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- 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs - Cooking spray (for air frying)

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Elevate your cooking game with these Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders paired with a Sweet & Zesty Honey Mustard dip! Easy to make and healthier than traditional fried options, this recipe offers a crispy texture and bursts of flavor that your family will love. Discover how marinating chicken tenderloins in buttermilk and using panko breadcrumbs creates perfectly crunchy tenders. Serve them hot with your favorite sides for a delightful meal!
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Ingredients
  

For the chicken tenders:

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

For the honey mustard dip:

¼ cup honey

¼ cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

½ teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken:

    In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for optimal flavor).

      Prepare the Breading Station:

        Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, place the beaten eggs. In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper.

          Preheat the Air Fryer:

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

              Bread the Chicken:

                Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinate, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in the flour, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing down gently for a firm coating.

                  Spray and Place in Air Fryer:

                    Lightly spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray or olive oil spray. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.

                      Cook the Chicken Tenders:

                        Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

                          Make the Honey Mustard Dip:

                            While the tenders are cooking, mix together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust to taste if desired.

                              Serve:

                                Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute. Serve warm with the honey mustard dip on the side.

                                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: 4