why make this recipe
Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a fantastic choice for a quick and delicious meal. This recipe combines the crispy crunch of cornflake-coated chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. They are perfect for family dinners, game day snacks, or anytime you’re craving some comfort food without the guilt of frying. Using an air fryer helps cut down on excess oil, making these tenders a healthier option without sacrificing flavor.
how to make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 large egg
- Splash of water
- 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
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 3 to 4 Tbsp hot sauce
- Cooking oil spray
- Minced fresh parsley (optional)
Directions:
- Prepare cornflake crumbs by crushing cornflake cereal in a plastic bag or food processor.
- Set up two shallow bowls: one for the egg and water mixture, and another for the cornflake crumbs and seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- Dip chicken tenders in the egg mixture, then coat them in the cornflake crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking oil, and air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
- For the hot honey sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then add honey and hot sauce; simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken tenders and garnish with parsley if desired. Serve hot, optionally with ranch for dipping.
how to serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Serve these delicious tenders hot from the air fryer. They make a great main course alongside sides like coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad. You can also serve them as a tasty appetizer at parties, paired with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
how to store Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
If you have leftovers, allow the chicken tenders to cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for about 5 minutes or until heated through and crispy again.
tips to make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
- Make sure the chicken strips are evenly coated for a consistent texture.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the honey sauce based on your spice preference.
- If you want extra crunch, double coat the chicken by dipping them in the egg and cornflakes twice.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the cornflake coating for a unique flavor twist.
variation
For a different flavor profile, try using different types of breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes, like panko or seasoned bread crumbs. You can also switch up the sauce by using barbecue sauce instead of hot sauce for a smoky flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 425 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
2. What should I serve with Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?
These tenders are great with sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad.
3. Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just reheat it before serving.
Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips Ensure strips are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- 1 large egg For the egg wash.
- 1 splash of water To mix with egg for coating.
- 2 cups crushed cornflake cereal For the coating.
- 1.5 tsp kosher salt For seasoning.
- 1 tsp black pepper For seasoning.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika For flavor.
- 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper Adjust for spiciness.
- 0.5 tsp dried thyme For flavor.
- 0.5 tsp onion powder For flavor.
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder For flavor.
- 2 Tbsp unsalted butter For the hot honey sauce.
- 0.25 cup honey For the hot honey sauce.
- 3 to 4 Tbsp hot sauce Adjust based on heat preference.
- as needed cooking oil spray To lightly coat chicken before air frying.
- as needed minced fresh parsley Optional garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Prepare cornflake crumbs by crushing cornflake cereal in a plastic bag or food processor.
- Set up two shallow bowls: one for the egg and water mixture, and another for the cornflake crumbs and seasonings.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Coating and Cooking
- Dip chicken tenders in the egg mixture, then coat them in the cornflake crumbs.
- Place the coated chicken in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking oil, and air fry for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165 degrees F).
Hot Honey Sauce
- For the hot honey sauce, melt butter in a saucepan, then add honey and hot sauce; simmer for a couple of minutes.
Serving
- Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the chicken tenders and garnish with parsley if desired.
- Serve hot, optionally with ranch for dipping.