Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This air fryer recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy crunchy, juicy chicken strips with minimal effort and fat. The crispy coating comes from panko breadcrumbs, and the chicken remains tender and juicy inside. The sweet honey mustard sauce adds the perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and slightly spicy flavor, making it a family favorite!
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts, cut in half and flattened thin
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon classic yellow mustard
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- 1 box panko bread crumbs
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Directions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another, whisk the eggs with yellow mustard. In a third, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken breast first in the flour, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat in the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for an even coating.
- Place the breaded chicken on a tray or plate and refrigerate for 10-20 minutes to set the breading.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place a couple of chicken breasts at a time in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overlap.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, then flip the chicken and continue cooking for 12-15 minutes more, or until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey mustard sauce by combining the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth.
- Once the chicken is done, remove from the air fryer and cover with foil. Slice the chicken into strips and drizzle with the honey mustard sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Storage/Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 350°F to retain its crispy texture.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly as thighs may take longer to cook.
2. Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I freeze the breaded chicken before cooking?
Yes, you can freeze the breaded chicken. Lay the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze them before transferring to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry directly from frozen, adjusting the cook time as needed.
4. How can I make the chicken extra crispy?
To achieve an extra crispy coating, lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before placing it in the air fryer.
5. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs if needed.
6. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, and the breading is golden and crispy.
7. Can I add more spice to the honey mustard sauce?
Absolutely! If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to add more cayenne pepper or even a splash of hot sauce to the honey mustard sauce.
8. Is the air fryer required for this recipe?
The air fryer is recommended for the best texture, but you can also bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
9. Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon mustard?
Yes, you can substitute Dijon mustard with regular mustard if you prefer, though it will slightly change the flavor.
10. How can I serve this dish?
You can serve the chicken strips as an appetizer with the honey mustard sauce on the side, or pair them with a salad, steamed vegetables, or your favorite side dish for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Sweet Honey Mustard Chicken is the perfect solution for anyone craving crispy, fried chicken without the guilt. With a crunchy panko coating and a sweet, tangy mustard sauce, this dish is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, it's sure to be a hit with everyone!
Air Fryer Sweet Honey Mustard Chicken
Air Fryer Sweet Honey Mustard Chicken delivers a crispy, golden coating with a tangy-sweet honey mustard sauce. Enjoy the crunch of fried chicken without the excess oil, making it the perfect healthier option for a flavorful meal. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish is perfect for busy nights or a weekend treat!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts, cut in half and flattened thin
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp classic yellow mustard
- Salt, pepper, and paprika to taste
- 1 box panko bread crumbs
For the Honey Mustard Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika on both sides.
- Set up a breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the flour. In another, whisk eggs with yellow mustard. In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge the chicken in flour, dip in the egg mixture, then coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press breadcrumbs for an even coating.
- Refrigerate the breaded chicken for 10-20 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place chicken in the air fryer basket, avoiding overlap.
- Air fry for 15 minutes, flip, and cook for another 12-15 minutes until the chicken is crispy and fully cooked.
- While chicken cooks, combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and cayenne pepper in a bowl to make the sauce.
- Once chicken is done, remove from the air fryer, cover with foil, slice into strips, and drizzle with the honey mustard sauce. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the breaded chicken with a little cooking spray before air frying.
- If using chicken thighs, adjust the cooking time slightly as they may take longer to cook.
- Feel free to adjust the spice level in the sauce by adding more cayenne or hot sauce.
- For gluten-free, swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko.
