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Crispy Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A stack of crispy, golden brown hot honey chicken tenders drizzled with a shiny, amber glaze on a white plate.
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Make these irresistible hot honey chicken tenders in your air fryer for a perfectly crispy, juicy texture. They feature a simple, crunchy coating and a sweet and spicy homemade hot honey glaze, making them a better-than-takeout weeknight dinner or game day appetizer.

Ingredients

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  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken strips in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let this marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Set up a dredging station: Place flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second dish, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then press firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
  5. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray.
  6. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  7. While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey sauce: In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the mixture is smooth and slightly warmed through. Do not boil.
  8. Remove the cooked, crispy chicken tenders from the air fryer. Immediately toss them gently in the warm hot honey sauce until they are fully coated.
  9. Serve the sweet heat chicken immediately for the best flavor and crunch.

Notes

  • For an extra crunchy coating, you can bake these tenders at 400°F (200°C) on a wire rack set over a baking sheet for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spice level of your spicy honey glaze.
  • These are excellent served as a game day chicken appetizer with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Nutrition

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