Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Introduction
Looking for a crave-worthy meal that hits every note of sweet, spicy, and crispy? Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders deliver restaurant-level flavor and crunch with minimal oil and a fraction of the fuss. Using an air fryer makes these tenders reliably crisp without deep frying, and the hot honey glaze offers a bold, crowd-pleasing twist that’s perfect for game night, family dinners, or even meal prep.
Why You’ll Love These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
The real appeal of this recipe is in its perfect combination of texture and taste—the tenders are juicy on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and drenched in a sticky-sweet-hot sauce that’s utterly addictive. Air frying keeps things light and mess-free, making this dish fast enough for a weeknight, but special enough for any gathering.
Essential Tools for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
A reliable air fryer is the secret to a perfectly crunchy exterior. For consistently golden results, line your air fryer basket with Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll—it keeps everything nonstick and speeds up cleanup. To ensure your chicken is cooked safely and remains juicy, use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. An COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey makes cooking batches easy for both family meals and entertaining. For prepping slaw or quick-cut veggies as a side, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper is a huge time-saver.
How to Make Hot Honey and Get the Best Glaze
Hot honey is simple: gently heat honey, your favorite hot sauce, and a pinch of chili flakes until combined. The trick is not to overheat so the honey doesn’t become gummy. You can prepare it while the chicken crisps in your air fryer; just keep it warm for the perfect pour-and-coat moment after cooking.
Serving Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Pile tenders onto a platter with a crunchy slaw or fresh pickles. Serve with classic sides like crisp fries or a fresh salad stored in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, or pack leftovers for a work lunch. A squeeze of lemon brightens up the flavors, and extra hot honey on the side lets everyone dial up the heat to their liking.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields 4 servings, with each serving providing approximately 350–400 calories depending on breading and sauce. Protein-rich and oven-baked, it’s a balanced option fit for indulgence with less guilt.
Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders (Recap)
If you want juicy, crunchy chicken tenders with a sweet-and-spicy kick, this air fryer version is your new go-to. No deep frying, no mess, just maximum flavor—delivered fast and guaranteed to wow your crowd.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine chicken tenders and buttermilk. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 15–30 minutes for extra juiciness.
- Meanwhile, combine panko, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish.
- Preheat your COSORI Air Fryer 9-in-1, Compact & Large 6-Qt, Grey to 400°F. Line the basket with a piece of Reynolds Kitchens Brown Parchment Paper Roll for easy cleanup.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing to help it adhere.
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer; spray with a light mist from your TrendPlain Olive Oil Sprayer. Cook for 7–9 minutes per side, or until the coating is crisp and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (check with your ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
- While the chicken cooks, heat honey and hot sauce together in a small saucepan over low heat until combined. Stir in chili flakes, if using, then remove from heat.
- Transfer hot chicken tenders to a big bowl and drizzle with warm hot honey. Toss to coat evenly and serve immediately.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
