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Crispy Air Fryer Panko Parmesan Chicken Tenders Easy Recipe with Honey Mustard Sauce

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This recipe delivers crispy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in a savory panko and parmesan crust, paired with a sweet and tangy homemade honey mustard sauce. Perfect for quick dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound fresh chicken tenders, trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
  • 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (preferably Japanese-style)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • Olive oil spray
  • For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels for better adhesion. Place them in a bowl and pour in 1 cup (240 ml) of buttermilk. Let soak for at least 15 minutes or up to an hour in the fridge.
  2. In a shallow dish, combine 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs, ½ cup grated Parmesan, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Beat 1 large egg in a separate bowl.
  4. Remove tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dip each tender first in the beaten egg, then press into the panko mixture, ensuring an even layer. Place coated tenders on a baking sheet or plate. Optionally, double coat by dipping again in egg and panko for extra crunch.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  6. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray. Arrange tenders in a single layer without overcrowding. Spray tops of tenders with olive oil spray.
  7. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  8. While chicken cooks, whisk together 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust to taste.
  9. Serve the crispy tenders hot with honey mustard sauce on the side. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Notes

If tenders aren’t crispy enough, air fry an additional 2-3 minutes watching closely to avoid burning. Do not skip the buttermilk soak for tender chicken. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor. Light olive oil spray helps mimic frying. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for even cooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 165°F (74°C). For gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes. For dairy-free, use vegan parmesan alternative and dairy-free mayo.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, panko parmesan chicken, honey mustard sauce, easy chicken recipe, quick dinner, kid-friendly

Find it online: https://grubella.com/crispy-air-fryer-panko-parmesan-chicken-tenders-easy-recipe-with-honey-mustard-sauce/