Ready to experience crispy, flavor-packed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that will instantly become a weeknight staple? This irresistibly juicy dish comes together fast, with everything bagel seasoning for a punch of flavor and a quick homemade maple mustard dipping sauce that’s pure magic. You’ll never want to go back to ordinary chicken tenders again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible Flavor in Every Bite: The everything bagel seasoning transforms simple chicken into a crave-worthy delight with hints of garlic, onion, and sesame.
- Crispy Texture Without the Guilt: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that golden-crisp exterior without deep frying—so it’s lighter, but still super satisfying.
- Speedy, Family-Friendly Meal: From start to finish, these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are table-ready in under 25 minutes—perfect for last-minute dinners or hungry kids!
- A Dipping Sauce Dream: That maple-mustard sauce is sweet, tangy, creamy, and downright irresistible with every tender bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is how a handful of everyday ingredients can deliver so much flavor and texture. Every item in this lineup makes its tasty mark—don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken tenderloins (1 lb): Opt for these for ultra-juicy results, or cut chicken breasts into strips if that’s what you have.
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray: Just a quick spritz helps your seasoning stick and ensures those gloriously crispy edges.
- Everything But The Bagel Seasoning (2–3 tablespoons): This magical blend gives the tenders their signature punch—adjust the amount to your flavor intensity preference.
- Yellow mustard (¼ cup): Provides the zippy base for your creamy dipping sauce.
- Maple syrup (3 tablespoons): Adds the perfect hint of sweetness to contrast the savory chicken and spicy mustard.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Brings creaminess and tang, resulting in a sauce you’ll want to put on everything.
Variations
Don’t be afraid to make these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders your own! The base recipe is super flexible, so you can tweak it to fit your pantry, taste buds, or dietary needs in a snap.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Use a gluten-free everything bagel seasoning or make your own blend with gluten-free ingredients for a celiac-friendly version.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the chicken before air frying for a fiery twist.
- Extra Crunch: Press tenders into crushed cornflakes or panko before seasoning for even more texture.
- Honey Dijon Dip: Swap maple syrup for honey and try Dijon instead of yellow mustard for a subtle flavor shift that’s just as tasty.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken
Lay out your chicken tenderloins on a plate or tray and give them a light but thorough mist with olive or avocado oil cooking spray. Sprinkle both sides with everything bagel seasoning—don’t be shy! A generous coating means maximum flavor and a gorgeous crust.
Step 2: Air Fry the Tenders
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F for a few minutes. Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer (work in batches if you need to) and cook for 12–14 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway. They’re ready when the coating is golden-brown and they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Step 3: Whip Up the Maple Mustard Sauce
While your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders sizzle away, grab a small bowl and stir together the mustard, maple syrup, and mayo. Taste and adjust for sweetness or tang—this sauce is truly what sets these tenders apart!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once the tenders are crispy and cooked through, pile them onto a serving plate and let everyone dig in, dunking each strip into the dreamy maple mustard sauce. Simple, fun, and pure comfort!
Pro Tips for Making Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Bask in the Preheat: Always preheat your air fryer for those first few minutes—the extra blast of heat gives your chicken the crispiest start!
- Single Layer is Key: Resist the urge to pile up the tenders; cook in a single layer for even browning and perfectly juicy results.
- Shake, Don’t Stir: Give the basket a gentle shake or turn the tenders halfway—the air fryer works its magic best with a little movement.
- Sauce Tweaks: Feel free to tweak the sauce with a dash of hot sauce or extra maple syrup to match your family’s cravings!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Finish your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with a flurry of fresh chopped parsley, a sprinkle of extra everything bagel seasoning, or a squeeze of lemon for brightness. It’s those final touches that make the flavors pop and the plate look extra inviting!
Side Dishes
These tenders play perfectly alongside crispy air fryer fries, a simple garden salad, tangy coleslaw, or fluffy rice. For a lighter option, add steamed veggies and a little extra of that maple mustard drizzle—it goes with just about everything!
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the tenders in a basket lined with parchment paper for casual family fun, or slice and tuck them into wraps, pita pockets, or a vibrant chicken tender salad. They’re even perfect cut up over a grain bowl for lunchboxes!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (which isn’t likely!), let your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders cool, then refrigerate them in a tightly sealed container for up to 3 days. They’ll stay flavorful and moist for quick lunches or snacking.
Freezing
These tenders freeze beautifully! Arrange cooked and cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep happily for up to 2 months—just reheat directly from frozen for busy nights.
Reheating
To restore that signature crisp, reheat the tenders in your air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. A quick warm-up in the oven works too, but avoid the microwave if you can—it softens the coating.
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Simply slice the chicken breasts into strips about the same thickness as tenderloins for even cooking. The result will be just as juicy and flavorful.
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What if I don’t have Everything But The Bagel Seasoning?
You can make your own with a mix of white and black sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried onion, and a pinch of sea salt. Or try another favorite savory blend!
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How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of the tender—when it registers 165°F, your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are done and ready to serve!
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Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Certainly! Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer—just keep finished tenders warm in a low oven while you work through the rest.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t wait for you and your loved ones to try these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. They’re quick, packed with flavor and crunch, and that maple mustard sauce takes them right over the top. Give them a spot in your weeknight rotation and watch them disappear—enjoy every single bite!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. Coated with Everything Bagel Seasoning and served with a delicious maple mustard sauce, they make a perfect quick and easy meal.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray
- 2–3 tablespoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons mayo
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Spray chicken tenderloins with cooking spray, then coat both sides with the Everything Bagel Seasoning.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat air fryer to 380°F, then cook chicken for 12-14 minutes or until a thermometer reads 165°F. Turn or shake halfway through.
- Prepare the Sauce: While chicken is cooking, mix together the ingredients for the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the cooked chicken with the maple mustard sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
