Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you re anything like me, you ll absolutely adore this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe. It s that perfect combination of crispy, juicy chicken strips with a sweet and spicy kick that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a snack that everyone s going to fight over, these tenders deliver big on flavor without the mess of frying in oil.

I first tried making these in my air fryer, and I was blown away by how easy it was to get that crunchy coating thanks to the cornflake breading. Plus, the homemade hot honey drizzle adds this irresistible glossy finish that s both sweet and fiery. You re going to find that this recipe becomes your go-to whenever you crave something crispy yet light, with just enough heat to keep things interesting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients work together to give you crunchy, juicy chicken tenders with a lovely spicy-sweet glaze. The cornflakes add unbeatable crispiness, while the spice blend layers subtle heat and flavor.

• Chicken breasts: I find slicing them into tenders ensures even cooking and the perfect bite size.
• Egg: Acts as the glue so the cornflake breading sticks to the chicken – don t skip this step!
• Cornflake cereal: Crush it finely or keep some bigger pieces for extra crunch; either way works great.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the flavors in the breading and the chicken itself.
• Black pepper: Adds mild peppery warmth that balances the spices.
• Smoked paprika: Gives a smoky undertone to the crust – one of my favorite touches here.
• Cayenne pepper: Provides that subtle heat kick; adjust amount based on your spice love.
• Dried thyme: Adds an herbaceous note that brightens the flavor.
• Onion and garlic powders: Classic savory aromatics that deepen the taste.
• Unsalted butter: Helps create a rich, velvety hot honey sauce without making it greasy.
• Honey: The sweet base of the glaze that perfectly balances the heat.
• Hot sauce: Choose your favorite brand for personalized heat-tabasco, sriracha, whatever you like.
• Cooking oil spray: Avocado oil spray works wonderfully in the air fryer for crisping without excess oil.
• Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and herb flavor when garnishing.

Variations

I love mixing this recipe up depending on the mood or what I have on hand. Sometimes, I swap out the cayenne for smoked chipotle powder for a deeper smoky heat, or I switch up the hot sauce for an Asian chili garlic sauce to give it a totally new vibe. Feel free to tweak the breading spices or swap fresh herbs instead of dried thyme to suit your taste buds.

• Gluten-Free: I ve tried using gluten-free cornflakes, and it works well to keep the crispy texture without gluten.
• Spicy Level: For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and hot sauce.
• Extra Crunch: Adding some panko breadcrumbs mixed with cornflakes gives an even crunchier crust.
• Honey Swap: If you want to save time, store-bought hot honey can replace the homemade sauce perfectly.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Breading Station

Start by crushing the cornflakes-my favorite trick is to toss them into a resealable plastic bag and roll over them with a rolling pin. You want a mix of fine and slightly chunky crumbs for texture. Set up three stations: a bowl with egg and a splash of water whisked together, a bowl with the cornflake crumbs plus all your seasoning spices mixed in, and an empty plate or tray to place your coated tenders.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, turning to coat fully, then let any excess drip off. Next, press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake crumbs, making sure every side gets a good covering. This little pressing helps the crumbs stick and gives you that crispy coating once air fried. Place the breaded chicken on your tray and repeat until all tenders are coated.

Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket lightly with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange 4 to 5 chicken tenders in a single layer-don t overcrowd, or the air won t circulate properly, and you ll lose that crispiness. Spray the tenders lightly with oil spray as well. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through if your air fryer needs it, until they re golden brown and reach 165°F internally.

Step 4: Make Your Hot Honey Sauce

While the chicken s cooking, it s the perfect time to whip up the hot honey. Just melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the honey and your favorite hot sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two until everything melds together into a glossy, spicy-sweet sauce that smells incredible.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Once your chicken tenders are perfectly cooked, transfer them to a serving dish and drizzle generously with your hot honey sauce. If you like, sprinkle with some fresh minced parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve them hot, ideally with a cooling ranch dip or whatever you prefer to tame that spicy-sweet kick.

How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle fresh minced parsley over the tenders to add a little color and brightness that cuts through the richness. Sometimes I also add a light dusting of extra smoked paprika for a hint of smoky aroma that guests always notice.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with cool sides like a crisp green salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some roasted sweet potato fries. For a heartier meal, mashed potatoes or mac n cheese are fantastic options that my family asks for every time.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve these tenders on a wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces-including ranch, blue cheese, and extra hot honey. Skewering a couple of tenders with a small flag or label makes them look extra special. You could even turn these into sliders by adding a little slaw in mini buns for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I like to keep the hot honey sauce separate so the coating doesn t get soggy. It makes reheating and serving so much easier and fresher.

Freezing

I ve frozen the breaded chicken tenders before cooking. Just place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. You can air fry them frozen-just add a couple extra minutes to cook through perfectly. This trick is great for meal prepping!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop the tenders back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the crust soggy. If your hot honey sauce was refrigerated separately, warm it gently on the stove or microwave before drizzling.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe turns out every single time – it s simple, quick, and super flavorful. Plus, the crispy chicken with that sweet-spicy sauce is a total crowd-pleaser in my house. I honestly think once you try this, you ll want to keep this recipe on speed dial for easy dinners and snacks. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 56 reviews

• Author: Jaden
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 chicken tenders (4-5 servings)
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Crispy and flavorful Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders coated in a crunchy cornflake breading and drizzled with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier take on a classic favorite, these tenders are juicy on the inside with a crunchy exterior and a delightful kick of heat balanced by honey sweetness.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Egg Wash

• 1 large egg
• Splash of water

Cornflake Breading

• 2 cups crushed cornflake cereal
• 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Hot Honey Sauce

• 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3 – 4 Tbsp hot sauce (your favorite brand)

Miscellaneous

• Cooking oil spray (avocado oil recommended) for the air fryer
• Minced fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the breading: Crush cornflake cereal by placing it in a resealable plastic bag and using a rolling pin or an empty skillet to crush until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, pulse the cornflakes in a food processor until crumb-like.
   In one shallow bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and a splash of water until smooth. In a second bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder, mixing well.
2. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you bread the chicken.
3. Bread the chicken tenders: Dip each chicken strip individually into the egg wash, turning to coat all sides thoroughly and letting excess drip off. Next, transfer the chicken to the cornflake crumb mixture and press gently on all sides to fully coat. Place the breaded chicken on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat until all tenders are coated.
4. Air fry the chicken: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with avocado oil spray. Place 4-5 chicken tenders in the basket, leaving space between each for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with more avocado oil spray. Cook in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You will likely need to cook in batches.
5. Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, stir in 1/4 cup honey and 3 to 4 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors.
6. Serve: Drizzle the cooked chicken tenders liberally with the hot honey sauce. Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor. Ranch dressing pairs well as a cooling dip.

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Notes

• This recipe yields about 10 chicken tenders, serving approximately 4-5 people.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought hot honey and omit making the sauce yourself.
• Oven alternative: Preheat oven to 400°F and bake breaded chicken tenders on a rack or parchment-lined sheet for 20-23 minutes, flipping halfway through, until 165°F internal temperature is reached.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 chicken tenders
• Calories: 502 kcal
• Sugar: 9 g
• Sodium: 1714 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 81 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 107 mg