Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipe Delight

by
To make honey mustard chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound chicken tenderloin - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken: Use chicken breasts cut into strips if you can't find tenderloins. - Honey: Maple syrup works well if you want a different sweetness. - Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can be a good alternative if that's what you have. - Olive Oil: Any cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, is fine. - Spices: Feel free to mix up spices based on your taste. Garlic salt can replace garlic powder and salt. This recipe is delicious and offers a good mix of nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving: - Calories: About 300 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 2g These chicken tenders provide a tasty source of protein and flavor. Enjoy making them! First, grab a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This honey mustard mix gives the chicken great flavor. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenderloin. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat of that tasty marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all that flavor. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. Next, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Now, roll each tender in 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Use panko if you want extra crunch. Press gently so the crumbs stick to the chicken well. After breading the chicken, place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to lay them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket; this helps them cook better. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When they turn golden brown, they are ready. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them with freshly chopped parsley on top. You can drizzle on more honey mustard sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy! To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and crunchy coating. Before breading, let the chicken marinate well. This keeps the meat juicy. Don't skip the step of pressing the crumbs onto the chicken. It helps them stick better. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated. This ensures a nice crispness right from the start. If your honey mustard sauce is too thin, you can add more Dijon mustard or honey. This will give it a thicker texture and enhance the flavor. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, mix in a bit more honey. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your dish. Serve your chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board for a fun look. Pair them with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for crunch. A small bowl of honey mustard sauce on the side makes for great dipping. You can also add a side of crispy fries or a light salad. This makes your meal colorful and healthy. {{image_4}} You can change the coating for your chicken tenders. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These still give a nice crunch. You can also try crushed cornflakes. They add a fun twist. Just make sure the cornflakes are plain. Want to spice things up? You can add more flavors to your marinade. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You could also mix in some Italian seasoning for a herby taste. Don't forget about lemon zest! It brings a fresh zing to the dish. Dipping sauces can change the meal. Honey mustard is great, but you can try others. Barbecue sauce adds a smoky flavor. Ranch dressing is creamy and cool. If you like heat, Sriracha sauce can give a nice kick. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. After enjoying your honey mustard chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The air fryer works best for this. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in. If you want more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating makes the chicken taste better and more tender. Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They will still taste great, but the texture may be less crispy than air frying. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Fresh veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, or bell peppers for crunch. - French fries or sweet potato fries: Perfect for dipping. - Salad: A light green salad adds freshness. - Rice or quinoa: For a filling meal. - Dipping sauces: Serve with extra honey mustard or ranch dressing. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! This article covered everything you need for perfect honey mustard chicken tenders. We discussed the must-have ingredients and how to swap them. You learned to marinate, cook, and ensure crispiness. Plus, I shared tips on serving and storing leftovers. Remember, you can customize the flavors and pairings. These tenders fit many meals and occasions. Enjoy making this tasty dish your own!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to enjoy a tasty dish that’s quick and healthy? In this blog post, I’m sharing my easy Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Air Fryer recipe. With simple ingredients, you’ll whip up tender, crispy chicken in no time. Perfect for family dinners or game day snacks, these tenders are packed with flavor. Let’s dive in and bring this delightful dish to your kitchen!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make honey mustard chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients:

– 1 pound chicken tenderloin

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

– 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

– Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas:

– Chicken: Use chicken breasts cut into strips if you can’t find tenderloins.

– Honey: Maple syrup works well if you want a different sweetness.

– Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can be a good alternative if that’s what you have.

– Olive Oil: Any cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, is fine.

– Spices: Feel free to mix up spices based on your taste. Garlic salt can replace garlic powder and salt.

Nutritional Information Overview

This recipe is delicious and offers a good mix of nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving:

– Calories: About 300

– Protein: 25g

– Carbohydrates: 30g

– Fat: 10g

– Fiber: 2g

These chicken tenders provide a tasty source of protein and flavor. Enjoy making them!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken Tenders

First, grab a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine:

– 1/4 cup honey

– 1/4 cup Dijon mustard

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– Salt and pepper to taste

Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This honey mustard mix gives the chicken great flavor. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenderloin. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat of that tasty marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all that flavor.

