Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dijon and Thyme
Crisp, golden chicken tenders coated in a tangy Dijon and thyme glaze, perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier weeknight dinner. This american-inspired air fryer ready in about 27 minutes pairs Chicken breast, boneless and skinless, Dijon mustard, Fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Chicken breast, boneless and skinless
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp Fresh thyme leaves
- 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp Garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 5 minutes. In a shallow bowl, combine 3 tbsp all-purpose flour, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk 2 tbsp Dijon mustard with 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves until smooth.
- Step 3: Dredge each 12 oz chicken breast piece in the flour mixture, then dip into the Dijon mustard mixture, coating evenly, and place in air fryer basket lined with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 4: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dijon and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dijon and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dijon mustard from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dijon and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dijon and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Air Fryer Chicken Tenders with Dijon and Thyme?
American air fryer like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many air fryer recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Very good for a 12-minute recipe. Would bump up the spice level though.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
