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.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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. - Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat while you bread the chicken.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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