Preparing the Air Fryer

While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy.

Next, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Now, roll each tender in 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Use panko if you want extra crunch. Press gently so the crumbs stick to the chicken well.

Cooking Time and Temperature Guidelines

After breading the chicken, place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to lay them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket; this helps them cook better. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When they turn golden brown, they are ready.

Once cooked, take the chicken out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them with freshly chopped parsley on top. You can drizzle on more honey mustard sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Crispiness

To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and crunchy coating. Before breading, let the chicken marinate well. This keeps the meat juicy. Don’t skip the step of pressing the crumbs onto the chicken. It helps them stick better. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated. This ensures a nice crispness right from the start.

How to Thicken or Adjust the Sauce

If your honey mustard sauce is too thin, you can add more Dijon mustard or honey. This will give it a thicker texture and enhance the flavor. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, mix in a bit more honey. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your dish.

Recommended Serving Suggestions

Serve your chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board for a fun look. Pair them with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for crunch. A small bowl of honey mustard sauce on the side makes for great dipping. You can also add a side of crispy fries or a light salad. This makes your meal colorful and healthy.

Variations

Different Coating Options

You can change the coating for your chicken tenders. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These still give a nice crunch. You can also try crushed cornflakes. They add a fun twist. Just make sure the cornflakes are plain.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to spice things up? You can add more flavors to your marinade. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You could also mix in some Italian seasoning for a herby taste. Don’t forget about lemon zest! It brings a fresh zing to the dish.

Serving with Different Dipping Sauces

Dipping sauces can change the meal. Honey mustard is great, but you can try others. Barbecue sauce adds a smoky flavor. Ranch dressing is creamy and cool. If you like heat, Sriracha sauce can give a nice kick. Mix and match to find your favorite combo.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your honey mustard chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option.

Reheating Instructions

When you’re ready to eat leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The air fryer works best for this. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch.

Freezing Tips

To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

FAQs

How long to marinate chicken tenders?

You should marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in. If you want more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating makes the chicken taste better and more tender.

Can I bake these tenders instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They will still taste great, but the texture may be less crispy than air frying.

What can I serve with honey mustard chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options:

– Fresh veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, or bell peppers for crunch.

– French fries or sweet potato fries: Perfect for dipping.

– Salad: A light green salad adds freshness.

– Rice or quinoa: For a filling meal.

– Dipping sauces: Serve with extra honey mustard or ranch dressing.

Feel free to mix and match based on your taste!

This article covered everything you need for perfect honey mustard chicken tenders. We discussed the must-have ingredients and how to swap them. You learned to marinate, cook, and ensure crispiness. Plus, I shared tips on serving and storing leftovers.

Remember, you can customize the flavors and pairings. These tenders fit many meals and occasions. Enjoy making this tasty dish your own!

