If you love crispy, juicy chicken tenders with a bit of a spicy-sweet kick, then I m so excited to share this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe with you! I absolutely love how the cornflake crust adds a crunchy, golden texture without weighing down the chicken. Plus, cooking them in the air fryer keeps things quick and healthier than deep frying, which makes weeknight dinners so much easier.
This Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes that always gets rave reviews from anyone I serve it to. The hot honey drizzle is where the magic happens – that perfect balance of heat from the hot sauce and sweetness from the honey just takes these tenders to a whole new level. Whether you re cooking for your family, friends, or just craving a tasty snack, you re going to want to keep this recipe handy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Cornflake Coating: Gives an unbeatable crispy texture that you won t get with regular breadcrumbs.
- Perfectly Spicy-Sweet Flavor: The hot honey drizzle delivers just the right punch of heat balanced by honey s sweetness.
- Quick & Healthy Air Fryer Cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes with less oil, making it a guilt-free crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile & Family-Friendly: Suitable for lunches, dinner, or game day snacks – even picky eaters can t resist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient works together to create that crispy, flavorful coating and the sweet heat that makes this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe so addictive. I recommend using fresh spices and quality chicken breasts for the best results.
- Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips for perfect tenders; fresh or thawed works best.
- Egg: Creates a sticky base so the coating sticks evenly to the chicken.
- Water: Just a splash to thin the egg for easier coating.
- Cornflake cereal: Crushed for a crunchy crust that s lighter than traditional breadcrumbs.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick to the breading mix.
- Smoked paprika: Gives a subtle smokiness that really deepens the flavor.
- Cayenne pepper: The heat backbone of the breading-adjust to your spice tolerance.
- Dried thyme: Adds a fresh herbal note to the crust.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: Infuse savory depth without moisture from fresh ingredients.
- Unsalted butter: For the hot honey sauce-to keep the sweetness mellow and silky.
- Honey: Use real honey for natural sweetness that balances the spice.
- Hot sauce: Your favorite brand to customize the level and style of heat.
- Cooking oil spray: Avocado oil spray works great for air fryer crispiness without sogginess.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a hint of flavor.
Variations
I love mixing things up with this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe depending on what I have around or the occasion. Feel free to customize the heat level, coating, or the hot honey drizzle for your personal spin – it s a great base recipe for creativity!
- Use Panko breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, swap cornflakes with panko crumbs-though cornflakes add a unique texture I ve come to adore.
- Adjust spice level: Increase cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a fiery kick, or reduce for a milder taste perfect for kids.
- Gluten-free option: Cornflakes are often gluten-free, but double-check your brand for safe substitutions if needed.
- Swap hot honey: Use your favorite store-bought hot honey sauce to skip making it yourself; I do this when I m short on time.
- Make it vegan: Use plant-based chicken strips and a flax egg to adapt the recipe while keeping that crispy coating and hot honey sauce intact.
How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Crunchy Coating
Start by crushing your cornflake cereal – I find that using a resealable plastic bag and a rolling pin works like a charm. You want coarse crumbs, not powdery crumbs, to get that awesome crunch. Next, whisk together your egg and just a splash of water in a shallow bowl; this helps the coating stick perfectly. In another bowl, mix your cornflake crumbs with all the spices-salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder-to make a flavorful crust that sticks to the chicken beautifully.
Step 2: Bread Your Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off, then press it into the cornflake-spice mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated. This two-step breading method ensures the crispy crust really clings to every bite. Transfer your breaded tenders to a plate or baking sheet as you go. I like to keep the coating intact by gently pressing the crumbs onto the chicken rather than just tossing it around.
Step 3: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Now, spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking, then arrange about 4-5 tenders in a single layer with some space between them for even cooking. Don t overcrowd the basket – I learned this the hard way, and it really helps with that crispiness. Give the tenders a quick spray on top before setting your air fryer to 400°F, cooking for 8-10 minutes. They re done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature hits 165°F-juicy and safe to eat!
Step 4: Whip Up Your Hot Honey Sauce
While the chicken is cooking, melt your butter gently over medium heat in a small saucepan. Add honey and your favorite hot sauce and stir, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes until everything is melded together. The result is a smooth, spicy-sweet drizzle that elevates these tenders beyond ordinary.
Step 5: Drizzle, Garnish, and Dig In!
Once your chicken tenders are out of the air fryer, drizzle them generously with that glorious hot honey sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh minced parsley if you want that pop of color and freshness. I love serving mine with a side of ranch dressing-it cools down the heat and adds another layer of flavor. Grab a napkin because these are finger-lickin good!
