Description
These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and finished with a sweet-and-spicy homemade hot honey sauce. They’re perfect for a quick dinner, game day snack, or crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients
1 1/2 lb chicken breast, cut into strips
2 large eggs
2 cups crushed cornflakes
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
Cooking spray
3 tbsp butter
1/3 cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (205°C).
- Whisk the eggs in a shallow bowl until smooth.
- In another bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each chicken strip into the beaten eggs, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned cornflake mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres.
- Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken cooks, melt the butter over low heat in a small saucepan.
- Stir in the honey and hot sauce until smooth and warmed through.
- Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
Substitute panko breadcrumbs for cornflakes for a different texture.
Add extra cayenne or use a spicier hot sauce for more heat.
Mix chipotle powder into the coating for a smoky flavor.
Stir grated Parmesan into the cornflake mixture for a savory twist.
Reduce or omit the cayenne and use a mild hot sauce for a milder version.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 350°F air fryer for 3 to 5 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 19 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg
