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Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A close-up stack of crispy hot honey chicken tenders dripping with a thick, shiny glaze.
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Make these crispy hot honey chicken tenders using your air fryer or oven. They feature a crunchy coating and a perfect sweet and spicy homemade hot honey glaze, ideal for a quick weeknight chicken dinner or game day appetizers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch wide tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray or oil for air fryer/baking
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Set up your breading station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second dish, and the Panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the Panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Prepare the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Remove from heat.
  5. To Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
  6. To Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray or oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
  7. Once cooked, immediately toss the hot chicken tenders in the prepared hot honey glaze until fully coated.
  8. Serve your sweet and spicy chicken immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, you can use crushed cornflakes instead of Panko breadcrumbs in your coating mixture.
  • If you prefer a less messy application, you can brush the hot honey glaze onto the tenders after they are cooked instead of tossing them in a bowl.
  • This recipe works well for game day chicken appetizers or a main dinner course.

Nutrition

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