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These Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders are the kind of meal that gets zero complaints — especially from picky eaters. They’re crispy, juicy, and coated in a sweet-tangy sauce that kids (and grown-ups) can’t resist. Around here, they’re a weeknight favorite.
The air fryer makes them even better — you get that golden breadcrumb crunch without deep frying, and they’re done in just 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F. That’s faster than takeout, and way tastier too.
The marinade pulls double duty: it flavors the chicken and acts as the glue if you want to bread them. You can keep it simple with no coating or add breadcrumbs for extra crunch — either way, they’re delicious.
Serve them with extra honey-mustard for dipping and watch them disappear. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe on repeat!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you need to make these crispy, comforting tenders:
- Chicken tenders – Pre-cut chicken tenders work great, or slice chicken breasts into strips. Pat dry before marinating.
- Honey-mustard sauce – You can use store-bought or mix your own with equal parts honey and Dijon or yellow mustard. Add a pinch of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Breadcrumbs (optional) – Use plain, seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs for coating. Panko gives the crispiest texture in the air fryer.
- Salt & pepper – Simple seasoning if you’re not using seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Cooking spray or oil – Helps get that golden exterior without frying.
Tips & Swaps:
- Gluten-free? Use GF breadcrumbs or skip the coating.
- Want it spicier? Add a little hot sauce or cayenne to the marinade.
- For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs and air fry the marinated tenders as-is.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the marinade: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp honey and 3 tbsp mustard. Add a pinch of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the sauce and toss to coat. Let sit for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
- Pro Tip: The longer it marinates, the more flavor you get!
- Optional coating: If using breadcrumbs, dip each marinated tender into a shallow dish of breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange the tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil.
- Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the basket — work in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F).
- Serve hot with extra honey-mustard sauce for dipping!
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the marinade time — the flavor won’t stick.
- Overcrowding the basket — you’ll lose crispiness.
- Using too much sauce — can lead to soggy coating.
- Not flipping halfway — one side may get too dark.
- Cooking unevenly sized tenders — aim for uniform pieces.
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or coat with crushed GF crackers.
- Extra crispy: Double-dip in sauce and breadcrumbs for a thicker crust.
- Spicy version: Mix in hot sauce, sriracha, or cayenne into the honey-mustard.
- Low-carb: Skip breadcrumbs, or use almond flour or crushed pork rinds.
- Kid-friendly switch-up: Serve with ketchup or ranch instead of mustard for picky eaters.
- Mini tenders: Cut chicken smaller and reduce cook time by 2–3 minutes.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge.
Leftovers? Store cooked tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until heated through.
They also freeze well: freeze cooked tenders in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to a month. Reheat straight from frozen at 375°F for 6–8 minutes.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
Each breaded chicken tender is approximately 180–220 calories, depending on size and breadcrumb coating.
Air Fryer Honey-Mustard Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, mix honey, mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken tenders and marinate at least 15 minutes.
- If using, coat each tender in breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
- Arrange tenders in air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil.
- Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through.
- Serve with extra honey-mustard for dipping.
Notes
- Marinate up to 24 hours in fridge.
- Store leftovers 3 days; reheat at 350°F.
- Freeze cooked tenders; reheat from frozen at 375°F.
- Make gluten-free with GF breadcrumbs or skip coating.
These honey-mustard chicken tenders are always a hit — whether it’s a school night, game day, or you just need something cozy and crave-worthy. I hope they become a go-to in your house too! Let me know how yours turn out, and don’t forget to tag me in your creations. Want another comfort food favorite? Try my air fryer mac and cheese bites next — cheesy, crispy, and SO snackable!
