Mustard and Sage Fried Chicken Tenders

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to prepare chicken tenders, this air-fried crispy chicken tenders recipe is a must-try. These tenders are coated in a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried sage, giving them a unique and delightful taste. The use of an air fryer ensures that they come out perfectly crispy without the need for excessive oil. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the ingredients and steps to make this mouthwatering dish, along with some helpful tips to ensure your chicken tenders turn out crispy and flavorful.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon of mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon of dried sage
• 1/2 cup of Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon of melted butter
• 1 strip of chicken breast

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and dried sage until well combined.
2. Bread Crumb Mixture: In another small bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir to combine, ensuring the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the butter.
3. Prep the Chicken Tenders: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
4. Coat the Tenders: Brush each chicken tender gently with the mayonnaise and mustard mixture. Ensure they are evenly coated with this flavorful mixture.
5. Breadcrumb Coating: After coating with the mayonnaise mixture, roll each chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to make them stick.
6. Air Frying: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overcrowded.
7. Cooking Process: Set the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and cook for 8 minutes. After 4 minutes, flip the tenders over for even browning.
8. Check Doneness: Use an instant-scan thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken tenders. They are ready when they reach 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius). Depending on the thickness, you may need to add an extra 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
9. Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection and have a golden-brown coating, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

TIPS FOR MAKING AIR-FRIED CRISPY CHICKEN TENDERS:

• Properly Coat the Tenders: Make sure to evenly coat the chicken tenders with the mayonnaise and breadcrumb mixture for a consistent and crispy finish.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) before placing the chicken tenders inside. This helps achieve an even cook and crispiness.
• Use an Instant-Scan Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked to perfection, invest in an instant-scan thermometer. Chicken is safe to eat when it reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit (71 degrees Celsius).
• Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on the thickness of your chicken tenders, you may need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

These air-fried crispy chicken tenders offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures, all while being a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried tenders. By following the provided tips and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a satisfying meal that will please both kids and adults alike. Enjoy the crispy goodness of these chicken tenders with the perfect balance of seasonings and a golden-brown finish.