Description
Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders coated in crunchy cornflakes and finished with a sweet, spicy, garlicky honey sauce. This quick air fryer recipe is ready in about 20 minutes and makes an easy main course for two.
Ingredients
300 g chicken mini fillets, about 10.5 oz
3 tsp paprika
1 tsp cayenne pepper
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1 large egg, beaten
60 g crushed cornflakes, about 2 cups
4 tbsp honey
4 tsp dark soy sauce, light soy sauce also works
2 garlic cloves, minced
3 tsp hot sauce
Instructions
1. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C (350°F). If using an oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F).
2. Season the chicken mini fillets with paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
3. Place the beaten egg in one shallow bowl and the crushed cornflakes in another.
4. Dip each chicken tender into the egg, let the excess drip off, then press it into the crushed cornflakes until evenly coated.
5. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping.
6. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes until golden, crisp, and fully cooked. If baking, cook for 15 to 18 minutes.
7. While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, and hot sauce in a microwave-safe bowl.
8. Warm the sauce for 30 to 40 seconds on low power, then stir until smooth and fully combined.
9. Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked chicken tenders or gently toss them in the sauce until coated.
10. Serve immediately while the tenders are hot and crisp.
Notes
For extra crispiness, crush the cornflakes into coarse crumbs rather than a fine powder.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket because good airflow helps the coating crisp.
A light spray of cooking oil can help the exterior become even crunchier.
Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Add the hot honey sauce just before serving to help preserve the crispy texture.
For a milder version, reduce the cayenne pepper or replace it with smoked paprika.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the air fryer or oven for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 24 g
- Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Protein: 36 g