Top 27 Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipes [NOT TO MISS]

Chicken tenders are a beloved comfort food enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick family meal, or simply craving a delicious snack, chicken tenders are always a hit. With the rise in popularity of air fryers, cooking crispy and juicy chicken tenders has become easier than ever.

Air fryers offer a healthier alternative to deep frying, requiring little to no oil while still achieving that irresistible crispy texture. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 27 mouthwatering chicken tenders air fryer recipes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. From classic seasoned tenders to creative twists with different coatings and flavors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Top 27 Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Recipes

1. Classic Breaded Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken tender in beaten eggs, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
4. Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

2. Parmesan Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken tender in beaten eggs, then coat with the Parmesan mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
4. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
6. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

3. Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup honey mustard sauce
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken tenders in honey mustard sauce for at least 30 minutes.
2. In a shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with salt and pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Coat each tender with the breadcrumb mixture.
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.
8. Serve hot with extra honey mustard sauce on the side.

4. Spicy Cajun Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. Season the chicken tenders with Cajun seasoning, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. In a shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
3. Dredge each seasoned chicken tender in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with ranch dressing or a creamy dipping sauce.

5. Coconut Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup shredded coconut
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix shredded coconut, panko breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken tender in beaten eggs, then coat with the coconut mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coconut is golden brown and crispy.
6. Serve hot with a sweet chili sauce for dipping.

6. Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. In a shallow dish, mix ranch seasoning with flour.
2. Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture.
3. Dip the coated chicken tenders into beaten eggs, then back into the seasoned flour.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
7. Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.

7. Lemon Herb Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley), chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the lemon herb mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade and shake off excess liquid.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and golden.
7. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

8. Almond Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip each chicken tender in beaten eggs, then coat with the almond flour mixture.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
6. Serve hot with a creamy garlic aioli for dipping.

9. Teriyaki Glazed Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix teriyaki sauce, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the teriyaki mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Brush with additional teriyaki sauce if desired and sprinkle with sesame seeds and chopped green onions before serving.

10. Buffalo Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the buffalo sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

11. Pretzel Crusted Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 cups pretzels, crushed into crumbs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Honey mustard or cheese sauce for dipping

Instructions:

1. Place pretzels in a resealable plastic bag and crush into crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.
2. In a shallow dish, mix pretzel crumbs with salt and pepper.
3. Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip into beaten eggs, and coat with pretzel crumbs.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with honey mustard or cheese sauce for dipping.

12. Sesame Ginger Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the soy sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

13. Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup everything bagel seasoning
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix plain Greek yogurt with everything bagel seasoning.
2. Coat each chicken tender with the yogurt mixture.
3. In a separate dish, spread breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each yogurt-coated chicken tender in breadcrumbs.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
8. Serve hot with a creamy dill sauce for dipping.

14. Sriracha Lime Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup Sriracha sauce
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together Sriracha sauce, lime juice and zest, minced garlic, and honey.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the Sriracha mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

15. Taco Seasoned Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup crushed tortilla chips
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. Rub taco seasoning onto the chicken tenders, ensuring they are evenly coated.
2. Drizzle olive oil over the seasoned chicken tenders.
3. Press crushed tortilla chips onto the chicken tenders to form a crust.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with salsa and guacamole for dipping.

16. Maple Dijon Glazed Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the maple Dijon mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

17. Mediterranean Herb Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, lemon juice and zest, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the Mediterranean herb mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with tzatziki sauce for dipping.

18. Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
4. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve hot with honey mustard or ketchup for dipping.

19. Greek Yogurt Ranch Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix plain Greek yogurt with ranch seasoning mix.
2. Coat each chicken tender with the yogurt mixture.
3. In a separate dish, spread breadcrumbs.
4. Dredge each yogurt-coated chicken tender in breadcrumbs.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
8. Serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping.

20. Mediterranean Pesto Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup basil pesto
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix basil pesto, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the pesto mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves before serving.

21. Southern Fried Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight.
2. In a shallow dish, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
4. Dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
6. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
7. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. Serve hot with honey mustard or ketchup for dipping.

22. Lemon Pepper Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon cracked black pepper
• Salt to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice and zest, cracked black pepper, and salt.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the lemon pepper mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

23. Smoky BBQ Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup BBQ sauce
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix BBQ sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the BBQ sauce mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

24. Cajun Lime Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• Juice and zest of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix Cajun seasoning, lime juice and zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the Cajun lime mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Serve hot with lime wedges for squeezing.

25. Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Coat each chicken tender with the Parmesan mixture.
3. Drizzle olive oil over the coated chicken tenders.
4. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
7. Serve hot with marinara sauce for dipping.

26. Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together honey, Sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and minced garlic.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the honey Sriracha mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

27. Orange Ginger Glazed Chicken Tenders

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together orange juice, soy sauce, honey, grated ginger, and minced garlic.
2. Marinate the chicken tenders in the orange ginger mixture for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (190°C).
4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess sauce to drip off.
5. Arrange the marinated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket.
6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through.
7. Garnish with sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving.

