For the Chicken Tenders:

1. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and season with ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Toss to evenly coat in the seasoning. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and toss to evenly coat. Allow the chicken to sit in the buttermilk at room temperature for 20-30 minutes (or up to overnight!).
2. While you wait on the chicken, preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
3. Prepare the breading by combining the breadcrumbs, sesame seeds, garlic and onion powders, and remaining ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper in a large shallow bowl or plate.
4. Pour the honey into a small bowl and microwave for 15 seconds or until the honey is warm and easily pourable. Whisk the toasted sesame oil into the honey.
5. Pour the honey mixture into the breadcrumbs and mix with a fork until it is well combined with the breadcrumbs. It should be crumbly and a bit clumped in spots.
6. Remove the chicken tenders one at a time from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off, and dredge them through the breadcrumb mixture. Bread all of your chicken tenders before placing them in the air fryer.
7. Once all the chicken tenders are breaded, spritz them generously with nonstick cooking spray. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick spray as well.
8. Place the chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer (do in batches, if necessary). Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the tenders once halfway through.
9. Serve the tenders warm with the dip alongside.

For the Dip:

While the chicken is air frying, combine the applesauce, mustard, and honey in a small bowl. Add enough hot sauce to meet your taste and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Serve with the tenders.