Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you’re after crispy, flavor-packed chicken tenders with a crave-worthy sweet-and-spicy kick, these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders absolutely deliver! They’re golden, crunchy, juicy, and the homemade hot honey sauce will have you licking your fingers and scheming when you can make them again.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with basic kitchen staples—but don’t underestimate how each one shapes every bite! The secret to these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is in the balance: juicy chicken, crunchy coating, and that sticky-sweet heat. Here’s how the magic happens:

• Chicken Breasts: Sliced into tenders, they cook up juicy and perfectly tender in the air fryer.
• Egg: Helps the crumb coating stick to every nook and cranny of the chicken.
• Cornflake Cereal: When crushed, these make the breading extra crunchy and golden (way more fun than regular breadcrumbs!).
• Kosher Salt: Brings out the full flavor of the chicken and balances the sweet honey.
• Black Pepper & Smoked Paprika: Add warmth and a subtle smokiness to the crust.
• Cayenne Pepper: Gives you that undercurrent of heat in the coating (use more or less to taste).
• Dried Thyme, Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Herbaceous, savory notes that round out every bite.
• Honey: The main star in your hot honey sauce—rich, floral sweetness.
• Hot Sauce: Choose your favorite brand for the perfect punch of spicy flavor in the sauce!
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the hot honey sauce cling to the tenders.
• Cooking Oil Spray: Avocado oil works beautifully to crisp the exterior without extra calories.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional, but so good for a pop of color and a fresh finish.

Variations

The best part about Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders? They’re a total blank canvas! Play with coatings, spice levels, or sauce twists depending on your cravings, your pantry, or your family’s favorite flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Kid-Friendly: Skip the cayenne in the breading and use a mild hot sauce for a gentle sweetness that little ones love.
• Buffalo-Style: Swap the hot honey for buffalo sauce and toss the cooked tenders for classic game-day energy.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free cornflakes for the coating—just as crunchy and satisfying!
• Oven-Baked Option: No air fryer? Pop these in a 400°F oven on a wire rack for 20–23 minutes—still crispy and golden.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Crush and Prep the Coating

Grab those cornflakes and get a little hands-on! Place them in a resealable bag and crush them with a rolling pin (or blitz in a food processor) until you have rough, sandy crumbs. This step makes all the difference for that craveable crunch. Mix your cornflake crumbs with the spices, salt, and herbs in a shallow bowl.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Whisk together your egg and a splash of water in a shallow bowl to create a simple egg wash. Line up your egg wash, cornflake coating, and an empty plate or tray so you have an assembly line ready to go—this keeps the breading mess controlled and easy!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash and let any excess drip off. Then, press it firmly into the cornflake mixture, turning to make sure every side is coated in flavorful crumbs. Transfer each finished tender to your awaiting plate, ready for the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Mist the basket with cooking spray and arrange 4–5 breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space for crisping (work in batches if needed!). Give them a quick mist of oil on top, then air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the crust is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temp should hit 165°F).

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While your tenders sizzle, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and your favorite hot sauce, then let everything mingle and bubble for a minute or two—this thickens the sauce and blends the flavors for a mouthwatering finish.

Step 6: Drizzle, Garnish, and Serve!

Once your Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfectly crispy, pile them on a serving platter, drizzle generously with that glorious hot honey sauce, and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve hot, grab a dipping sauce if you love, and enjoy the party in your mouth!

How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A fresh scatter of chopped parsley or cilantro gives your Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders that bright, herby finish that makes them picture-perfect. For an extra pop, a pinch of flaky sea salt or even a few pickled jalapeño slices will dial up the wow factor.

Side Dishes

Pair these chicken tenders with cooling sides like ranch or blue cheese dip, a simple coleslaw, or crisp veggies to balance the heat. Classic fries, buttery corn on the cob, or a tangy cucumber salad round out the meal beautifully!

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your tenders on a wooden board with little bowls of hot honey, ranch, and pickle chips for a fun, crowd-pleasing snack platter. Or, tuck them into toasted buns with extra sauce, lettuce, and sliced pickles for the most epic hot honey chicken sandwiches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders can be cooled completely, then stashed in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Wait to add the hot honey sauce until just before serving to keep the coating crisp.

Freezing

Freeze cooked, unsauced tenders in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months and reheat beautifully (see below for best results)!

Reheating

To restore that glorious crunch, reheat tenders in your air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes, or in a 400°F oven until hot. Add hot honey sauce after reheating for the freshest flavor and crispest coating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Trust me: once you try Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, you’ll be hooked! They’re quick, crowd-pleasing, and so much fun to make—and eat. Don’t be surprised if they hit legendary status at your dinner table or party. Go on, give them a whirl and let your taste buds celebrate!

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