Quick & Zingy Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy, golden chicken tenders drizzled with spicy hot honey air fryer magic promise a mouthwatering meal that’ll make taste buds dance.

These tender bites pack a delightful punch of flavor and crunch.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of seasonings and the air fryer’s incredible cooking method.

You’ll fall in love with how quickly these chicken tenders come together, creating a restaurant-worthy dish at home.

The combination of sweet heat and crunchy exterior makes these tenders irresistible.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness, turning an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience.

Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace cornflake crumbs with crushed gluten-free rice cereal or almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Keto-Friendly Coating: Swap cornflake crumbs with crushed pork rinds or ground almonds to reduce carbohydrates and maintain crispy texture.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Swap smoked paprika with za'atar or Italian herb blend for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Buttermilk Marinade Option: Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for 2 hours before breading to enhance tenderness and add subtle tanginess.

Serving Suggestions for Hot Honey Tenders

• Crispy Dipping Delights: Serve these hot honey chicken tenders with cool, creamy ranch for a temperature contrast that'll make taste buds dance.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread tenders on a large wooden board with small dipping bowls of ranch, extra hot honey, and fresh herbs for a stunning presentation.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Pair with classic sides like coleslaw, mac and cheese, or crispy french fries to create a satisfying meal that'll score big with friends and family.
• Protein-Packed Lunch Option: Pack tenders in a lunch container with a small hot honey sauce container and fresh veggie sticks for a delicious midday meal that beats boring sandwiches.

How to Store Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place tenders in the basket without overcrowding. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy, turning halfway for even warming.
• Spread tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping once to restore crunchiness and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• What coating makes these chicken tenders crispy?

Crushed cornflakes create a perfectly crunchy exterior that gives the chicken tenders a golden, crisp texture without deep frying.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Replace regular cornflakes with gluten-free cornflakes to make the entire recipe gluten-free. Ensure all other seasonings are also gluten-free certified.

• Why use an air fryer for this recipe?

Air fryers cook faster, use less oil, and create a crispier texture compared to traditional oven baking. They also help achieve an even golden-brown coating on the chicken tenders.

Why Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Are a Winner

• Craft Crispy Textures: Cornflake coating creates an irresistibly crunchy exterior that elevates these chicken tenders beyond ordinary breaded recipes.
• Simplify Cooking Process: Air fryer method reduces oil usage and delivers perfectly golden chicken with minimal cleanup, making meal preparation quick and stress-free.
• Spice Up Flavor Profile: Blend of smoked paprika, cayenne, and hot honey sauce adds delicious complexity with a subtle kick that transforms basic chicken tenders into a gourmet experience.
• Versatile Serving Option: Adaptable recipe works great for casual family dinners, game day gatherings, or quick weeknight meals with easy customization potential.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Lean and tender cuts of chicken perfect for creating crispy air-fried tenders.

• Cornflakes, Salt, Black Pepper, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne, Thyme, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Provide a crunchy, flavorful breading that adds texture and a complex spice profile to the chicken.

• Egg, Water: Create a sticky base that helps the dry coating adhere to the chicken tenders.
• Butter, Honey, Hot Sauce: Combine to make a sweet and spicy drizzle that enhances the final flavor of the chicken.

• Avocado Oil Spray: Helps achieve a crispy exterior and prevents sticking in the air fryer.
• Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, green accent to the dish.

• Ranch Dressing: Provides a cool, creamy dip to balance the spicy hot honey sauce.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Crush Cornflake Coating

Grab your cornflakes and transform them into a crunchy coating.

Use a rolling pin to crush them inside a resealable bag or pulse in a food processor until you get fine crumbs.

Step 2: Prepare Egg Wash

In a shallow bowl, whisk egg with a splash of water until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Create Seasoned Coating Mix

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Dried thyme
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder

Stir all ingredients until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to 400°F, getting ready for crispy magic.

Step 5: Coat Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken tender first into egg wash, letting excess drip off.

Then roll in seasoned cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.

Step 6: Arrange in Air Fryer

Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil spray.

Place chicken tenders with slight spacing between them for maximum crispiness.

Step 7: Air Fry to Perfection

Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 8: Whip Up Hot Honey Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter.

Add honey and hot sauce, stirring until combined.

Simmer for 1-2 minutes.

Step 9: Finish and Serve

Drizzle hot honey sauce over crispy tenders.

Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley if desired.

Serve with cool ranch dressing on the side.

Serving Tip: This recipe yields about 10 chicken tenders, perfect for 4-5 people.

Pro Hack: You can use store-bought hot honey as a quick alternative to homemade sauce.

Tips for Perfect Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

• Use a rolling pin, empty skillet, or food processor to create fine, even crumbs for a perfect crispy coating.
• Dip tenders in egg wash first, then press into seasoned cornflake crumbs to ensure a thick, even breading that locks in moisture.
• Arrange chicken in a single layer with small gaps between pieces to allow hot air circulation, guaranteeing crispy, evenly cooked results.
• Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce quantities to match your spice preference, creating a personalized hot honey chicken experience.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, ensuring both safety and juicy, perfectly cooked tenders.

Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sizzling Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders bring a spicy-sweet symphony to dinner tables with crispy, golden perfection. Zesty honey glaze and crunchy exterior make this dish an irresistible crowd-pleaser you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts

Breading Mixture:

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

Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:

• 1 large egg
• 1 splash water
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup honey
• 3–4 tablespoons hot sauce
• 1 cooking oil spray (avocado oil)
• 1 minced fresh parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Crush cornflakes into fine crumbs using a rolling pin, empty skillet, or food processor until achieving a consistent texture.
2. Prepare three stations: one for egg wash, one for seasoned cornflake coating, and an empty plate for breaded chicken.
3. Whisk egg with water until thoroughly blended and smooth.
4. Combine cornflake crumbs with all dry seasonings, mixing thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Heat air fryer to 400°F, ensuring optimal cooking temperature.
6. Dip each chicken tender into egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off completely.
7. Coat egg-drenched chicken in seasoned cornflake crumbs, pressing firmly to ensure complete coverage.
8. Arrange breaded tenders on prepared plate, creating a single layer without overcrowding.
9. Lightly spray air fryer basket with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking.
10. Place 4-5 chicken tenders in basket, maintaining space between each piece for proper air circulation.
11. Mist tenders with additional oil spray to enhance crispiness.
12. Air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
13. Meanwhile, create hot honey sauce by melting butter and combining with honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan.
14. Simmer sauce for 1-2 minutes to blend flavors and achieve desired consistency.
15. Drizzle cooked chicken tenders generously with hot honey sauce.
16. Optional: Garnish with minced parsley and serve with ranch dressing for dipping.
17. Alternately, use store-bought hot honey as a quick substitution.

Notes

• Crush cornflakes thoroughly to ensure a crispy, even coating that adheres well to the chicken tenders.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to accurately check chicken’s internal temperature, preventing overcooking or undercooking.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper for those who prefer milder or spicier flavors.
• Swap cornflakes with gluten-free alternatives like rice cereal or crushed gluten-free crackers to make the recipe celiac-friendly.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 596 kcal
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 1560 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg