicken crisp up nicely. You will need a few bowls for the breading process. A whisk is great for beating the eggs. Don’t forget to measure your ingredients for the best results! Rinse the chicken tenderloins under cold water. This step removes any surface bacteria. Next, dry the chicken well with paper towels. Wet chicken will not hold the breading well. Now, set up your breading station. You need three bowls for this. In the first bowl, mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This mix adds great flavor. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. The eggs will help the coating stick. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. I recommend using panko for extra crunch. Now, it’s time to coat the chicken. Start by dipping each tenderloin into the flour mixture. Make sure it’s fully covered. Next, dip it into the egg wash. This step helps the breadcrumbs stick. Finally, coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure they stick well. This process gives you crispy chicken tenders. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). This takes about 5 minutes. While it heats, spray the basket with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket, or they won’t cook evenly. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to help them crisp up. Now, air fry the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen! To get the best chicken tenders, focus on crispiness. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray before cooking. This helps them turn golden and crispy. For even cooking, flip the chicken tenders halfway through. This ensures all sides get that perfect golden color. Use tongs to flip them gently. This way, they won’t lose their coating. A great honey mustard sauce balances sweetness and tanginess. Start with equal parts honey and Dijon mustard. This mix gives a nice flavor. If you want it sweeter, add more honey. For more tang, increase the mustard. You can also enhance the sauce by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper. This adds a fun kick. Feel free to play with spices like garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden platter. Line the platter with parchment paper for a cozy look. This adds a nice touch to your meal. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Serve the honey mustard in a small bowl on the side. This makes it easy for dipping. You can also add some carrot sticks or celery for a crunchy side. {{image_2}} You can spice up your chicken tenders in many ways. For a spicy kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix. You can also mix in some paprika or cumin for extra flavor. If you like herbs, add dried oregano, thyme, or parsley. These herbs will enhance the taste and smell of your dish. Feel free to get creative with your favorite spices! If you need a gluten-free option, you can make simple swaps. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs made from rice or corn. Instead of flour, try almond flour or coconut flour. Both give a great texture and flavor. Just check the labels to ensure they meet your needs. These changes will keep your chicken tenders tasty while being gluten-free! You can cook chicken tenders in various ways. The air fryer is quick and gives a great crunch. If you use a regular oven, bake them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. This method can turn out crispy, too, but may take longer. Frying in a pan with oil is another option. Just heat the oil in a skillet and cook until golden brown. Each method can yield delicious results, so choose what works best for you! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers work well. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. Reheat your chicken tenders in the air fryer for the best results. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method keeps the tenders crispy and tasty. You can also use an oven at 375°F (190°C), but the air fryer is my favorite. To freeze chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to freezer bags. They can stay fresh for up to three months. Remember to label your bags with the date! To make sure chicken tenders are done, check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer for this. Also, look for golden brown color. The chicken should not be pink inside. If it is, cook it a bit longer. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. First, thaw them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, place them in a sealed bag and run under cold water for quick thawing. Once thawed, follow the same breading and cooking steps as fresh chicken. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Honey mustard sauce can be healthy in moderation. It has natural sweetness from honey and tang from mustard. To make it lighter, consider using less honey or choosing a low-sugar mustard. You can also mix in Greek yogurt for a creamy twist without extra fat. Enjoy it as a dip, but keep track of how much you use! You now have a complete guide to making chicken tenders and honey mustard sauce. Use fresh chicken tenderloins, seasonings, and a simple breading process for great taste. Remember to preheat your air fryer to achieve that perfect crisp. Think about variations to keep things exciting. You can spice it up or try gluten-free options. Storing leftovers properly ensures you enjoy them later. With this knowledge, cooking will be fun and easy. Enjoy your tasty creations!

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Honey Mustard

Savor the crunch of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard! This easy recipe features juicy chicken, perfectly coated in panko breadcrumbs for a deliciously crispy bite. Pair them with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce for the ultimate dipping experience. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for any family meal. Click to explore the full recipe and treat your taste buds! #AirFryerRecipes #ChickenTenders #RecipeOfTheDay #EasyCooking
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloin

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: Rinse the chicken tenderloins under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.

    Set up the Breading Station: In one bowl, add the flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

      Coat the Chicken: Dip each tenderloin first in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

        Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

          Air Fry the Tenders: Spray the basket of the air fryer with cooking spray. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray to help them crisp up.

            Cook: Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).

              Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a bowl until well combined. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tanginess.

                Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and serve hot with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden platter lined with parchment paper for a cozy look. Garnish with fresh parsley for color and serve the honey mustard in a small bowl on the side.