If you’re on the hunt for a game-changing, crunchy, and delightfully nutty chicken dish, look no further than this Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s the perfect mix of crispy panko, toasted pecans, and savory parmesan, coating juicy chicken tenders all cooked quickly and effortlessly in the air fryer. The honey mustard mayo adds a touch of tang and sweetness that ties everything together, making this recipe a total crowd-pleaser for weeknight dinners or anytime you crave something special but simple. Trust me, once you try these tenders, they might just become your new favorite go-to snack or meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the unsung heroes that bring together texture, flavor, and color to this incredible dish. Each one is simple on its own but combined, they create a crunchy, flavorful coating that’s out of this world.
- 8 boneless skinless chicken tenders: The perfect size for even cooking and finger-friendly bites.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural chicken flavors.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy base to help the coatings stick and keep chicken moist.
- 2 Tbsp honey mustard dressing: Adds a sweet and tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the pecans.
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans: The star crunch element that brings nuttiness and texture.
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs: For extra crispiness and a light, flaky crust.
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, umami richness that elevates the entire coating.
How to Make Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Seasoning the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken tenders with salt and pepper. This simple step is crucial because it layers basic flavor into the meat, ensuring each bite has that balanced savory undertone.
Step 2: Preparing the Coating Mixtures
Mix together the mayonnaise and honey mustard dressing in a small bowl. This creamy blend will help your crunchy coating stick nicely to the tenders. In a separate shallow dish, combine the chopped pecans, panko breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese — this is where all that amazing texture and flavor comes to life.
Step 3: Coating the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the mayo mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Then roll the tenders in the pecan-panko-parmesan mixture. Once coated, place the chicken on a baking rack and pop it into the refrigerator for one hour. Chilling helps the coating set firmly and prevents it from falling off during cooking.
Step 4: Air Frying
Spray your air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place half of the coated chicken tenders in the basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray as well for an extra golden, crisp finish.
Step 5: Cooking to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 375ºF and cook the tenders for 8 minutes. Flip and check them — they should be beautifully golden and crispy on the outside while juicy inside. Repeat the cooking process for the remaining tenders. The air fryer does its magic quickly, leaving you with crunchy, flavorful chicken in under 20 minutes.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To make these chicken tenders look as amazing as they taste, sprinkle a little chopped fresh parsley or chives on top. Not only does this add a fresh pop of green color, but it also introduces a subtle herbaceous note that complements the rich, nutty coating.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair wonderfully with crisp green salads, creamy coleslaw, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve them with a side of sweet potato fries or garlic mashed potatoes to keep things cozy and comforting.
Creative Ways to Present
Make it festive by serving the tenders on a wooden board alongside small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli. You can also slice the tenders and toss them over a fresh salad or stuff them into sliders for a party-ready option that your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days and keep their texture surprisingly well thanks to the crunchy coating.
Freezing
If you want to prepare these tenders in advance, you can freeze them after coating but before air frying. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to cook, skip the chilling step and air fry directly from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to cook time.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place the tenders back in the air fryer at 350ºF for about 3–4 minutes. This method crisps them back up beautifully, unlike a microwave which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I substitute the pecans for another nut?
Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds can work as great alternatives if you prefer or have a nut allergy. Just make sure to finely chop them to maintain that wonderful crunchy texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The panko breadcrumbs contain gluten, so for a gluten-free option, swap them out with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal for a similar crunch.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but slice them into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking. The cooking time may be slightly longer, so keep an eye on them in the air fryer.
What dipping sauces pair best with the Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Honey mustard, ranch, or even a spicy sriracha mayo make fantastic dips that complement the sweet and nutty flavors perfectly.
How do I know when the chicken tenders are fully cooked?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165ºF. If you don’t have a thermometer, ensure the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders Recipe truly hits all the right notes with its crispy texture, nutty flavor, and juicy chicken inside. It’s a delightfully easy yet elegant recipe to whip up any night of the week that never fails to impress. Give it a try next time you want something crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive—you’ll thank yourself!
Print
Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes per batch (16 minutes total)
- Total Time: 26 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Pecan Chicken Tenders made with a crunchy pecan and parmesan coating. These easy-to-make chicken tenders are coated in a honey mustard mayonnaise mixture, then rolled in a crunchy pecan-panko-parmesan blend and air fried to golden perfection. Ready in just 18 minutes, this recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders with delicious nutty crispiness and tender juicy chicken inside.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 8 boneless skinless chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating Mixture
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp honey mustard dressing
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup finely grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Season the Chicken: Season the boneless skinless chicken tenders on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor.
- Prepare Coating Mixtures: In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and honey mustard dressing until well combined. In a shallow dish, mix the finely chopped pecans, panko bread crumbs, and grated parmesan cheese.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the mayonnaise mixture coating both sides completely, then roll the chicken tenders in the pecan-panko-parmesan mixture until fully coated. Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking rack and refrigerate for one hour to help the coating adhere better during cooking.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 375ºF (190ºC). Place half of the coated chicken tenders into the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Cook the Chicken Tenders: Cook the chicken tenders in the air fryer for 8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the basket and repeat the cooking process with the remaining chicken tenders.
Notes
- Refrigerating the coated chicken tenders before cooking helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model—check chicken for an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) for safety.
- You can substitute honey mustard dressing with Dijon mustard mixed with honey if preferred.
- For a lower-fat option, use light mayonnaise, or substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
