Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Irresistible Everything Bagel Seasoning & Sweet Maple Mustard Sauce
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are an absolute culinary revelation! Achieve perfectly crispy results without the hassle and mess of traditional deep-frying. Coated generously with the unbelievably flavorful Everything Bagel seasoning, these tenders are a game-changer for any meal. Pair them with our homemade, sweet and tangy Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce for a delightful dinner, a satisfying lunch, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Get ready to elevate your chicken tender experience!
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The Magic of Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
I have to confess, I’m absolutely obsessed with this chicken recipe, and for good reason! In the past, I’ve experimented with various versions of Everything Bagel Chicken, often involving a more elaborate breading process and even cheese. However, on one particularly busy afternoon, I decided to streamline the process entirely. I skipped the breading, coated my chicken directly in my favorite Everything Bagel Seasoning, and tossed it into the air fryer.
The result? A complete game-changer! These chicken tenders emerged from the air fryer perfectly crunchy, incredibly flavorful, and astonishingly, without any need for breadcrumbs, extra carbs, or cheese. This simple method delivers all the texture and taste you crave in a healthier, quicker package. The air fryer circulates hot air, creating that desirable crispy exterior, while keeping the inside tender and juicy – mimicking the results of deep-frying but with significantly less oil and fuss. It’s the ultimate hack for a guilt-free fried chicken experience!
Why Everything Bagel Seasoning is a Game Changer
If you haven’t jumped on the Everything Bagel seasoning bandwagon yet, now is the time! This iconic blend, traditionally found on bagels, has found its way into countless savory dishes, and for excellent reason. Its unique combination of sesame seeds (both white and black), poppy seeds, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, and flaky sea salt creates an explosion of flavor and texture. On these chicken tenders, it forms a deliciously savory crust that’s both aromatic and satisfyingly crunchy. It’s a flavor profile that’s universally loved and incredibly versatile, transforming simple chicken into something extraordinary.
What is Everything Bagel Seasoning?
For those unfamiliar, Everything Bagel seasoning is a spice blend inspired by the toppings of an “everything” bagel. It typically includes:
- **Sesame Seeds:** Both white and black for nutty flavor and visual appeal.
- **Poppy Seeds:** Adds a delicate crunch and earthy note.
- **Dried Minced Garlic:** Provides a pungent, savory kick.
- **Dried Minced Onion:** Offers a sweet and sharp onion flavor.
- **Flaky Sea Salt:** Crucial for enhancing all the other flavors and providing bursts of salinity.
This seasoning isn’t just for bagels anymore; it’s perfect on eggs, avocado toast, salads, roasted vegetables, and, of course, chicken! If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, don’t worry! You can easily make your own at home with a few pantry staples.
The Perfect Pairing: Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce
Because I firmly believe that every great chicken tender deserves an equally great sauce, I quickly whipped up this Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce, and it instantly transformed lunchtime into perfection. The combination of sweet maple syrup, tangy yellow mustard, and creamy mayonnaise creates a harmonious balance that complements the savory, crunchy chicken flawlessly. I literally had to exercise self-control to avoid devouring the entire batch!
This delightful sauce isn’t just for dipping these amazing Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders. Imagine this: dice up the chicken and drizzle this sauce over a fresh salad for a gourmet meal. Serve it alongside a generous helping of roasted veggies and some homemade French Fries for a complete and satisfying dinner. Or, for your next gathering, present these tenders as a game-day appetizer, complete with this addictive sauce. If you’re looking for another fantastic crunchy veggie side, these Crispy Green Bean Fries look absolutely dreamy and would be a perfect match!
While the air fryer truly makes this recipe incredibly quick and effortless, don’t despair if you don’t own one. You can absolutely achieve delicious results by baking these chicken tenders in a traditional oven. This recipe is also perfect for meal prepping: make several batches, freeze them, and you’ll have a convenient, healthy protein ready to reheat on a busy weeknight or whenever you need a fast and easy lunch solution.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce
Just a few simple, wholesome ingredients are all it takes to elevate these air fryer chicken tenders to an extraordinary level! And let’s not forget the incredibly easy and utterly addicting dipping sauce – you’ll want to try it on everything!
For the Crispy Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken Tenderloins: Approximately one pound of fresh chicken tenderloins. Tenderloins are ideal for this recipe as they are naturally tender, cook quickly, and are perfectly portioned for individual servings.
- Cooking Spray: Opt for olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray. These high-heat oils help the seasoning adhere to the chicken and promote a beautiful golden-brown crisp without adding excessive fat.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: You’ll need about 2-3 tablespoons. This is the star of our chicken! If you struggle to find it in stores, remember you can always make your own DIY blend at home for a fresh and customizable option.
For the Sweet & Tangy Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce:
- Yellow Mustard: A quarter cup of classic yellow mustard provides that familiar tangy base. For a different twist, you could experiment with Dijon mustard for a sharper flavor or even a spicy brown mustard to add a little kick.
- Maple Syrup: Three tablespoons of pure maple syrup (not pancake syrup!). Its natural sweetness perfectly balances the tanginess of the mustard, creating that irresistible sweet and savory dynamic.
- Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons of your favorite mayo form the creamy, dreamy base of this luscious dipping sauce, bringing all the flavors together with a smooth texture.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Everything Bagel Seasoning
The air fryer is your best friend for making these chicken tenders incredibly crispy, crunchy, and super quick to prepare! They’re fantastic for a lightning-fast lunch or a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Prepare the Chicken: Begin by lightly spraying both sides of your chicken tenderloins with cooking spray. This acts as a binder, helping the seasoning adhere evenly to the chicken, and contributes to that desirable crispy texture. Then, generously coat both sides of each tenderloin with the Everything Bagel Seasoning, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees Fahrenheit (approximately 195 degrees Celsius). Arrange the seasoned chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Cook the chicken tenders for 12-14 minutes. For even cooking and maximum crispness, remember to turn or shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when an internal meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius).
- Whip Up the Sauce: While your chicken tenders are busy crisping up in the air fryer, it’s the perfect time to prepare your dipping sauce. In a small bowl, simply mix together the yellow mustard, maple syrup, and mayonnaise until they are fully combined and smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess to your preference.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken tenders are golden-brown and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. Serve these glorious, crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders immediately with your freshly whipped-up Maple Mustard Sauce on the side. Prepare for a flavor explosion!
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are not just quick to make; they’re also fantastic for meal prepping! Preparing a larger batch means you’ll have healthy, flavorful protein ready to go for multiple meals throughout the week, saving you time and effort on those busy days.
How Long Will These Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Stay Fresh?
Any leftover cooked chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until warmed through and re-crisped. This method helps maintain their delicious crunch, unlike microwave reheating which can make them soggy.
For even longer storage, these chicken tenders are freezer-friendly! To freeze, allow the cooked tenders to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until solid. Transfer the frozen tenders to a large freezer-safe ziplock bag or an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to three months.
When you’re ready to eat from frozen, there’s no need to thaw! Place the frozen tenders directly into your preheated air fryer at 300°F (150°C) and cook for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until the chicken is thoroughly warmed through and crispy. The lower temperature helps ensure they cook through without burning the exterior.
Can I Make This Recipe With Chicken Breast Instead?
Absolutely! While chicken tenderloins are perfectly suited for this recipe, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as well. The preparation steps remain exactly the same – spray with oil and coat liberally with Everything Bagel Seasoning. The only adjustment you’ll need to make is to the cooking time.
For chicken breasts, depending on their thickness, you might need to cook them for approximately 10-12 minutes per side. To ensure even cooking and faster results, you can also slice your chicken breasts into “tender-like” strips before seasoning them. This will reduce the cooking time and ensure each piece is as tender and flavorful as a traditional tenderloin. Remember not to overcrowd your air fryer basket, so you may need to cook in batches if you’re preparing a larger quantity of chicken breast pieces. Always check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm doneness.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
These versatile Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are fantastic on their own, but they also shine when incorporated into various meals or paired with different sides and sauces.
- **Salad Topping:** Slice the cooked tenders and add them to your favorite green salad for a hearty, flavorful protein boost.
- **Wraps & Sandwiches:** Chop them up and use them as a filling for wraps or slider sandwiches with some fresh lettuce, tomato, and a dollop of sauce.
- **Grain Bowls:** Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice with roasted vegetables for a complete, nutritious meal.
- **Sides:** Beyond french fries and green bean fries, consider serving them with sweet potato fries, a crisp coleslaw, steamed broccoli, or a simple side salad.
Not a Fan of Maple Mustard?
No worries at all! While the Maple Mustard Sauce is a star, these Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders are delicious enough to stand on their own. If maple mustard isn’t your cup of tea, there are plenty of other fantastic dipping options to explore:
- Classic Ketchup: You can never go wrong with a simple, familiar dip.
- Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch is a popular choice that pairs well with crispy chicken.
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce: For those who love a bit of heat, a spicy buffalo sauce is an excellent complement.
- Low Sugar BBQ Sauce: A tangy and slightly sweet BBQ sauce can add a smoky depth.
- Spicy Mayo or Aioli: Whisk together mayo with a dash of sriracha or garlic powder for a quick, flavorful dip.
- Honey Mustard: A classic sweet and savory combination, similar to our maple mustard but with a different sweetener.
More Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Favorites To Try!
If you enjoyed these Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, you’ll love exploring more delicious and healthy chicken recipes that utilize the magic of the air fryer. Here are some of my other top picks:
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken Tenders
- Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
- Krispie Buffalo Chicken Nuggets
- BBQ Chicken Burgers [Air Fryer + Grill]
- Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Everything Bagel Seasoning + Maple Mustard Sauce
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins
- Olive or avocado oil cooking spray
- 2-3 tablespoons Everything But The Bagel Seasoning
Sauce:
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons mayo
Instructions
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Spray chicken tenderloins with cooking spray, then generously coat both sides with the Everything Bagel Seasoning, pressing lightly to adhere.
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. Cook for 12-14 minutes, or until an internal thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). Turn or shake the basket halfway through the cook time for even crisping.
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While chicken is cooking, mix together the yellow mustard, maple syrup, and mayo in a small bowl until fully combined and smooth.
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Serve the hot, crispy Everything Bagel Chicken Tenders immediately with your delicious Maple Mustard Dipping Sauce. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
WW: Chicken – ZERO points (per serving); Sauce – 5 points (per 2 Tbsp)
Meal Prep Tip: Cook extra tenders and store them in the freezer for quick, healthy meals later. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results.
Nutrition
Calories: 227kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
Monounsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Cholesterol: 76mg
Sodium: 743mg
Potassium: 478mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 9g
Vitamin A: 50IU
Vitamin C: 1mg
Calcium: 32mg
Iron: 1mg