Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Strips

Unlock the secret to perfectly crispy, incredibly flavorful chicken tenders right in your air fryer! Forget greasy deep-fried options; these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a healthier, quicker, and undeniably delicious alternative. What makes them truly stand out? A unique coating of tangy-sweet homemade honey mustard, elevated by a crunchy crust of crushed potato chips. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience that will redefine your family’s weeknight favorites.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are a perennial favorite, but achieving that ideal crispiness without deep-frying can be a challenge. That’s where the air fryer steps in as a kitchen hero! This recipe leverages the air fryer’s circulating hot air to deliver tenders that are golden brown and crunchy on the outside, while remaining wonderfully juicy and tender on the inside. It’s a game-changer for anyone looking for a healthier take on a classic comfort food.

Beyond the fantastic texture, the flavor profile of these chicken tenders is simply unmatched. We start with succulent chicken tenderloins, seasoned perfectly, then slather them in a rich, zesty homemade honey mustard sauce. But the real magic happens with the potato chip crust. The crushed chips create an extraordinary crunch and a savory depth that complements the honey mustard beautifully, making every bite an exciting blend of textures and tastes. This isn’t your average chicken tender – it’s an elevated culinary creation that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.

The Secret to Unbelievably Crispy Air Fryer Chicken: Potato Chip Coating!

While many recipes rely on breadcrumbs or flour for a crispy coating, we’re taking things up a notch with crushed potato chips. This innovative hack not only adds an incredible shatter-crisp texture but also infuses a salty, savory flavor that’s hard to beat. Kettle-cooked potato chips are our top recommendation for this recipe. Their thicker cut and robust crunch hold up exceptionally well during air frying, creating a more substantial and satisfying crust than regular chips.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with your chip choice! While plain kettle chips offer a neutral canvas that allows the honey mustard to shine, feel free to explore other flavors. Imagine the subtle kick of salt and vinegar chips, the smoky depth of BBQ chips, or even the cheesy goodness of cheddar-flavored crisps. For those following a low-carb diet or looking for an alternative, crushed pork rinds can also create a fantastic crispy coating with a unique savory profile. Simply ensure your chosen chips are thoroughly crushed into a fine crumb for optimal adherence to the chicken. This simple substitution can totally transform the experience and makes the recipe highly adaptable to personal preference.

Crafting the Perfect Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

The honey mustard sauce in this recipe isn’t just a dipping condiment; it’s an integral part of the chicken’s incredible flavor and crucial for binding the potato chip coating. While store-bought honey mustard can work in a pinch, making your own at home is incredibly simple and allows you to control the sweetness and tang to your exact liking. Our homemade version uses a balanced blend of creamy mayonnaise, sharp Dijon mustard, and sweet honey, creating a harmonious flavor that perfectly complements the savory chicken and crispy chips.

The beauty of a homemade sauce is its freshness and versatility. You can adjust the proportions to make it sweeter, tangier, or spicier with a hint of cayenne pepper. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of garlic powder to the sauce mixture. If you opt for a store-bought honey mustard, choose a high-quality brand that you already enjoy, as its flavor will be prominent in the final dish. Whichever route you choose, ensure the sauce is well-mixed and smooth for an even coating on the chicken. The combination of this luscious sauce and the crunchy exterior is what makes these air fryer chicken tenders truly unforgettable.

Essential Tips for Air Frying Success

Achieving perfectly crispy and juicy air fryer chicken tenders is easy with a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your meal turns out fantastic every time:

Choose Your Honey Mustard Wisely: While our homemade honey mustard recipe is fantastic, feel free to use your favorite store-bought brand. The key is to pick one with a flavor profile you truly love, as it forms a significant part of the chicken’s taste.
The Right Chips for the Ultimate Crunch: We prefer kettle-cooked potato chips for their superior crunch and texture, which holds up wonderfully in the air fryer. However, this recipe is highly adaptable. Experiment with different potato chip flavors like BBQ, sour cream and onion, or even a spicy variety. For a low-carb alternative, crushed pork rinds work exceptionally well and add a distinct savory flavor.
Prevent Sticking: If your air fryer basket isn’t nonstick, it’s crucial to spray it generously with nonstick cooking spray before adding the chicken. This prevents the delicate chip coating from sticking and ensures easy removal. You can also lightly spray the tops of the coated tenders for extra crispiness and a beautiful golden finish.
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fryers work by circulating hot air, so proper airflow is essential for even cooking and crisping. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer without them touching. If necessary, cook in batches. Overcrowding will steam the chicken, resulting in soggy tenders rather than crispy ones.
Monitor Internal Temperature: The safest and most accurate way to ensure your chicken is fully cooked is to use a meat thermometer. Chicken tenders should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) at their thickest part. Cooking times can vary based on your air fryer model and the size of your tenders, so always check for doneness.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, allow the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need for these irresistible Air Fryer Chicken Tenders:

Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the show! Opt for fresh, good-quality tenderloins for the best results.
Garlic Powder: A foundational aromatic that adds depth to the chicken seasoning.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic powder, enhancing the savory notes of the chicken.
Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out its natural flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and a subtle kick to the seasoning blend.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of our homemade honey mustard sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Provides a sharp, tangy counterpoint to the sweetness of the honey.
Honey: Balances the mustard’s tang with its natural sweetness, creating the classic honey mustard flavor.
Kettle Cooked Plain Potato Chips: The secret ingredient for that extraordinary, shatter-crisp coating.
Fresh Chopped Parsley (Optional): A beautiful garnish that adds a touch of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Step-by-Step)

Let’s dive into the simple yet incredibly rewarding process of making these crispy air fryer chicken tenders. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect result every time:

Step 1: Season the Chicken to Perfection

Begin by preheating your air fryer to a robust 400°F (200°C). This ensures the air fryer is at the optimal temperature for instant crisping when the chicken goes in. While it’s heating, place your chicken tenderloins in a medium-sized bowl. Sprinkle them generously with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss the chicken thoroughly, using your hands or a spatula, until each tenderloin is evenly coated with the spices. Set the seasoned chicken aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Homemade Honey Mustard Sauce

In a separate medium-sized bowl, it’s time to whip up that luscious honey mustard sauce. Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and beautifully emulsified. Taste and adjust to your preference – a little more honey for sweetness, or more Dijon for tang. This sauce is not just for coating, but also for serving as a delicious dip!

Step 3: Coat the Tenders in Honey Mustard

Now, take your seasoned chicken tenderloins and pour approximately ⅓ cup of the freshly prepared honey mustard sauce over them. Gently toss the tenders in the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated. This sticky, flavorful layer is essential for both taste and as an adhesive for the potato chip crust. Set these coated tenders aside for a moment.

This pre-coating step is crucial. The honey mustard doesn’t just add incredible flavor; its viscosity helps the crushed potato chips adhere beautifully, creating that signature crispy crust. Don’t skimp on this step – a good coating means a perfect crunch!

Step 4: The Potato Chip Magic

Pour your crushed kettle-cooked potato chips into a shallow bowl. Take one honey mustard-coated chicken tender at a time and place it into the chips. Press down gently but firmly to ensure the chips fully adhere to all sides of the chicken. The goal is to get a complete, even coating that will become golden and crispy in the air fryer. Transfer the coated tender to a clean plate and repeat this process with all remaining chicken pieces until every tenderloin is beautifully blanketed in potato chips. This is where the magic happens, turning ordinary chicken into an extraordinary culinary delight.

Ensure your chips are crushed to a relatively fine, yet still textured, consistency. Too powdery, and you lose the crunch; too chunky, and they might fall off. A good rule of thumb is coarse crumbs, similar to panko breadcrumbs. This technique ensures maximum crispiness and flavor delivery.

