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- 1 pound chicken tenderloin - 1/4 cup honey - 1/4 cup Dijon mustard - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) For my honey mustard chicken tenders, I start with fresh chicken tenderloin. This cut cooks quickly and stays juicy. I mix honey and Dijon mustard to create a sweet and tangy flavor. I use panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko adds a delightful texture. - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste Spices make a big difference. I add garlic powder and onion powder for depth. Smoked paprika gives a hint of warmth. Salt and pepper are must-haves for seasoning. These spices elevate the chicken tenders and make them even more tasty. - Fresh parsley - Additional dipping sauce ideas Garnishing adds a nice touch. I like to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. It also adds a light flavor. You can serve extra dipping sauce on the side. Try using more honey mustard or even ranch dressing. It makes eating these tenders even more fun! First, mix the honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil in a bowl. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until smooth. This mix gives the chicken a tasty kick. Now, add the chicken tenderloins to the bowl. Make sure each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, two hours makes it even better! Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting crispy chicken. Heat it for about five minutes. While it warms up, you can get the chicken ready. Once preheated, take the chicken out of the marinade. Let any extra sauce drip off. Now, take breadcrumbs and coat each tender. Press gently so they stick well. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t crowd them; they need space to cook evenly. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F. When done, take them out and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Enjoy your crispy honey mustard chicken tenders! To make your chicken tenders crispy, start with dry chicken. Pat them dry with paper towels before marinating. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. When you coat them, press gently so the breadcrumbs adhere well. For different air fryer models, you might need to adjust cook times. Check the chicken around the 10-minute mark. If they aren’t golden yet, add a few more minutes. For more flavor, marinate your chicken tenders longer. If you can, let them sit for up to two hours. This allows the honey and mustard to soak in well. If you’re out of honey, you can use maple syrup as a sweetener. For mustard, yellow mustard works fine, but it will change the taste a bit. Pair your honey mustard chicken tenders with fresh veggie sticks like carrots or cucumbers. A small bowl of honey mustard sauce makes a great dip. For an eye-catching plate, serve the tenders on a wooden board. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. This not only looks great but adds a fresh taste too. {{image_2}} You can switch up your dish by using turkey or tofu instead of chicken. Turkey tenderloins work well and have a similar texture. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based option. Just press the tofu to remove excess water. Then, cut it into tenders and marinate as you would the chicken. Both options soak up the honey mustard flavor nicely. Adding spices or herbs can give your chicken a fun twist. Try adding cayenne pepper for heat or thyme for a fresh taste. You can also mix in some chili powder for a smoky note. For a sweet and spicy kick, add a bit of Sriracha to the honey mustard mix. This makes each bite a tasty surprise! If you need a gluten-free dish, there are easy swaps for breadcrumbs. Use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour instead. Both will help create a crispy coating. Make sure to check labels for gluten-free products. This way, everyone can enjoy your yummy honey mustard chicken tenders without worry! To store cooked chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and prevents odors. You can safely keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they cool down before sealing to avoid moisture buildup. You can freeze both marinated and cooked chicken tenders. For marinated tenders, place them in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. Cooked tenders should be cooled, then wrapped tightly. Store in a freezer-safe container or bag. To thaw, place the frozen tenders in the fridge overnight. For quicker results, you can use the microwave. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking or reheating. For the best taste, reheat air-fried chicken tenders in the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, checking for warmth. You want them crispy, not soggy! You can also use an oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This keeps them crispy while warming them through. It takes about 10 to 12 minutes to cook chicken tenders in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. The cooking time may vary slightly by air fryer brand. Yes, you can use regular mustard. However, Dijon has a smoother taste and adds a unique flavor. If you prefer a milder dish, yellow mustard works. You might want to adjust the honey amount to balance the flavors. The internal temperature of chicken tenders should reach 165°F (75°C) for safety. Use a meat thermometer to check this. Proper cooking ensures the chicken is safe to eat and tender. Always prioritize food safety when cooking chicken. You learned how to make delicious honey mustard chicken tenders. We covered the main ingredients, spices, and easy steps. Remember the tips for crispy tenders and explore tasty variations. Don't forget to store leftovers properly for later! With these ideas, you can enjoy a great meal any time. Enjoy your cooking and impress everyone with this dish!

Honey Mustard Chicken Tenders Air Fryer

Satisfy your cravings with these delicious honey mustard chicken tenders! This easy recipe combines juicy chicken with a sweet and tangy honey mustard marinade, air-fried to perfection for a crispy finish. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a gourmet meal that’s perfect for dinner or game day. Discover the simple steps and impress your family with this flavorful dish. Click now to explore the full recipe and enjoy a tasty dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenderloin

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)

Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.

    Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the honey mustard mixture. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

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

        Remove the chicken from the marinade and let the excess drip off. Dredge each tender in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.

          Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.

            Air fry the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).

              Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes.

                To serve, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and drizzle any remaining honey mustard sauce on top or serve on the side for dipping.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a wooden board with a small bowl of honey mustard sauce for dipping, alongside fresh vegetable sticks for crunch.