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Before diving into the cooking process, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the ingredients that make this dish a standout.

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Discover the joy of cooking with our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders featuring a delicious honey mustard dip. This easy recipe transforms boneless chicken breasts into tender, juicy delights with a crispy coating, all while using less oil than traditional frying. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, these tenders are versatile enough to be served as appetizers or in wraps. Learn the marination and cooking tips that will make your dish a crowd favorite!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with a splash of vinegar)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko bread crumbs

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the Honey Mustard Dip:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creaminess)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken strips, making sure they are fully coated and submerged in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to tenderize and infuse flavor into the chicken.

    Prepare the Coating: In another bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, panko bread crumbs, cayenne pepper (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well-combined and all dry ingredients are evenly distributed.

      Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for optimal crispiness.

        Coat the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken strips from the refrigerator. Let excess buttermilk drip off each piece. Dredge each strip in the flour and panko mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process until all chicken strips are coated.

          Arrange in the Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap (you may need to work in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with more cooking spray to promote golden browning.

            Cook the Chicken: Set the air fryer to cook the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Flip the tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crispiness. They are ready when they are golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

              Make the Honey Mustard Dip: In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise (if using) until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.

                Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Serve them hot, accompanied by the honey mustard dip on the side for a delicious combination.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 1 hr 15 mins | 4 servings

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a large platter with fresh vegetable sticks (like carrots and celery) surrounding the honey mustard dip in the center for a colorful and inviting presentation.