Are you in the mood for a crispy and spicy snack that packs a punch? My Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are the perfect recipe to satisfy your cravings! These golden chicken strips are coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and glazed with a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce that will have you coming back for more. Best of all, they’re made in the air fryer, so you get that crispy texture without all the extra oil. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a tasty treat, these tenders will hit the spot. Let’s dive into how to make these delicious bites!
Method
Start by preparing the chicken tenders. Seasoning the Chicken is the first step. In a large bowl, add your chicken strips and season them with salt, pepper, onion granules, garlic granules, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until each strip is evenly coated with the seasoning, making sure the flavors are well distributed.
Next, it’s time for the Dredging process. In a separate bowl, beat one egg and stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce. In another bowl, crush the cornflakes until they’re in smaller, bite-sized pieces. Take each seasoned chicken strip, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it in the crushed cornflakes. Set the coated chicken strips aside on a plate to get them ready for the air fryer.
Now, Cooking the Chicken is the next step. Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the basket or tray of the air fryer with cooking oil to prevent the chicken from sticking. Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer inside the basket, making sure they’re not overlapping. This ensures that each tender gets that crispy, golden texture. Air fry the chicken for 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process to ensure an even crisp on both sides.
While the chicken is cooking, you can prepare the Hot Honey Glaze. In a small frying pan, melt the butter over low heat. Once the butter is melted, add the honey, hot sauce, and chili flakes to the pan. Stir everything together, allowing the ingredients to meld. Let the glaze simmer on low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. If you find that the glaze thickens too much, simply add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Once the glaze is ready, remove the pan from the heat and set it aside.When the air fryer beeps, it’s time to check if the chicken is cooked through. Finishing the Chicken is essential—ensure that the tenders are fully cooked by cutting one open or checking with a meat thermometer. Once confirmed, remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and either Coating with the Glaze or brushing them with the hot honey sauce. You can dip each chicken strip directly into the glaze or use a pastry brush to coat them with the sticky, spicy goodness. Serve immediately and enjoy these crispy, flavorful tenders!
Necessary Tools
- Air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Cooking spray
- Frying pan
- Pastry brush (for glazing)
- Tongs
Hot Honey Chicken Tenders: Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy!
Cuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy10
servings10
minutes16
minutes26
minutesIngredients
400g Chicken breast, cut into thick strips
1/2 tsp Salt
1/2 tsp Ground black pepper
1/2 tsp Onion granules
1 tsp Garlic granules
1 tsp Smoked paprika
For dredging:
Corn flakes, crushed
1 egg, beaten (add 1 tsp hot sauce)
For the hot honey glaze:
1 tbsp Unsalted butter
1/2 cup Honey
1 tbsp Hot sauce
1 tsp Chilli flakes
Directions
- In a bowl, add the chicken strips. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, onion granules, garlic granules, and smoked paprika. Toss well until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.
- For the dredging, beat the egg and mix in 1 teaspoon of hot sauce. In a separate bowl, crush your cornflakes into smaller pieces. Take each chicken strip, dip it in the egg mixture, then coat it in the crushed cornflakes. Set the coated strips aside on a plate.
- Preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the tray with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they’re not overlapping. Cook for 16 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
- While the chicken cooks, make the hot honey glaze. In a small pan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the honey, hot sauce, and chilli flakes. Stir well and let it simmer for about 2 minutes. If the glaze seems too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to loosen it up. Once it’s done, remove from heat and set aside.
- When the chicken is finished cooking, check that it’s cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if necessary. Remove the tenders from the air fryer and either dip them in the hot honey glaze or use a pastry brush to brush the glaze on. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, spicy goodness!
Notes
- Make sure to flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure they get crispy all over.
- If you want extra crispiness, spray a little more oil on the chicken tenders halfway through cooking.
- Be mindful of the glaze consistency. If it thickens too much, simply add a bit of water to get it to your desired consistency.
- When dipping the chicken in the glaze, be sure to coat each tender thoroughly for maximum flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are perfect on their own as a snack, but they also pair wonderfully with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some creamy coleslaw. For a dip, try ranch, blue cheese, or even a bit more hot sauce for extra heat.
Fun Fact
Did you know that honey has natural antibacterial properties? So, while you’re enjoying this tasty treat, you’re also benefiting from the natural goodness of honey! Plus, it adds that perfect sweetness that balances out the heat from the hot sauce. It’s the best of both worlds!
Conclusion
These Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are a game-changer. They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet and spicy glaze that you won’t be able to get enough of. Plus, the air fryer makes them easy to prepare without the hassle of deep frying. Whether you’re making them for dinner, a snack, or party appetizers, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them out and let me know what you think!
