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