To make honey mustard chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 pound chicken tenderloin - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Chicken: Use chicken breasts cut into strips if you can't find tenderloins. - Honey: Maple syrup works well if you want a different sweetness. - Dijon Mustard: Yellow mustard can be a good alternative if that's what you have. - Olive Oil: Any cooking oil, like canola or vegetable oil, is fine. - Spices: Feel free to mix up spices based on your taste. Garlic salt can replace garlic powder and salt. This recipe is delicious and offers a good mix of nutrients. Here’s a rough breakdown per serving: - Calories: About 300 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 10g - Fiber: 2g These chicken tenders provide a tasty source of protein and flavor. Enjoy making them! First, grab a medium mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine: - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This honey mustard mix gives the chicken great flavor. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenderloin. Make sure each piece gets a nice coat of that tasty marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it marinate for up to 2 hours. This helps the chicken soak up all that flavor. While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it warm up for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and get crispy. Next, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra marinade drip off. Now, roll each tender in 1 cup of breadcrumbs. Use panko if you want extra crunch. Press gently so the crumbs stick to the chicken well. After breading the chicken, place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure to lay them in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the basket; this helps them cook better. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. Use a meat thermometer to check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. When they turn golden brown, they are ready. Once cooked, take the chicken out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep them juicy. Serve them with freshly chopped parsley on top. You can drizzle on more honey mustard sauce or serve it on the side for dipping. Enjoy! To make your chicken tenders extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light and crunchy coating. Before breading, let the chicken marinate well. This keeps the meat juicy. Don't skip the step of pressing the crumbs onto the chicken. It helps them stick better. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated. This ensures a nice crispness right from the start. If your honey mustard sauce is too thin, you can add more Dijon mustard or honey. This will give it a thicker texture and enhance the flavor. If you want a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a touch of sweetness, mix in a bit more honey. Always taste as you go to find the perfect balance for your dish. Serve your chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board for a fun look. Pair them with fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for crunch. A small bowl of honey mustard sauce on the side makes for great dipping. You can also add a side of crispy fries or a light salad. This makes your meal colorful and healthy. {{image_4}} You can change the coating for your chicken tenders. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. These still give a nice crunch. You can also try crushed cornflakes. They add a fun twist. Just make sure the cornflakes are plain. Want to spice things up? You can add more flavors to your marinade. Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. You could also mix in some Italian seasoning for a herby taste. Don't forget about lemon zest! It brings a fresh zing to the dish. Dipping sauces can change the meal. Honey mustard is great, but you can try others. Barbecue sauce adds a smoky flavor. Ranch dressing is creamy and cool. If you like heat, Sriracha sauce can give a nice kick. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. After enjoying your honey mustard chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place any leftovers in an airtight container. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, freezing is a great option. When you’re ready to eat leftovers, you can reheat them easily. The air fryer works best for this. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders in the basket and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This will keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may lose some crunch. To freeze, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer, then freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them again, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. You should marinate the chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time helps the flavors soak in. If you want more flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Longer marinating makes the chicken taste better and more tender. Yes, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They will still taste great, but the texture may be less crispy than air frying. These chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Fresh veggie sticks: Carrots, celery, or bell peppers for crunch. - French fries or sweet potato fries: Perfect for dipping. - Salad: A light green salad adds freshness. - Rice or quinoa: For a filling meal. - Dipping sauces: Serve with extra honey mustard or ranch dressing. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! This article covered everything you need for perfect honey mustard chicken tenders. We discussed the must-have ingredients and how to swap them. You learned to marinate, cook, and ensure crispiness. Plus, I shared tips on serving and storing leftovers. Remember, you can customize the flavors and pairings. These tenders fit many meals and occasions. Enjoy making this tasty dish your own!

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Air Fryer

Indulge in the deliciousness of honey mustard chicken tenders with this simple recipe! Juicy chicken tenders are marinated in a flavorful honey mustard mixture, coated in crispy breadcrumbs, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a tempting appetizer. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime cravings!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenderloin

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Make sure the mixture is well combined and smooth.

    Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring that every piece is thoroughly coated in the honey mustard marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours if you want a deeper flavor).

      Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while the chicken is marinating.

        Take the chicken tenders out of the marinade and allow any excess sauce to drip off. Roll each tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently so that the crumbs adhere well to the chicken.

          Place the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket to ensure even cooking.

            Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F.

              Once they are cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them sit for a couple of minutes to rest.

                To serve, sprinkle the chicken tenders with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle any remaining honey mustard sauce over them, or serve it in a small bowl on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken tenders on a rustic wooden board, pairing them with a small bowl of honey mustard sauce. Add colorful vegetable sticks, such as carrots and celery, for a refreshing crunch alongside the tenders.

                      WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?