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, allowing us to enjoy crispy and flavorful chicken tenders with minimal oil and effort. These 27 chicken tenders air fryer recipes offer a diverse range of flavors and coatings to suit every taste preference. Whether you’re craving classic breaded tenders, spicy Cajun flavors, or exotic Mediterranean herbs, there’s a recipe here for you to enjoy. Experiment with different seasonings, sauces, and coatings to create your own signature chicken tenders that are sure to impress family and friends. So fire up your air fryer and get ready to indulge in crispy, juicy, and delicious chicken tenders that will leave you craving for more.

Top 10 Global Flavors

Air fryers have revolutionized the way we cook, providing a healthier alternative to traditional deep frying while still producing crispy and delicious results. These countertop appliances use hot air circulation to cook food, resulting in evenly browned and crispy exteriors without the need for excessive oil. When it comes to chicken tenders, the air fryer is the perfect tool for achieving that coveted crunch without the guilt.

One of the joys of cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is the versatility it offers. From classic seasonings to international flavors, the possibilities are endless. Here are ten global flavor inspirations to spice up your chicken tenders:

1. Classic American: Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a timeless flavor that never disappoints.

2. Italian Herb: Coat chicken tenders with a mixture of dried oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, and Parmesan cheese for a taste of Italy.

3. Mexican Fiesta: Spice things up with a blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika for a south-of-the-border twist.

4. Asian Fusion: Marinate chicken tenders in soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil for a savory and aromatic Asian-inspired dish.

5. Mediterranean Magic: Combine lemon zest, oregano, garlic, and olive oil for a burst of Mediterranean flavors that will transport you to sunny shores.

6. Caribbean Delight: Infuse chicken tenders with a blend of jerk seasoning, thyme, allspice, and lime juice for a taste of the tropics.

7. Indian Spice: Create a marinade with yogurt, curry powder, turmeric, and cayenne pepper for a fragrant and flavorful Indian twist.

8. Thai Temptation: Coat chicken tenders in a mixture of coconut milk, red curry paste, lime juice, and lemongrass for a sweet and tangy Thai-inspired dish.

9. Southern Comfort: Dredge chicken tenders in seasoned flour and buttermilk for a classic Southern-style treat that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

10. Middle Eastern Feast: Rub chicken tenders with a blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and garlic for a Middle Eastern-inspired dish that’s rich in flavor.

Experiment with these flavor combinations to discover your favorites and unleash your culinary creativity.

My Favorite Air Fryer Recipe

Among the myriad of chicken tenders air fryer recipes, one of my personal favorites is the Honey Mustard Glazed Chicken Tenders. This recipe combines the sweetness of honey with the tanginess of mustard to create a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s sure to please. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp whole grain mustard
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped fresh herbs for garnish

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined.

2. Place the chicken tenders in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag and pour the honey mustard mixture over them, ensuring they are evenly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor.

3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.

4. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.

5. Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until they are golden brown and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh herbs if desired.

7. Serve the honey mustard glazed chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!

This recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at your next gathering.

Tips And Tricks For Successful Air Fryer Cooking

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is relatively straightforward, but there are some tips and tricks to ensure success every time:

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Just like with traditional ovens, preheating your air fryer ensures that it’s hot and ready to cook your food evenly from the moment you start cooking.

2. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To achieve maximum crispiness, arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching or overlapping.

3. Use Cooking Spray or Oil: While air fryers require much less oil than traditional frying methods, a light coating of cooking spray or a brush of oil on the chicken tenders can help them crisp up nicely.

4. Flip Halfway Through Cooking: For even browning, flip the chicken tenders halfway through the cooking time using tongs or a spatula.

5. Check for Doneness: To ensure that the chicken tenders are cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

6. Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings and marinades to customize the flavor of your chicken tenders.

7. Let Them Rest: Allow the cooked chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving to lock in their juices and ensure maximum tenderness.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of air fryer cooking and creating delicious chicken tenders every time.

Time-Saving Strategies For Busy Cooks

As convenient as air fryers are, there are still ways to streamline the cooking process and save time in the kitchen:

1. Prep Ahead: Marinate the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook for a quick and easy meal.

2. Batch Cooking: Cook a larger batch of chicken tenders and store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for easy reheating throughout the week.

3. Use Pre-Made Seasonings: Take advantage of pre-made seasoning blends to save time on flavoring your chicken tenders.

4. Multi-Task: While the chicken tenders are cooking in the air fryer, use that time to prepare side dishes or clean up the kitchen to maximize efficiency.

5. Frozen Convenience: Air fryers can cook frozen chicken tenders straight from the freezer, eliminating the need for thawing and saving even more time.

Incorporating these time-saving strategies into your cooking routine will help you make the most of your air fryer and enjoy delicious homemade meals with minimal effort.

Conclusion

Cooking chicken tenders in an air fryer is a game-changer, offering a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional frying methods without sacrificing flavor or texture. With a wide range of flavor possibilities, easy-to-follow recipes, and helpful tips and tricks, there’s no limit to the delicious dishes you can create. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a crowd, the air fryer is sure to become your new go-to kitchen appliance. So fire up your air fryer, get creative in the kitchen, and enjoy crispy, flavorful chicken tenders with ease.