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Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A pile of crispy, golden-brown hot honey chicken tenders drizzled generously with sticky glaze.
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Make crunchy, sweet, and spicy chicken tenders quickly using an air fryer. This recipe features a cornflake coating for maximum crispiness and a simple homemade hot honey glaze.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1.5 cups crushed cornflakes (about 3 cups whole flakes)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer)
  • For the Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Set up a dredging station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second dish, and the crushed cornflakes in a third dish.
  3. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each strip first in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the cornflakes to coat completely.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch. Work in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the glaze: Combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until just simmering and well combined. Remove from heat.
  8. Once the tenders are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
  9. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For an oven-baked option, place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • To make this gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed rice cereal.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer it for an extra minute or two until it reduces slightly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://magazinemeal.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-recipe/