Air Fryer Honey-Panko Chicken Tenders with Cheddar

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Sweet-savory tenders with a golden crust, featuring honey and cheddar for a flavor boost kids adore. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 24 minutes pairs Chicken tenders, Panko bread crumbs, Honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 300 calories and feeds 4, 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 14 min Serves 4 American cuisine 300 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Whisk 2 tablespoons honey and 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard in a separate bowl.
  4. Step 4: Dip 1 pound chicken tenders in the honey-mustard mixture, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Place tenders in air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 12–14 minutes, shaking basket halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).

Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Honey-Panko Chicken Tenders with Cheddar take to make?

Total time is about 24 minutes (10 min prep + 14 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 Honey-Panko Chicken Tenders with Cheddar?

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 chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Honey-Panko Chicken Tenders with Cheddar?

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 Honey-Panko Chicken Tenders with Cheddar for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 Honey-Panko Chicken Tenders with Cheddar?

American chicken 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.

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