Step 5: Air Frying for Perfection

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, even if it’s nonstick, to guarantee no sticking. Carefully place the chip-coated tenders into the preheated basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. This allows the hot air to circulate freely around each piece, promoting even cooking and maximum crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of tenders, you may need to cook in batches. Once loaded, lightly spray the tops of the tenders with a little more cooking spray; this helps achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust and extra crunch.

Air fry for approximately 8-10 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time (around 4-5 minutes), you can flip the tenders for even browning, though with a good air fryer and proper spacing, it’s often not strictly necessary. Always use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C). The tenders should be golden, crispy, and cooked through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your chicken tenders are perfectly cooked and beautifully crispy, carefully remove them from the air fryer basket. For an added touch of freshness and visual appeal, garnish with optional fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with the remaining homemade honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping. These tenders are fantastic on their own, or as part of a larger meal.

Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Tenders

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of sides, making them perfect for a quick lunch, a family dinner, or even a party appetizer. Here are some serving suggestions to complete your meal:

Classic Comfort Sides: Serve with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or crispy French fries (also great in the air fryer!).
Fresh & Healthy Options: A vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette, steamed seasonal vegetables, or a colorful coleslaw offer a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chicken.
Fun & Casual: Tuck them into soft burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and extra honey mustard for delicious chicken tender sandwiches. They also make fantastic additions to wraps or salads.
Dipping Extravaganza: While our homemade honey mustard is the star, don’t hesitate to offer other dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo for variety.

Common Questions & Troubleshooting

Even with a simple recipe, questions can arise. Here are some common queries and tips to troubleshoot any issues:

Why aren’t my tenders crispy? The most common reasons are overcrowding the air fryer basket (which steams rather than fries the chicken) or not crushing the potato chips finely enough. Ensure tenders are in a single layer with space between them and that your chips are a fine, consistent crumb. Also, make sure your air fryer is fully preheated.
My chicken is dry. What happened? Overcooking is usually the culprit. Air fryers cook quickly! Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) and remove it promptly. Also, ensure your tenderloins aren’t too thin, as they’ll dry out faster.
Can I prepare these ahead of time? You can season the chicken and make the honey mustard sauce a day in advance. However, for the crispiest results, coat the chicken with potato chips right before air frying. The chips can get soggy if left to sit on the chicken for too long.
How do I reheat leftovers? The best way to reheat air fryer chicken tenders is, naturally, in the air fryer! Place them in a preheated air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

CRAVING MORE AIR FRYER RECIPES?

If you’re loving the convenience and delicious results from your air fryer, be sure to explore more fantastic recipes from our collection:

Air Fryer Meatloaf
Air Fryer Pork Chops
Air Fryer Sausage Balls
Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks
Air Fryer Roast Beef Sandwiches
Air Fryer Lemon Herb Potatoes
Air Fryer Home Fries
Air Fryer Garlic Butter Steak Bites
Air Fryer Cranberry Chicken Thighs
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Mac and Cheese Bites
Air Fryer Potatoes and Sausage
Comeback Sauce
Raising Cane’s Sauce
Homemade Ketchup

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are so flavorful thanks to a coating of homemade honey mustard and a layer of crushed potato chips!

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Prep Time:
8 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
18 minutes

Servings:
4

Author:
Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenderloins
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
⅔ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup dijon mustard
¼ cup honey
1 ½ cups crushed kettle cooked plain potato chips
1 Tablespoon fresh chopped parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl and toss everything together so the chicken is coated in the spices, set aside.
In a medium-sized bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, dijon, and honey.
Pour about ⅓ cup of the honey mustard onto the chicken tenders. Toss the tenders in the sauce, set aside.
Place the crushed potato chips into a shallow bowl, place the tenders one at a time into the chips, and press down to coat the tenders evenly.
Place the coated tenders on a plate and continue until all the tenders are covered in the chips.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, place the tenders into the basket, not touching. You may have to do this in batches.
Spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
Air fry 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Garnish with optional parsley and serve with the remaining honey mustard sauce for dipping.

Course:
Main Course

Cuisine:
American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

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