If you’re looking for a simple yet impressively flavorful dish to elevate your weeknight dinners, this Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken coated with a savory and aromatic Everything But The Bagel seasoning crisped to perfection in the air fryer pairs beautifully with a tangy, sweet maple mustard sauce that truly adds a gourmet touch. It’s fast, fun, and packed with so much personality, you’ll find yourself craving these tenders again and again. Let me walk you through every step so you can enjoy this cozy, crowd-pleasing meal with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simplicity—only a handful of ingredients that work harmoniously to create bold flavors and irresistible textures. Each item plays a vital role, whether adding a punch of seasoning, a touch of creaminess, or that perfect balance of sweet and tang.
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins: Choose fresh or thawed, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking and juiciness.
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray: A light coat helps the seasoning stick and creates a crispy crust without excess grease.
- 2-3 tablespoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning: This blend brings a savory, garlicky, crunchy layer, making the tenders unforgettable.
- ¼ cup yellow mustard: Adds bright, tangy depth that contrasts beautifully with the sweet maple in the sauce.
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup: Offers a subtle natural sweetness to balance the mustard’s sharpness and complement the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons mayo: Provides creamy richness, smoothing out the sauce and adding mouthfeel.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Chicken
Start by spraying your chicken tenderloins lightly with olive or avocado oil cooking spray. This step might seem small, but it’s the secret to locking in moisture and helping the seasoning stick perfectly. Next, generously coat both sides of the chicken with the Everything But The Bagel seasoning—this spice mix is your ticket to an instant flavor upgrade, delivering bursts of garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seeds in every bite.
Step 2: Cook in the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 380°F, ensuring it’s ready to crisp the chicken beautifully. Arrange the tenders in a single layer in your air fryer basket—don’t overcrowd them if you can help it, as air circulation is key. Cook for about 12 to 14 minutes, flipping or shaking the basket halfway through. Use a meat thermometer to check that each tender reaches 165°F internally, making sure it’s cooked safely and stays juicy.
Step 3: Prepare the Maple Mustard Sauce
While the chicken cooks, whisk together the yellow mustard, maple syrup, and mayo in a small bowl. This sauce is as quick to make as it is delicious—creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet, it elevates the chicken to something truly special. The flavors meld beautifully and offer a fresh contrast to the savory tenders.
Step 4: Serve
Once your chicken tenders are perfectly air-fried, serve them immediately with a generous drizzle or a side of the maple mustard sauce. This ensures every bite is tender, juicy, and bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little visual pop and extra flavor, sprinkle some chopped fresh parsley or chives over your chicken tenders. A few lemon wedges on the side can also brighten the dish and harmonize beautifully with the tangy-sweet sauce.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair perfectly with crisp vegetable sides like a fresh garden salad, roasted Brussels sprouts, or even some sweet potato fries for that perfect balance of textures and tastes. A simple quinoa or rice pilaf also serves as a great base to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Arrange your Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe on a wooden board accompanied by small bowls of dipping sauce, pickles, and crunchy veggies for a stylish appetizer spread. They also work great inside a sandwich or wrap layered with fresh greens and a little extra sauce to keep things moist and flavorful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy these later, place the tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months without losing their flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat and retain that crisp exterior, pop your tenders back in the air fryer at 350°F for 4 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the crust soggy. Warm your maple mustard sauce separately and drizzle over once heated for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Slice the breasts into strips similar in size to tenderloins to ensure even cooking. Just watch the cooking time closely as larger pieces may need a couple of extra minutes in the air fryer.
Is there a substitute if I don’t have Everything But The Bagel Seasoning?
Yes! You can create a quick blend with garlic powder, onion powder, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, and a pinch of salt. This mix will give you a similar flavor punch to complement the chicken.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Definitely. The ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free, but always double-check labels on pre-packaged spice blends and mustard to be sure they haven’t added any gluten-containing ingredients.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s mild and perfect for all palates. The Everything But The Bagel seasoning isn’t spicy but it adds a savory punch. The maple mustard sauce is sweet and tangy without heat, making it kid-friendly as well.
Can I double the recipe for a larger group?
Yes! Just cook the chicken tenders in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer basket. The sauce can easily be doubled or tripled to keep up with larger portions.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe is a keeper—the kind of dish that wins over the whole family with its perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s easy enough for busy weeknights yet special enough to serve guests. Once you try it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your go-to meals for a fuss-free, delicious dinner. Give it a shot and enjoy every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A quick and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe featuring crispy chicken seasoned with Everything But The Bagel seasoning, paired with a sweet and tangy maple mustard sauce. Perfect for a healthy, easy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray
- 2–3 tablespoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
For the Maple Mustard Sauce
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons mayo
Instructions
- Coat the Chicken: Spray the chicken tenderloins lightly with olive or avocado oil cooking spray, then evenly coat both sides of each tenderloin with 2-3 tablespoons of Everything But The Bagel Seasoning to add a burst of flavor.
- Cook in Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place the seasoned chicken tenderloins in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12-14 minutes, turning or shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking, until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C).
- Prepare the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, whisk together ¼ cup yellow mustard, 3 tablespoons maple syrup, and 2 tablespoons mayo in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked through and crispy, serve them immediately with the maple mustard sauce on the side or drizzled on top for a delicious sweet and tangy complement.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation for crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.
- The sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to maintain crispiness.
