These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe are crispy, flavorful, and easy to make. Plus, the 4-ingredient honey-mustard dipping sauce is a perfect match!
author’s note
Skip the Frozen Tenders, These Are It!
Chicken tenders are one of those foods everyone agrees on in my house. I have tried so many versions over the years—oven baked, pan fried, restaurant copycats—and they were always good, but never quite like this air fryer chicken tenders recipe.
The first time I tested this air fryer version, I knew I had something special. The outside turned golden and crisp, the inside stayed juicy, and the flavor was way better than anything frozen. Then I made the quick honey-mustard sauce to go with them, and suddenly my kids were dunking every bite and asking when I could make them again.
Now these are my go-to when I want something fast that still feels fun. I love that I can get crispy chicken without oil splatter, and I love even more that they disappear every single time I serve them.
Here’s What You Need:
| Ingredient | Swap or Tip |
|---|---|
| Chicken tenderloins | Use chicken breasts sliced into thick strips |
| Mayo | Greek yogurt works, but texture will be slightly lighter |
| Dijon mustard | This is different from yellow mustard! Don’t sub for yellow in this air fryer chicken tenders recipe |
| Panko breadcrumbs | Regular breadcrumbs will work, but won’t be as crunchy |
| Cornmeal | Can be skipped if needed, but highly recommended |
| Spices | Adjust to taste or add a pinch of cayenne for heat |
Quick Tip
Once all the tenderloins are battered and breaded, generously spray them with cooking spray. This promotes crisp, even browning in the air fryer.
Featured Comment
“These are genuinely the best chicken tenders I’ve made! They make for a great chicken burger!”
– Hamish
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe Sides
- French fries are a perfect side—air fry them before the chicken, then again for 1–3 minutes to warm. Or use frozen fries like Alexia’s sea salt sweet potato fries.
- Try air frying veggies like Roasted Broccoli or Roasted Asparagus!
- Salads like Cucumber Salad, Italian Salad, or Olive Garden Salad are great too.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes:
Quick Tip
I use, love, and recommend this air fryer. Air fryers vary a bit from brand to brand, so timing may need to be slightly tweaked.
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenderloins see note 1
- 1 cup buttermilk optional
- 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons mayo divided
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon Dijon-style mustard
- 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1-1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs see note 2
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 cup flour
- Cooking spray
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 teaspoons honey BBQ sauce
Instructions
- Optional Marinade: Pat chicken tenders with paper towel, trim fat, and remove tendons (try this easy hack!). Place tenders in a large container or bag, pour buttermilk over, and seal. Marinate in the fridge for 20–30 minutes (or up to overnight). Discard leftover buttermilk and pat tenders dry with paper towel.
- Whisk together 2 tablespoons mayo and the remaining “Chicken Batter” ingredients in a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, Stir all “Chicken Breading” ingredients together. Use tongs to coat all tenders in batter, then dredge them generously in breading. Generously spray one side of tenders with cooking spray.
- Air Fryer Instructions: Set air fryer to 400°F. Place tenders in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed). Cook for 5–8 minutes, flip, spray other side, and cook another 5–8 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 160°F (carryover heat will bring it to 165°F). Check smaller tenders sooner to avoid overcooking.
- Oven Instructions: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place breaded, sprayed tenders on a cooling rack on top of a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes, flip tenders, spray the other sides, and bake for 7–10 more minutes or until internal temperature reaches 160°F.
- Combine mayo with all “Dipping Sauce” ingredients, adding salt and pepper to taste. Whisk and adjust seasonings as desired.
- Serve tenders hot with sauce for dipping! These don’t stay crispy when stored, so I recommend cooking only enough for one meal.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
What brand of “honey bbq sauce” do you recommend?
I love Stubbs!
These are genuinely the best chicken tenders I’ve made! They make for a great chicken burger 😁
I am so thrilled to hear this! Thanks so much Hamish!
These are hella great!
Ahh yeah!! Thanks Aaron! 🙂
will be making this soon can i use mushrooms as am a vegetarian can i use oven as i dont have an air fryer at home perfect for my office snacks will dm you if i make this and let you know how it goes Thanks Ramya
Sorry I meant Cant wait for me to make this soon for me can i use tofu i never had air fryer chicken tenders before perfect for my after office meals love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work