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Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

Close-up of crispy, glazed hot honey chicken tenders piled on a white plate, glistening under bright light.
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Make these crispy, juicy hot honey chicken tenders in your air fryer for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack. They feature a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray or oil for air fryer
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or similar)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken tender strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
  2. Set up a dredging station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten egg in a second dish, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
  5. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary. Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray or oil to promote crisping.
  6. Air fry for 10 to 14 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and cayenne pepper (if using). Heat gently until smooth and well combined, about 2 minutes. Do not boil.
  8. Remove the cooked, crispy tenders from the air fryer. Immediately toss them gently in a large bowl with the warm hot honey glaze until they are evenly coated.
  9. Serve the hot honey chicken tenders immediately.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness in the air fryer, ensure your panko breadcrumbs are fresh and press them onto the chicken firmly during coating.
  • If you prefer oven baking, place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • You can substitute the hot sauce in the glaze with chili garlic sauce for a different flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/crispy-hot-honey-chicken-tenders/