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Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are crispy, spicy, and sweet, combining a crunchy cornflake coating with a vibrant hot honey drizzle. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier, quick meal that’s juicy on the inside and golden on the outside.

Ingredients

Chicken & Breading

  • 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

Hot Honey Sauce

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 – 4 Tbsp hot sauce (your favorite brand)

Other

  • Cooking oil spray (we like to use avocado oil) (for the air fryer)
  • Minced fresh parsley (for garnish – optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Crushing Cornflakes: Place 2 cups of cornflake cereal into a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or skillet until finely crumbed. Alternatively, pulse in a food processor.
  2. Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange 2 shallow bowls and an empty plate or baking sheet nearby. In the first bowl, whisk together 1 egg with a splash of water.
  3. Season Cornflake Crumbs: In the second bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with 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, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Stir well.
  4. Preheat Air Fryer: Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow to preheat while preparing chicken.
  5. Breading Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, coating all sides then letting excess drip off. Transfer to the seasoned cornflake crumbs and press firmly to coat completely. Place coated tenders on the plate. Repeat for all tenders.
  6. Air Fry Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with avocado oil spray. Arrange 4-5 chicken tenders in the basket with space between each piece to allow air circulation; cook in batches as needed. Spray the tops of the tenders with oil spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
  7. Make Hot Honey Sauce: While chicken cooks, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup honey and 3-4 tablespoons hot sauce, stirring to combine. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened.
  8. Drizzle and Garnish: Plate the cooked chicken tenders and generously drizzle with the hot honey sauce. Garnish with minced fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately, optionally with ranch dressing for dipping to balance the heat.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, ensure chicken tenders are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper and hot sauce quantities to suit your preferred spice level.
  • Using cornflake crumbs gives a unique crunchy texture compared to breadcrumbs.
  • Leftover chicken tenders can be refrigerated and gently reheated in the air fryer to retain crispness.
  • Pair with a cooling ranch dip or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://bitezly.com/hot-honey-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/