Pro Tips for Making Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Don t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: Giving tenders room lets the hot air circulate for that ultimate crispiness.
- Press the Coating On Firmly: This prevents crumbs from falling off mid-cook, so your tenders stay crunchy.
- Adjust Heat to Your Taste: I always start with less cayenne and add more hot sauce to the honey-tasting as I go.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To avoid under or overcooking, check that the chicken hits 165°F for juicy results.
How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
I usually go simple and fresh here: a sprinkle of minced fresh parsley adds a touch of color and a subtle herbal brightness. For a little extra flair, a dash of flaky sea salt right after frying brings out the flavors beautifully. Sometimes, a sprinkle of thinly sliced green onions gives a nice mild onion crunch that pairs well with the spicy sweetness.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these tenders with crispy oven-baked fries or a fresh green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Another favorite is a simple coleslaw – creamy and tangy, it cools off the heat and adds crunch. For something lighter, steamed green beans or roasted broccoli also work really well to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Whenever I m serving these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe for a party or game day, I like to thread them onto skewers for easy dipping and eating. They also look great arranged on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey. For a fun twist, serve them slider-style with mini buns, lettuce, and pickles for a finger-food feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they stay good for about 3-4 days. To keep the coating crispy, I always let them cool completely before storing, and then reheat them carefully in the air fryer or oven instead of the microwave.
Freezing
Freezing this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe works wonderfully. I flash freeze the breaded tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you re ready, reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer – just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This is a lifesaver for busy nights!
Reheating
I recommend reheating leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. This brings back the crispiness without drying out the chicken. If you don t have an air fryer, a 375°F oven for 8-10 minutes works well too. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch intact.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen chicken tenders instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken tenders, but make sure they re fully thawed and patted dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better and ensures the chicken cooks evenly in the air fryer.
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What kind of hot sauce works best for the hot honey sauce?
I usually go with a classic Louisiana-style hot sauce or anything with a nice vinegar kick to compliment the honey s sweetness. Feel free to experiment-sriracha or chipotle hot sauce give interesting flavor twists too!
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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Cornflakes are often gluten-free but check the packaging to be sure. Alternatively, you can use certified gluten-free crushed cereals or panko breadcrumbs to keep the coating crispy and gluten-free.
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Do I have to make the hot honey sauce from scratch?
Not at all! If you re short on time, store-bought hot honey works perfectly-just skip the step where you melt butter, honey, and hot sauce. Pour it directly on your cooked tenders and enjoy.
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How do I check if the chicken tenders are cooked through?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 165°F. The tenders should also be golden brown and no longer pink inside when you slice into one.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen for all the right reasons. It s easy, quick, and just downright delicious every single time. I love sharing it with friends and family because it s that kind of recipe that feels like a treat but is still simple enough for a busy weeknight. Give it a try-you might just find yourself making it over and over, just like I do!
Print
Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 chicken tenders (serves 4-5)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy, spicy, and sweet, these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of crunchy cornflake breading and a sticky hot honey drizzle. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack, this recipe uses an air fryer to achieve golden brown chicken tenders with less oil and fuss. The hot honey sauce adds a flavorful kick balanced by a touch of sweetness, making these tenders a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Egg Wash
- 1 large egg
- a 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 preferred) for air fryer
- Minced fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Cornflake Crumbs and Breading Mix: Place the cornflake cereal into a resealable plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin or skillet, or pulse in a food processor until finely crumbed. In one shallow bowl, whisk together the egg with a splash of water until smooth. In another bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder; stir well to combine.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, coating all sides and letting excess drip off. Then press the chicken into the seasoned cornflake crumbs, making sure all sides are thoroughly coated. Place the breaded tenders on a plate or baking sheet as you go.
- 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 even air circulation. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with oil spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Repeat for additional batches as needed.
- Make Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add honey and hot sauce, stirring to combine. Allow to simmer gently for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors together.
- Drizzle and Serve: Remove cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and drizzle generously with the hot honey sauce. Garnish with minced fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately. For an extra touch, offer ranch dressing on the side to cool down the heat.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 10 chicken tenders, which serves about 4-5 people.
- Store-bought hot honey can be substituted for the homemade hot honey sauce; simply omit the butter, honey, and hot sauce ingredients and use your favorite hot honey brand directly on the tenders.
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the breaded tenders in a 400°F oven for 20-23 minutes, turning once halfway through.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air flow and even crisping of the chicken tenders.
- Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked to 165°F internal temperature.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 chicken tenders
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
