Name: Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; 2 Tbsp unsalted butter; 1/4 cup honey; 3 – 4 Tbsp hot sauce (your favorite brand); Cooking oil spray (avocado oil recommended) for the air fryer; Minced fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 6 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that delivers juicy, crispy, and sweet-spicy flavors all at once, look no further than this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe. These chicken tenders are coated in a satisfyingly crunchy cornflake breading, air fried to golden perfection, and then lavishly drizzled with a luscious homemade hot honey sauce that balances heat with sweetness in the most delightful way. It’s comfort food elevated, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A metal pot filled with a smooth, rich brown sauce that has a slightly shiny and swirled surface inside it. The pot is resting on a white marbled surface, with soft lighting highlighting the texture of the sauce. The sauce layer is uniform without any visible chunks or garnishes, showing a glossy and thick consistency. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe shines thanks to its simple, straightforward ingredients that each bring something special to the plate. Every component contributes to making these tenders irresistibly crispy, flavorful, and perfectly sauced.

Chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, these provide the juicy base of the dish with tender meat that’s perfect for dipping and coating.
Egg and water for egg wash: Helps the breading adhere firmly to each tender, ensuring every bite stays crunchy.
Cornflake cereal: Crushed cornflakes create a golden, crackly crust that’s lighter than traditional breadcrumbs but just as crispy.
Seasoning spices: Kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder together build a rich, layered flavor profile with a subtle kick.
Unsalted butter, honey, and hot sauce: These combine into the signature hot honey sauce, bringing a gorgeous balance of richness, sweetness, and heat to drizzle over the tenders.
Avocado oil spray: Used to lightly coat the tenders and air fryer basket, this oil spray ensures an even, crispy fry without extra grease.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green color as garnish.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Breading and Air Fryer

Start by crushing the cornflake cereal until it forms golden crumbs that will coat your tenders beautifully. You can do this by placing the cereal in a resealable plastic bag and gently rolling over it with a rolling pin, or by pulsing in a food processor. While this may seem simple, the consistency of the crumbs is key to achieving that satisfying crunch you want. Then whisk your egg and water together until smooth to create your egg wash. Finally, mix your seasoning blend into the cornflake crumbs—this is where all the flavor magic begins. Don’t forget to preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for cooking.

Step 2: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Dip each chicken strip one by one into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then coat thoroughly with the seasoned cornflake crumbs. Press the crumbs onto the chicken well, as this ensures every bit of that crispy crust sticks during air frying. Lay the breaded tenders on a plate, repeating until all the chicken is coated. This method guarantees an even, crispy coating every time you bite in.

Step 3: Air Fry for Perfect Crispiness

Lightly spray your air fryer basket with avocado oil spray to prevent sticking, then arrange 4-5 chicken tenders in the basket with space between each for the hot air to circulate and crisp the breading evenly. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders as well for extra golden color. Air fry in batches if needed for 8 to 10 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, turning golden brown and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 4: Prepare the Hot Honey Sauce

While your tenders cook, melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey and your favorite hot sauce, combining until smooth and warmed through. Let it simmer just for a minute or two to marry the flavors—this luscious sauce is the crown jewel of this recipe, perfectly marrying sweet and spicy notes.

Step 5: Drizzle and Serve

Once the chicken tenders are out of the air fryer, generously drizzle the hot honey sauce over them. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness if desired. Serve immediately while warm, paired with a cooling dip like ranch if you want to balance out the heat. Trust me, every bite is pure joy!

How to Serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a crispy, golden brown fried chicken piece resting on a crumpled brown paper. On top of the chicken, a rich, shiny orange-red sauce is being poured from a wooden spoon, creating a glossy coating that drips down the sides. Small green herb leaves are sprinkled on the sauce, adding a fresh contrast to the textured, crunchy surface of the chicken. The background has a soft focus with more chicken pieces visible. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley not only gives your tenders a pretty pop of green but also adds a subtle herbaceous note that complements the honey and spice beautifully. For extra flair, a scatter of finely chopped scallions or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten and lift the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

These tenders pair wonderfully with crispy air-fried fries or a fresh green salad to keep the meal balanced and satisfying. If you want something a bit more indulgent, creamy mashed potatoes or coleslaw can help mellow the spice while adding comfort. The key is to choose sides that contrast or amplify the crunchy, saucy goodness of the tenders.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe bites on mini slider buns topped with coleslaw for a sweet-spicy sandwich experience. Alternatively, plate them as skewers for parties or cut the tenders into nuggets and serve with a selection of dipping sauces for an interactive appetizer platter everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover chicken tenders, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this flavorful meal without having to cook again soon after.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fully cooked chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to preserve their texture and flavor.

Reheating

To bring crispiness back to refrigerated or thawed Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 minutes. This revives the crunch without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to soften the breading, losing that signature texture.

FAQs

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of cornflakes?

Absolutely! Regular breadcrumbs will work, but the cornflakes provide a unique, extra-crispy texture that sets this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe apart. If using breadcrumbs, a panko style is best for maximum crunch.

How spicy is the hot honey sauce?

The sauce strikes a perfect balance between sweet and spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat by using more or less hot sauce depending on your preference. Starting with your favorite hot sauce ensures the flavor suits your palate.

Do I have to use an air fryer?

While this recipe is designed for the air fryer to achieve that crispy, less greasy finish, you can bake the tenders in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I make the hot honey sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the hot honey sauce ahead and store it in the fridge. Warm it slightly before drizzling over the chicken to keep that perfect sauce consistency and warmth.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Definitely! The chicken tenders hold up well for a few days and can be paired with various sides. Just keep the hot honey sauce separate until serving to maintain crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe is truly one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over because it hits all the right notes—crispy, juicy, spicy, and sweet all at once. It’s straightforward to prepare yet feels indulgent enough to impress guests or satisfy your own cravings any night of the week. Give it a try, and your taste buds will thank you.