Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and drizzled with spicy sweet hot honey. This quick and easy recipe delivers tender juicy chicken with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal for a snack, appetizer, or meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
- 3 cups cornflakes, crushed into small pieces (not too fine)
Egg Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Additional
- Cooking spray or oil (for air frying)
- Store-bought hot honey (for drizzling and dipping)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder until well combined.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender fully into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Place the coated tenders in the prepared air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Cook the tenders in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Cook until they are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Serve with Hot Honey: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and drizzle generously with store-bought hot honey. Alternatively, serve the hot honey on the side as a dipping sauce for added spice and sweetness.
Notes
- For an oven alternative, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Ensure the chicken tenders are cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
- Adjust the amount of hot honey to your preferred spice level.
- Using crushed cornflakes creates a wonderfully crispy coating that is a great gluten-free option if you use certified gluten-free cornflakes.
- Cooking spray helps achieve a golden crust without excess oil.
