Air-Fried Spicy Chicken Fingers with Sriracha Honey Mustard

The chicken strips are dusted with a touch of cayenne pepper and served with a sweet and spicy Sriracha honey mustard dipping sauce for a fiery zing. Even better, this chicken finger recipe can be prepared in an air fryer giving them a satisfying crunch with virtually no oil.

This delicious recipe comes together quickly by starting with store-bought chicken tenders. First, they are dusted in a mix of cornstarch, salt and cayenne pepper. Dust the mixture onto the chicken with a fine mesh sieve for even distribution. 

Next, dip each tender in store-bought mayonnaise. Yep, you read that right. The mayo seals in moistness and provides a great coating for the breading to stick to. Dredge each tender in panko breadcrumbs and spray each one with a light, even coating of misted olive oil or cooking spray. 

Now for the cooking. Although this chicken finger recipe can be prepared in an oven, an air fryer is the perfect device for achieving amazing crunch and golden coloring. If you haven’t worked with an air fryer before, its very simple to use. This model from Kalorik has a large basket and rack that can be filled with two layers of tenders. Just plug in the air fryer, arrange the chicken tenders in the basket, set the time and temperature. 

Amazingly, that little spritz of oil added after dredging in panko is all that’s needed for crispy, golden results in the air fryer. We flipped our tenders halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, but the tenders were completely cooked to a golden brown with a juicy crunch in just 16 minutes.

While the tenders are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce, which is a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, creamy and tangy thanks to the mustard, honey and Sriracha. 

Prepare a double (or triple batch), these tenders are sure to spice up your night! For an awesome weeknight meal the whole family will love, incorporate these delicious tenders into my Citrus Chicken Salad with Spicy Honey Mustard Dressing and Pretzel Bread Croutons.

Craving fish? Check out these Air-Fried Beer-Battered Fish Tacos.