Crispy Air Fryer Chicken

These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a game changer for quick weeknight dinners or anytime you want a delicious homemade crispy chicken without the mess of frying. Coated in a flavorful honey mustard sauce and crushed kettle cooked potato chips, they come out perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside every time.

I first tried this recipe when craving something crispy but healthier than fried chicken. The crunch surprised me, and now it’s a favorite that always gets asked for again at our house.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: freshness matters most here to keep the meat tender
• Garlic powder: adds a subtle savory note enhancing the chicken
• Onion powder: brings a gentle sweetness and depth
• Kosher salt: evenly seasons the meat without overpowering
• Black pepper: gives just a bit of warmth and bite
• Mayonnaise: is the creamy base for the honey mustard, helping the coating stick well
• Dijon mustard: brings tang and a little bite to the sauce
• Honey: adds natural sweetness balancing the mustard
• Kettle cooked plain potato chips: provide the crisp crunch with robust texture
• Fresh chopped parsley: optional, but great for a fresh herb finish

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics and Season the Chicken:

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit for an even cook. In a medium bowl combine the chicken tenderloins with garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Toss so every piece is evenly coated with the spices. Set this aside to allow the flavors to meld.

Mix the Honey Mustard Sauce:

In a separate medium bowl whisk together mayonnaise, dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and creamy. This will be your flavorful coating for the chicken.

Coat Chicken with Honey Mustard:

Pour about a third of the honey mustard sauce over the seasoned chicken tenders. Toss thoroughly so each tender is well coated in the sauce. Set aside.

Prepare the Potato Chip Crust:

Crush the kettle cooked plain potato chips finely but not to powder consistency, so the coating has great texture. Place the crushed chips in a shallow bowl.

Bread the Chicken:

One at a time, press each honey mustard coated chicken tender into the crushed potato chips, making sure to cover all sides well. Place the coated tenders on a clean plate and repeat until all are coated.

Arrange in the Air Fryer:

Spray your air fryer basket liberally with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders in the basket in a single layer without overlapping; you may need to cook in batches. Spray the tops of each tender with cooking spray for extra crispness.

Cook to Perfection:

Air fry the tenders for eight to ten minutes, turning once halfway through if your air fryer requires it, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit and the coating is golden and crispy.

Serve and Garnish:

Optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the tenders for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the remaining honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy immediately.

This recipe saves me on busy nights when I want something tasty but fast. The crispy coating from the crushed potato chips is my favorite ingredient because it gives you that satisfying crunch without deep frying. One memorable family night was when my kids gathered around the air fryer watching the tenders cook, excited for the crispy bites to come.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use your favorite flavor of potato chips for a twist like barbecue or sour cream and onion. Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce base. Try using pork rinds for a low carb crunchy coating alternative.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken tenders with fresh veggie sticks or a crisp salad for balance. Offer dipping sauces such as ranch or bbq for variety. Pair with roasted potatoes or air fryer fries for a comforting meal.

These air fryer chicken tenders deliver big crunch and bold flavor with minimal fuss. They’re perfect for weeknights or feeding a hungry crowd.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What temperature should the air fryer be set to?

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F to ensure the chicken tenders cook evenly and develop a crispy coating.

→ Can I use other chips instead of kettle-cooked potato chips?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite potato chip flavors or even crushed pork rinds for a different crunch and taste.

→ How do I make the honey mustard coating?

Whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey to create a creamy, tangy coating that flavors and binds the crushed chips to the chicken.

→ How long do the chicken tenders cook in the air fryer?

Cook the tenders for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.

→ What is the best way to get the coating to stick to the chicken?

Toss the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the honey mustard sauce before pressing them into the crushed potato chips to ensure an even coating.