Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

If you love that irresistible combination of sweet, spicy, and ultra-crunchy, these Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are going to be your new obsession! Made easy in the air fryer with a cornflake crust and drizzled with homemade hot honey, every bite is packed with flavor and texture that will have you coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great chicken tenders start with just a handful of simple ingredients—each one plays a part! From the crunchy cornflake coating to the luscious hot honey, every element boosts taste, texture, and color to make these Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders truly special.

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Slice into strips for that classic tender shape; they’re lean, juicy, and perfect for coating.
• Large egg + splash of water: The essential binder—egg wash helps the crumb coating grab onto every inch of chicken.
• Cornflake cereal: Crushed and crunchy, these make the finished tenders ultra-crisp and golden (so much better than plain breadcrumbs!).
• Kosher salt & black pepper: Seasoning basics for both the chicken and the breading—absolutely essential for flavor.
• Smoked paprika & cayenne pepper: These add gentle warmth and a smoky depth that cuts through the honey’s sweetness and brightens the chicken.
• Dried thyme, onion powder, garlic powder: Layer in savory, aromatic notes that bring the cornflake coating to life.
• Unsalted butter, honey, & hot sauce: Swirled together for a hot honey sauce that is buttery, spicy, and sweet—the real magic touch!
• Cooking oil spray (avocado oil recommended): Helps get a golden, crispy finish in the air fryer.
• Minced fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color as a garnish. Highly recommended for that “restaurant-style” look!

Variations

Part of the joy of Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders is how easily you can make them your own. Don’t hesitate to tweak things to match what’s in your pantry, your heat tolerance, or any dietary needs—it’s easy!

• Swap the flakes: Try crushed Rice Krispies, panko breadcrumbs, or even plain potato chips for a different crunch and flavor.
• Pick your protein: Use boneless chicken thighs for extra-juicy bites, or swap in tofu strips for a plant-based version (just press out excess moisture first).
• Adjust the heat: Prefer mild? Dial back the cayenne and hot sauce. Craving more fire? Choose a hotter sauce or add extra cayenne to the breading.
• Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cornflakes and double-check your hot sauce for hidden gluten—it’s that simple!

How to Make Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prepare the Cornflake Breading

Start by crushing your cornflake cereal—this is your golden ticket for that epic crunch. Pop the cornflakes into a resealable bag and gently crush with a rolling pin (or blitz them in a food processor if you’re after even finer crumbs). This step makes sure every tender ends up perfectly coated and crispy.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Grab two shallow bowls and an empty plate or baking sheet for your assembly line. Whisk together the egg and splash of water in the first bowl until smooth. In the second, combine your cornflake crumbs with all the spices and seasonings, then stir well to distribute that flavor everywhere.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken strip and dip it into the egg wash, turning to coat all over and letting any excess drip off. Next, press the chicken firmly into the cornflake mixture, making sure every surface is covered with that seasoned crunch. Place finished tenders onto your plate, ready for the air fryer.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Coat the basket lightly with cooking oil spray, then arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without crowding (work in batches as needed). Mist the tops with more oil spray for extra crunch, then cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping once if your air fryer requires. You want each tender deeply golden and cooked to 165°F in the center.

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the tenders are cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the honey and hot sauce, whisking until combined. Let it bubble for a minute or two to thicken slightly—this lets the flavors meld into the ultimate sweet-heat drizzle!

Step 6: Drizzle and Serve

Arrange your golden chicken tenders on a plate, liberally spoon or drizzle the hot honey sauce over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you like. Don’t wait—Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are best enjoyed piping hot, especially with some cool ranch for dipping!

How to Serve Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

These golden beauties look even more special with a final flourish. Try a shower of minced fresh parsley for color or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to really make the sweet-hot glaze pop. If you love a little tang, a squeeze of fresh lemon over top is amazing!

Side Dishes

Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders pair well with just about anything, but I especially love them alongside classic fries, a cool coleslaw, or a crisp green salad. For dipping, go with creamy ranch, blue cheese, or even extra hot honey for the true spice lovers at the table.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it a platter for sharing: serve the tenders piled high with ramekins of ranch, extra hot honey, and fresh-cut veggies on the side. Or tuck the tenders into slider rolls for hot honey chicken sandwiches—just add slaw and pickles for an unforgettable party bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible—this lets you re-crisp the chicken before drizzling on more hot honey.

Freezing

Breaded and cooked chicken tenders freeze wonderfully! Place cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen for a lightning-fast snack or lunch.

Reheating

For the crispiest result, reheat the chicken tenders in the air fryer or oven at 375°F until hot and crunchy again (about 5–8 minutes). Avoid the microwave if you can—it can make the breading soggy. Add freshly warmed hot honey right before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s just something so delightfully joyful about sharing a tray of Crunchy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders fresh from the air fryer. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just a cozy night in, this recipe delivers big flavor, amazing crunch, and a happy table every time. I hope you give these a try—and get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!

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