Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

If you’re obsessed with crispy, juicy chicken that you can whip up in under an hour, then you have to try these homemade Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce. They’re golden and crunchy on the outside, perfectly tender inside, and the tangy honey mustard dipping sauce is so good you’ll want to put it on everything!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce is in the simple, honest ingredients that build big flavor. Each one brings something special—crispiness, moisture, color, or a pop of herbal freshness—to every bite.

• Chicken breasts (1kg / 2 lbs, skinless & boneless): Choose plump chicken breasts—once cut into strips, they deliver that classic tender shape and stay nice and juicy.
• Salt: A little sprinkle seasons the chicken inside and out, keeping everything flavorful.
• Ryvita crackers (10 crackers, about 1 cup/85g crumbs): These hearty wholegrain crackers get pulverized for a crunchy, nutty breading—substitute with any crisp whole grain crackers if you’d like.
• Sesame seeds (1 tbsp): Adds a subtle, toasty crunch and extra flavor dimension to the crust.
• Dried basil & oregano (1/2 tsp each): These dried herbs layer in that savory, Italian-inspired note that makes the coating way more interesting.
• Black pepper (1/2 tsp): For a hint of background warmth and bite.
• Sweet paprika (1/2 tsp): Lends a gorgeous golden color and subtle smokiness.
• Garlic powder (1 tsp): Infuses the breading with a savory, crave-worthy aroma and taste.
• Egg (1, beaten): Helps the crumb coating cling to the chicken and gives that satisfying crunch.
• Oil (1 tsp): Just a touch, for spraying or brushing your tenders before air frying—they come out perfectly crisp!
• For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
• Honey (2 tbsp): Provides that sweet, sticky hug that balances the mustardy tang.
• Whole grain mustard (2 tbsp): Its texture and kick make this sauce totally irresistible.
• Mayonnaise (2 tbsp): Delivers creaminess and richness without overpowering the tang or sweetness.
• White wine vinegar (1/2–1 tsp): Wake up those tastebuds! Start with 1/2 tsp and adjust for your personal zing preference.

Variations

What’s more comforting than knowing you can make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce your way? Don’t hesitate to riff on this recipe—it’s practically begging for your favorite twists or dietary swaps!

• Swap the Crumbs: Trade Ryvita for any sturdy, whole-grain cracker or use crushed cornflakes or panko for a slightly different crunch and flavor.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free crackers and ensure all sauce ingredients are gluten-free for a celiac-friendly treat.
• Spice it Up: Add cayenne, smoked paprika, or a pinch of chili flakes to the coating for extra kick and color.
• Dairy-Free Twist: Opt for a vegan mayo in the honey mustard sauce if you want a dairy-free version.
• Nuts for Seeds? Try swapping sesame seeds for poppy seeds, chopped sunflower seeds, or simply leave them out if there’s an allergy.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Step 1: Prepare the Crispy Coating

Start by turning your crackers into savory “breadcrumbs.” Pulse Ryvita crackers in a food processor until finely ground, or pop them in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin for a bit of kitchen therapy! Pour those golden crumbs into a bowl and stir in your sesame seeds, basil, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This simple blend creates a wonderfully aromatic, flavorful crust.

Step 2: Cut and Season the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts into even strips—think classic chicken tender size. Sprinkle over a teaspoon of salt to season every piece, which helps lock in juiciness and flavor as they cook in the air fryer.

Step 3: Dunk and Dredge

Crack your egg into a medium bowl and beat it well. Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken strip into the egg, then roll it in your crumb mixture until beautifully coated. Line the coated strips up on your air fryer rack—you’ll thank yourself for keeping a tidy assembly line going!

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Gold

Spray or lightly brush your breaded chicken with a bit of oil for an extra crunch. Air fry at 200°C (about 400°F) for 10 minutes, flip, spritz again, and finish cooking another 10 minutes, until golden and cooked through. Check by slicing one open—juices should run clear and the meat will be tender and white all the way through.

Step 5: Mix Up the Honey Mustard Sauce

While your chicken tenders are crisping up, grab a small bowl and whisk together the honey, whole grain mustard, mayonnaise, and white wine vinegar. Taste and tweak the vinegar to get your favorite balance of sweet and tangy. Pour the finished sauce into a cute serving bowl—it’s the magic finishing touch!

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra sesame seeds or a shower of freshly chopped parsley absolutely brightens up the plate. Add a lemon wedge or two on the side for an optional squeeze of zest that instantly wakes up every bite of these air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce.

Side Dishes

Balance the crispiness of your tenders with creamy mashed potatoes, classic coleslaw, or a big green salad. For a family-friendly plate, try sweet potato fries or corn on the cob—the sweet and savory combo with that honey mustard dip is irresistible!

Creative Ways to Present

Turn dinner into a picnic—pile your tenders on a board with little bowls of honey mustard and other sauces, plus lots of fresh veggies. For parties, stand the chicken tenders upright in a glass or mug lined with parchment, with the honey mustard sauce on the side for easy dunking. Kid-friendly, crowd-friendly, and downright fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover air fryer chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce store beautifully! Place cooled tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce in a separate small jar or container so everything stays fresh and crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, layer cooked and cooled chicken tenders between sheets of baking paper in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll keep for 1 to 2 months. The honey mustard sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare the chicken in advance for super-fast meals later.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken tenders in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for a few minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that amazing crunchy crust! Warm the honey mustard sauce gently or serve it straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

It’s honestly hard to beat the comfort—and excitement!—of making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce at home. Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner, a party snack, or a lunchbox treat, I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine. Give it a try, and don’t forget to double-dip in that outstanding sauce!

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