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These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders are so juicy and moist and made in under 15 minutes. I was pleasantly surprised at how crispy they were as well! Served with homemade Honey Mustard you will not be disappointed!
When you have three growing boys, making them healthy and hearty meals is a must. Chicken Nuggets or Tenders are HUGE in my household.
Sometimes my boys want to eat them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Yes, they have asked for and eaten chicken nuggets for breakfast.
These Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders are made to be just like the ones my boys love.
They are seasoned and breaded perfectly, and the air fryer gives these tenders a nice crispiness.
Table of Contents
How to make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:
These Chicken Tenders are very easy to make. All you need to do is prepare your breading and egg wash.
Season your chicken, the dip in the egg wash and dredge in the breading!
Fit as many as you can in the air fryer and then cook them. Make sure to not overlap the tenders in the air fryer.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce! Our favorite is Honey Mustard and this sauce is so good!
Ingredient Notes:
Breaded Tenders:
- Chicken Tenders: or chicken breasts sliced into tenders.
- Seasoning: Paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Breadcrumbs: we used both traditional and Panko.
- Eggs
- Milk: I used 2% milk but whatever you have will work.
- Olive Oil Spray
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- Dijon Mustard
- Honey
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Olive Oil
- Seasoning: Salt & Pepper
Directions:
Step One – Season chicken tenders with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step Two – In a mixing bowl whisk together your eggs, milk, and add salt and pepper to taste.
Step Three – Mix panko breadcrumbs and breadcrumbs and add to a plate.
Step Four – Place your seasoned chicken tenders into your egg wash and allow excess to drip off.
Then place your chicken into your breadcrumbs and coat on both sides. Do this for each chicken tender.
Step Five – Placed coated chicken tenders in your air fryer basket.
Spray each tender with oil then allow to cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes flipping your tenders in the middle of cooking time.
Step Six – Work in batches to cook your chicken tenders in the air fryer.
Mine fit about 4 at a time but this will vary from brand to brand.
How to make Homemade Honey Mustard:
Step Seven – In a small bowl mix all honey mustard dressing ingredients and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step Eight – Serve cooked chicken tenders with honey mustard dressing for dipping.
What is the difference between Panko and regular breadcrumbs?
So, for this recipe I coat these tenders in both panko breadcrumbs and regular breadcrumbs.
I used both so these chicken tenders will have great flavor and a great breading.
The difference between the two types of breadcrumbs is how they are made.
Panko typically made from a crustless white bread. Regular breadcrumbs are usually made from a variety of breads and crusts.
Can I use Chicken Breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you sure can. Just slice your breasts into strips or tenders and prepare everything as listed.
What should I serve with Chicken Tenders?
I these tenders go great with a variety of sides! From Home Fries to a Salad, you can’t go wrong with potatoes or veggies with these tenders.
Roasted Vegetables – These deliciously seasoned Roasted Vegetables are the perfect side dish. Take your favorite vegetables, season them, and make the easiest Roasted Vegetables you’ve ever had.
Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes – These Slow Cooker Mashed Potatoes are super easy to make and taste great, plus no boiling beforehand.
Mashed Sweet Potatoes – These Mashed Sweet Potatoes have the perfect sweet taste with maple and cinnamon mixed in. Perfect for any time of year, not just Thanksgiving!
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Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Breaded Tenders:
- 2 pounds chicken tenders, (or chicken breast cut into tenders)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt, (more to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper, (more to taste)
- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs
- 3/4 cup bread crumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- olive oil spray
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- salt and pepper, (to taste)
Instructions
- Season chicken tenders with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together your eggs, milk, and add salt and pepper to taste.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs and breadcrumbs and add to a plate.
- Place your seasoned chicken tenders into your egg wash and allow excess to drip off. Then place your chicken into your breadcrumbs and coat on both sides. Do this for each chicken tender.
- Placed coated chicken tenders in your air fryer basket. Spray each tender with oil then allow to cook at 400 degrees for 12 minutes flipping your tenders in the middle of cooking time.
- Work in batches to cook your chicken tenders in the air fryer. Mine fit about 4 at a time but this will vary from brand to brand.
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- In a small bowl mix all honey mustard dressing ingredients and then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve cooked chicken tenders with honey mustard dressing for dipping.
