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Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

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3.8 from 10 reviews

These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are perfectly crispy, tender, and bursting with flavor. Coated in a seasoned flour and crushed corn flakes mixture, then air fried to a golden crisp, they’re finished with a sticky, sweet, and spicy hot honey sauce that adds the perfect kick. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, this recipe makes a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer or dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1.5 lb uncooked chicken tenders
  • 3 tsp garlic powder (divided)
  • 3 tsp paprika (divided)
  • 3 tsp onion powder (divided)
  • 1 tsp salt (divided)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (divided)
  • 1½ tsp chili powder (divided)

Coating

  • 2 cups corn flakes (crushed)
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs

Hot Honey Sauce

  • 3 tbsp Texas Pete hot sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • ½ cup honey
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken: In a bowl, combine 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp chili powder. Rub this spice mix evenly over the chicken tenders to ensure they are well coated.
  2. Prepare the flour mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix 1½ cups all-purpose flour with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp chili powder. This will be the first coating layer for the tenders.
  3. Prepare the corn flakes coating: In another shallow bowl, combine 2 cups crushed corn flakes with 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp onion powder, and ½ tsp chili powder. This adds crunch and extra flavor.
  4. Prepare egg wash: In a third bowl, whisk the 2 large eggs until smooth. This helps the coating stick to the chicken.
  5. Coat the chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg wash, followed by coating with the seasoned crushed corn flakes. Set coated tenders aside.
  6. Preheat and prepare air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook the tenders: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding. Spray the tops with cooking spray. Cook for 8 minutes.
  8. Flip and finish cooking: Flip the chicken tenders, spray the tops again with cooking spray, and cook for an additional 8-10 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  9. Make the hot honey sauce: While the chicken cooks, melt 2 tbsp butter in a small bowl. Stir in ½ cup honey and 3 tbsp Texas Pete hot sauce until well combined.
  10. Toss the tenders: Once cooked, immediately toss the hot chicken tenders in the hot honey sauce, coating evenly.
  11. Serve: Serve the hot honey air fryer chicken tenders immediately for best taste and crispiness.

Notes

  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Use an instant-read thermometer to confirm chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce or honey in the sauce to control sweetness and spiciness to your preference.
  • For extra crunch, use fresh corn flakes and crush them just before coating.
  • Cooking times can vary based on air fryer models, so check tenders a few minutes before the end time.

Find it online: https://cozyplatter.com/hot-honey-air-fryer-chicken-tenders-recipe/