Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy air-fried chicken tenders coated in a seasoned panko crust and drizzled with a spicy, sweet hot honey sauce, perfect for a flavorful and easy appetizer or main dish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the Hot Honey Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a shallow dish, combine the flour with 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs thoroughly. In a third shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko mixture to ensure an even, thorough coating.
- Prepare for Air Frying: Generously spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray to help crisp the coating during air frying.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket of the air fryer. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 4 minutes, then flip the tenders over, spritz again with cooking spray, and continue cooking for an additional 4 to 5 minutes until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked pepper. Stir frequently until the butter melts and all ingredients are well combined into a smooth sauce.
- Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the air-fried chicken tenders or serve the sauce on the side as a dip for maximum flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce according to your preferred spice level.
- For extra crispy tenders, be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Use cooking spray or brush lightly with oil to help the breading crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
- Serve with a side of veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, air fryer chicken, crispy chicken tenders, spicy honey chicken, panko chicken, easy appetizer, sweet and spicy chicken
Find it online: https://flavorsbymaya.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-recipe/
