Air Fryer Panko Crusted Chicken Tenders ~ How to Make Crispy Chicken Tenders ~ Amy Learns to Cook

Ingredients

• 2 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless; trimmed of cartilage, veins and excess fat; cut into 6 equal tenders)
• 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)
• 3 large Eggs (beaten thoroughly; acts as binder)
• 2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs (coarse Japanese breadcrumbs; lightly crushed to break up large flakes)
• 2 tablespoons Barbecue Rub (seasoning for flour and panko; adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (for seasoning chicken)
• ½ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for brushing tenders before air‑frying; extra‑virgin preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Honey (for honey mustard sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon Mustard (for honey mustard sauce)
• 2 tablespoons Mayonnaise (for honey mustard sauce)
• 1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar (for honey mustard sauce)

Instructions

1. Trim and Cut Chicken

   Put on gloves, remove any cartilage, veins, and excess fat from the chicken breasts, then cut each breast into 3 equal strips to make 6 tenders.

   Time: PT5M

2. Season the Chicken

   Sprinkle the chicken tenders with 1 tsp salt and ½ tsp black pepper on both sides.

   Time: PT2M

3. Set Up Breading Station

   Place 1 cup flour in one shallow bowl, beat 3 eggs in a second bowl, and combine 2 cups panko with 2 tbsp barbecue rub, a pinch of salt and pepper in a third bowl. Lightly crush the panko with your hands to break up large flakes.

   Time: PT3M

4. Bread the Chicken Tenders

   Dredge each tender in flour, shake off excess, dip in beaten egg, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned panko mixture. Place coated tenders on a plate.

   Time: PT5M

5. Oil the Coated Tenders

   Using a silicone brush, lightly coat each breaded tender with olive oil (about 1 tsp per piece).

   Time: PT2M

6. Preheat Air Fryer

   Set the air fryer to 370°F and let it preheat for 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: 370°F

7. Air Fry First Batch

   Place three tenders in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 9 minutes, flipping halfway through (around minute 4‑5).

   Time: PT9M

   Temperature: 370°F

8. Air Fry Remaining Batch

   Repeat the same process with the remaining three tenders.

   Time: PT9M

   Temperature: 370°F

9. Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce

   In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp honey, 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tsp apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt.

   Time: PT3M

10. Serve

    Arrange the crispy chicken tenders on a serving plate and drizzle or dip with the honey mustard sauce.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

450

Protein

30 g

Carbohydrates

30 g

Fat

15 g

Fiber

1 g