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
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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).
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.
