Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you want to make chicken tenders that are irresistibly crispy, juicy, and sticky-sweet with a gentle punch of heat, you’ll fall in love with these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! The air fryer delivers golden perfection, while the homemade hot honey takes every bite gloriously over the top. This recipe is a total weeknight hero and crowd-pleaser—ready in about 30 minutes, with crave-worthy flavor in every crunchy bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s amazing about Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is just how a handful of everyday ingredients come together to create such a vibrant, unforgettable meal! Here’s what you’ll need, and why each one matters.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into tenders, these cook up juicy in the air fryer and are the perfect base for all that glorious breading.
• Large egg & splash of water: This simple egg wash helps the crunchy breading stick and ensures even coating.
• Cornflake cereal: Trust me, crushed cornflakes are a game changer for unbeatable crunch and gorgeous golden color!
• Kosher salt & black pepper: These basics help season every layer and highlight all the other flavors.
• Smoked paprika & cayenne pepper: These bring gentle heat and a subtle smokiness (don’t skip the paprika—it’s the magic touch).
• Dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder: This trio builds savory depth into the breading, making every bite pop.
• Unsalted butter: Lends richness and helps make the hot honey sauce velvety smooth.
• Honey & hot sauce: Sweet, sticky honey paired with your favorite hot sauce creates that signature hot honey drizzle (you control the heat level!).
• Cooking spray (like avocado oil): Just a little goes a long way to achieve that crispy finish in the air fryer.
• Minced fresh parsley (optional): A bright, herby sprinkle for serving—totally optional but adds a pop of color.

Variations

One of the best things about Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders is just how easy it is to make them your own. Go bold, swap a spice, or adjust the sauce to match your family’s cravings or dietary needs!

• Gluten-free version: Substitute gluten-free cornflakes (or a gluten-free crumb blend) for a celiac-friendly crispy coating.
• Mild or extra-spicy tenders: Dial back the cayenne and use a mild hot sauce, or double the spice if you love a fiery kick.
• Chicken thighs instead of breasts: Swap in boneless, skinless thighs for ultra-juicy, rich-flavored tenders.
• Store-bought hot honey shortcut: If you’re short on time, drizzle finished tenders with your favorite brand of ready-made hot honey!
• Oven-baked method: No air fryer? You can still get crispy, golden results baked in the oven—see the instructions below.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Crush and Season the Breading

Start by crushing your cornflake cereal into fine crumbs—either pop them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin (fun stress relief!) or pulse them a few times in your food processor. Then, mix those crumbs with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. This blend layers every bit of breading with irresistible flavor and texture.

Step 2: Make the Egg Wash

In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and a splash of water until you have a smooth mixture. This helps the cornflake crumb mixture cling beautifully to each chicken piece, so don’t skip this tiny but crucial step!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, letting the extra drip off, and then press every side into the seasoned cornflake crumbs. Pat gently to really pack those crumbs onto every nook—and set the finished tenders on a plate while you finish the batch. This keeps things tidy and organized for the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with oil, then arrange your chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure there’s room for airflow (work in batches if needed!). Spritz the tops of the tenders with more oil and cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once, until gorgeously golden and the internal temp hits 165°F. They’ll come out shatteringly crisp!

Step 5: Make and Drizzle the Hot Honey

While the chicken is cooking, melt butter in a small saucepan, then stir in the honey and your favorite hot sauce. Let it bubble gently for a minute or two—just enough for the flavors to meld into a luscious, sticky sauce. As soon as the tenders are done, drizzle them generously with your hot honey. Finish with a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A generous drizzle of hot honey is non-negotiable—let it soak into every crispy crag! For a fresh finish, toss on minced parsley or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a dusting of toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness.

Side Dishes

These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders absolutely love company—think classic sides like creamy coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or chilled cucumber salad to balance the sweet heat. If you want to make the meal more filling, add buttery corn on the cob or a simple mac and cheese. And don’t forget a cool dipping sauce (ranch or blue cheese!) to tame the heat if you need it.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack your tenders in a basket lined with parchment for that diner-style vibe, or pile them up on a wooden board with bowls of hot honey for dunking. You can also slice them up for an epic salad topper, layer them into a sandwich with pickles and slaw, or wrap them in tortillas for a spicy-sweet chicken tender taco night. The possibilities are endless!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders keep beautifully! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the hot honey sauce separate if possible so the coating stays crisp.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag or container and store for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer for best results!

Reheating

The air fryer is absolutely your best friend for reheating—just 3–4 minutes at 375°F returns them to crispy, just-cooked perfection. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake in a hot oven (425°F) until hot and crisped. Microwave works in a pinch, but that glorious crunch will fade a little.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are pure joy—bold, crunchy, and sticky-sweet in every bite. They’re the kind of meal you’ll turn to over and over, whether you want a quick family dinner, a fun game-day snack, or just something totally craveable. Give them a go—you’ll be hooked after just one bite!

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