If you’re a fan of crispy, flavorful chicken tenders with a sweet and spicy kick, these honey buffalo chicken tenders are going to be your new favorite! Made in the air fryer, they’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a delicious honey buffalo sauce that’s both sweet and fiery. The perfect balance of heat and sweetness makes each bite irresistible. These tenders are easy to make and ready in just under 30 minutes perfect for a quick dinner or a fun snack!
Method
To start, we need to prepare the chicken tenders. Begin by placing the chicken strips in a large bowl. Add the onion granules, garlic granules, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt to the chicken. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together, making sure the chicken is evenly coated with the seasoning mixture. This step ensures each bite of the chicken will be packed with flavor.
Once the chicken is well-seasoned, it’s time to dredge the chicken. Set up a dredging station with three bowls. In the first bowl, place some plain flour. In the second, beat the eggs until they are smooth. In the third bowl, crush the cornflakes until they are fine crumbs. Take each chicken strip and dip it first into the flour, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess egg drip off. Lastly, coat the chicken in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently to make sure it’s evenly covered. Once each chicken strip is dredged, set it aside.
Next, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will help the chicken cook evenly and get that perfect crispy texture. Cook the tenders for 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are golden and crispy on both sides.
While the chicken cooks, it’s time to prepare the honey buffalo sauce. In a bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, honey, and melted butter. Stir the mixture until it is smooth and well combined, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce.Once the cooking cycle is complete, check the chicken to make sure it’s fully cooked (the internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F). When the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the air fryer. Now, coat the chicken in the honey buffalo sauce. You can dip each tender into the sauce or roll it around in the bowl until it’s fully coated. For extra flavor and a pop of color, top the chicken with freshly chopped chives. Serve your tenders with a side of sour cream to cool down the heat from the sauce and add a creamy contrast. Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy honey buffalo chicken tenders!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Shallow bowl or plate for dredging
- Chopping board and knife
Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy Perfection!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy3
servings9
minutes16
minutes25
minutesIngredients
400g Chicken breast, cut into thick strips
1/4 tsp of each: Onion granules, garlic granules, ground black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt
For dredging:
Plain flour
Cornflakes, crushed
2 eggs, beaten
For the sauce:
1/2 cup Buffalo sauce
2 tbsp Honey
1 tbsp Melted butter
Directions
- Start by preparing the chicken tenders. In a large bowl, add the chicken strips, and then sprinkle in all of the seasonings: onion granules, garlic granules, black pepper, smoked paprika, and salt. Toss everything together so the chicken is well-coated in the spices.
- Next, it’s time to dredge the chicken. Set up a dredging station with three separate bowls. First, add some plain flour to one bowl. In the second, whisk the eggs until they’re well-beaten. Finally, crush the cornflakes and place them in the third bowl. Take each chicken strip and dip it first in the flour, then in the egg, and lastly in the cornflakes, pressing gently to coat it evenly. Once coated, set the chicken tenders aside.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the air fryer tray with oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 16 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time to ensure they become golden and crispy on both sides.
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the honey buffalo sauce. In a bowl, combine the buffalo sauce, honey, and melted butter. Stir it well to mix the ingredients and create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
- Once the chicken tenders are done cooking, check that they are cooked through (the internal temperature should reach 75°C or 165°F). Remove the tenders from the air fryer and dip or roll them in the honey buffalo sauce. For an extra touch, top them with some freshly chopped chives. Serve with a side of sour cream for a creamy contrast to the heat of the sauce. Enjoy your crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken tenders!
Notes
- Be sure to coat the chicken well with the flour, egg, and cornflake mixture. A thin layer will not give the chicken the crispy texture you’re looking for.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. For the best results, cook the chicken in a single layer, giving each piece enough space to crisp up perfectly.
- If your air fryer runs hot, check the chicken a few minutes early to avoid overcooking. Adjust the cooking time if needed.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these honey buffalo chicken tenders with a side of crispy fries or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- They make a great appetizer for game day or parties—serve them with a tangy ranch or blue cheese dip!
- Pair with a fresh salad to balance out the heat with some cool, crunchy greens.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the iconic buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo, New York? It was created in 1964 at the Anchor Bar, where the first-ever buffalo wings were served. This sauce is now a beloved staple in kitchens worldwide!
Conclusion
These honey buffalo chicken tenders are the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and sweet. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the air fryer, you can have a mouthwatering dish ready in no time. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or serving them as an appetizer for guests, these tenders are sure to impress. Try this recipe, and I promise you’ll be hooked on the flavor-packed crunch!
