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- 1 lb chicken tenderloins - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1 teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1/4 cup honey - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients bring together the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. The chicken tenderloins are juicy and tender. The buttermilk helps them soak up flavor and stay moist. Garlic powder and paprika add great taste. For the breading, all-purpose flour gives a solid base. Panko breadcrumbs make the coating extra crispy. Salt, pepper, and onion powder add more seasoning to the mix. The honey mustard sauce is simple yet delicious. It combines sweet honey with tangy Dijon mustard. A splash of vinegar adds a nice kick. This sauce is perfect for dipping your crispy chicken tenders. Gather these ingredients, and you are ready to make a tasty meal. Enjoy the crunch and flavor in every bite! Start by taking 1 pound of chicken tenderloins. Place them in a bowl. Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the chicken. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Mix everything well. This helps to make the chicken juicy and flavorful. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, marinate overnight. Now, let’s get the breading ready. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Mix these dry ingredients well. In another dish, add 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will give the chicken a nice crunch. Once the chicken is marinated, it’s time to coat it. Take the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off. First, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture. Then, dip it back into the buttermilk briefly. Finally, coat it well with the panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently so the breadcrumbs stick. Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray, too. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. While the chicken cooks, let’s make the honey mustard sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup of honey, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. Once the chicken is ready, let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your crispy chicken tenders with the honey mustard sauce! For the crispiest chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a light crunch. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly. This helps them stick better during cooking. Don't skip the cooking spray; it gives you that golden finish. A light coat on top makes a big difference. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway to get an even crisp. If they aren't golden brown yet, add a minute or two. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Marinate your chicken in buttermilk. This makes the chicken tender and moist. Add garlic powder and paprika for flavor. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for the best taste. Cover it well in the fridge to keep it fresh. {{image_2}} If you love heat, you can spice up your chicken tenders easily. Just add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mix. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This gives each bite a nice kick. Pair them with the honey mustard sauce to balance the spice. While honey mustard is a classic, don't be afraid to try other sauces. BBQ sauce adds a smoky flavor that can be very tasty. Ranch dressing offers a cool contrast to the crispy tenders. You can even mix sauces for a unique dip. Have fun experimenting to find your favorite! For those who need gluten-free options, swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. The process remains the same, and you will still get crispy chicken tenders. Enjoy your meal without worry! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps maintain their crispiness. They can stay in the fridge for up to three days. Just make sure they cool completely before sealing. To reheat your chicken tenders, use the air fryer again. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tenders in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps them regain their crunch. You can also use an oven, but the air fryer works best. If you want to freeze them, let the cooked tenders cool first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Cut them into strips to match the size of tenderloins. This helps with even cooking. Chicken breasts may take a little longer to cook. Always check the internal temperature to ensure they reach 165°F for safety. To keep the breading intact, use the double-dip method. First, coat the chicken in flour, then dip it back into the buttermilk. Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently to help it stick. Also, avoid moving the chicken too much while cooking in the air fryer. Crispy chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Consider serving them with: - A fresh green salad - Crispy fries or sweet potato fries - Coleslaw for crunch - Veggie sticks with ranch dressing - Rice or a grain salad for something hearty These options add color and balance to your meal. We covered the key ingredients to make delicious chicken tenderloins and a great honey mustard sauce. I shared a simple step-by-step guide, tips for crispy texture, and tasty variations. Remember, proper marinating and cooking time make a big difference. Don't forget to store any leftovers well and reheat them for the best crunch. With these ideas, you'll impress everyone with your chicken tenders. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard

Delight in the crunchiness of homemade crispy air fryer chicken tenders paired with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce! This recipe is simple and perfect for a family meal or snack. Learn how to marinate, bread, and air fry tender chicken in just under an hour. Ready to impress your taste buds? Click through for this delicious recipe and discover tips to elevate your cooking skills with this easy air fryer dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenderloins

1 cup buttermilk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking spray

For the Honey Mustard Sauce:

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, add the chicken tenderloins and pour the buttermilk over them. Add garlic powder and paprika. Mix until the chicken is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best results).

    Prepare Breading: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, and onion powder. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. First, dredge in the flour mixture, then dip back into the buttermilk briefly, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.

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

          Air Fry: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray as well. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy.

            Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until well combined.

              Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked through, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy chicken tenders on a platter with a small bowl of honey mustard sauce in the center. Garnish with fresh parsley for an extra pop of color.