Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

These crispy air fryer chicken tenders deliver a perfect combination of crunch and flavor with a homemade honey mustard coating and a crispy crust made from crushed potato chips. This recipe is great for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd pleasing appetizer.

I first made these tenders on a busy weeknight and was thrilled how fast and fussfree they were. Now they are a regular request because everyone loves that crispy coating and sweet tangy sauce combo.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: One pound for juicy, tender bites
• Garlic powder: Adds depth and aroma
• Onion powder: Enhances savory notes
• Kosher salt: Brings out flavor balance
• Black pepper: For a bit of mild heat
• Mayonnaise: Helps the honey mustard stick and keeps the chicken moist
• Dijon mustard: Gives a sharp tang that brightens the sauce
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness to balance the mustard
• Crushed potato chips: One and a half cups crushed kettle cooked plain potato chips create the crispy crust—choose a sturdy chip for best texture
• Fresh chopped parsley: For optional garnish adds freshness and color

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and let it warm up while you prepare the chicken. A properly preheated air fryer ensures even cooking and crispy results.

Season the Chicken:

Combine the chicken tenderloins, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Toss gently so the spices coat every piece thoroughly.

Make the Honey Mustard Sauce:

In another medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and well combined. This sauce will add creamy tang and sweetness to the chicken.

Coat the Chicken in Sauce:

Pour about one third cup of the honey mustard sauce over the seasoned chicken tenders. Toss to cover each tender generously so the potato chip coating will adhere.

Prepare the Coating:

Put the crushed kettle cooked potato chips into a shallow bowl. Use sturdy chips because they will hold up best when pressed onto the tenders.

Coat With Potato Chips:

One at a time press each honey mustard coated tender into the crushed chips making sure every side is well covered. Place the coated tenders on a clean plate and repeat until all tenders are coated.

Arrange and Spray the Air Fryer Basket:

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking and arrange the tenders so they do not touch. You may need to work in batches. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray for extra crispness.

Air Fry the Chicken Tenders:

Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. Flip halfway if your air fryer requires it and check that the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure they are fully cooked.

Serve and Garnish:

Transfer the crispy tenders to a serving plate and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve with the remaining honey mustard sauce for dipping.

The potato chip coating is my favorite part because it adds that extra crunch that is hard to get from breadcrumbs. I remember making these for a family dinner and everyone was surprised by how crispy and flavorful they were without frying in oil. It quickly became a new favorite for movie nights.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain their crispiness. Freeze cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a zip top bag to avoid clumping and reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you dont have dijon mustard yellow mustard works but the flavor will be milder. Try crushed pork rinds instead of potato chips for a low carb keto friendly crunch. Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter honey mustard sauce and experiment with flavored potato chips like barbecue or sour cream and onion to change up the taste.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken tenders with extra honey mustard dipping sauce carrot sticks and celery for a quick snack. Pair with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal and use them as a filling for crispy chicken sandwiches with lettuce and tomato.

Serve hot with extra honey mustard for dipping. Theyre perfect for quick weeknight dinners or party snacks.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Set the air fryer to 400°F to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the coating becomes crispy.

→ Can I use a different coating instead of potato chips?

Yes, crushed pork rinds or your favorite flavored chips can be used to vary the crunch and taste.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy inside?

Coating the chicken with honey mustard sauce before pressing into the chips helps lock in moisture during cooking.

→ Is it necessary to spray the air fryer basket?

Spraying the basket and the coated tenders with cooking spray prevents sticking and promotes a crispy texture.

→ How can I tell when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring the chicken is safe and tender.