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Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A close-up of crispy, golden-brown hot honey chicken tenders piled high on a white plate, glistening with sauce.
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Make easy, crispy chicken tenders using an air fryer or oven, coated in a balanced sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This recipe delivers a juicy interior and a crunchy exterior perfect for a weeknight meal or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cooking spray (or 1 tablespoon oil for oven baking)
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or similar)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken strips completely dry with paper towels. This helps achieve crispiness.
  2. Set up a dredging station: Place flour mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika on one plate. Place beaten eggs on a second plate. Mix panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese on a third plate.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Coat each strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg, letting excess drip off. Finally, press firmly into the panko mixture to coat completely.
  4. Cook the tenders: If using an air fryer, lightly spray the breaded tenders with cooking spray. Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). If baking, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping once.
  5. Make the glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and garlic powder in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat until just simmering, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
  6. Glaze the tenders: Once the chicken is cooked, immediately toss the hot tenders in the prepared hot honey glaze until evenly coated.
  7. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness in the oven, use a wire rack set inside your baking sheet to allow air circulation around the bottom of the tenders.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the heat level to your preference.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for an extra minute or two until it reduces slightly.

Nutrition

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