Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Hot Honey Chicken Tenders made with an easy air-fried method. Tender chicken breast strips are coated in a seasoned flour and panko mixture, air fried to golden perfection, and drizzled with a spicy, sweet hot honey sauce for the perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Tenders
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- 1 cup flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 1 teaspoon pepper (divided)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more or less to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the coating: In a shallow dish, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, mix panko breadcrumbs with remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the seasoned flour, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture ensuring an even coating.
- Preheat and prepare air fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer; cook in batches if necessary.
- Air fry the chicken: Spray the coated chicken strips lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes. Flip the tenders, spritz again with cooking spray, and continue cooking for an additional 4-5 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Make the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir frequently until the butter is melted and the sauce is well blended.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken tenders or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce to control the spiciness to your preference.
- Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and size of chicken tenders.
- For extra crispiness, make sure to spray the chicken tenders with cooking oil before air frying.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer to retain crispness.
- This recipe can be made gluten free by substituting gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Keywords: Hot Honey Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Crispy Chicken, Spicy Honey Sauce, Easy Chicken Recipe
Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-recipe/
