Name: Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb (about 450 g) chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces); 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed); 1 large egg, beaten (can use 2 tbsp aquafaba or buttermilk for egg-free); 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch; use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make GF); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Oil spray (neutral oil like canola, avocado, or sunflower); 1/2 cup honey; 1–2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to heat preference; Sriracha or Frank’s work well); 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional); 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika (optional); 1/4 tsp onion powder (optional); Pinch of cayenne for extra heat (optional)

Description

These crispy hot honey chicken tenders feature a crunchy exterior and juicy interior, finished with a sticky honey glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and heat.

Ingredients

1 lb (about 450 g) chicken tenders (about 8–10 pieces)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free flour if needed)
1 large egg, beaten (can use 2 tbsp aquafaba or buttermilk for egg-free)
1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch; use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make GF)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Oil spray (neutral oil like canola, avocado, or sunflower)
1/2 cup honey
1–2 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to heat preference; Sriracha or Frank’s work well)
1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
1/2 tsp smoked paprika or sweet paprika (optional)
1/4 tsp onion powder (optional)
Pinch of cayenne for extra heat (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) or oven to 425°F (220°C) and set up for cooking.
Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten egg, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with optional seasonings.
Dredge each tender in flour, shake off excess, dip in egg, and then coat with breadcrumbs. For extra crunch, repeat the egg + breadcrumb step.
Spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange tenders in a single layer without overlapping; spray tops of tenders with oil.
Cook at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Warm the honey and hot sauce in a small saucepan over low heat for 1–2 minutes, then combine.
Remove tenders from the air fryer and let drain on a wire rack for 1 minute. Drizzle the hot honey over the tenders or toss to coat.
Serve immediately for best crispness.

Notes

For juicier chicken, brine tenders in saltwater for 15–30 minutes before cooking. Use panko for a lighter crust.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Air Frying, Oven Baking, Skillet Frying
Cuisine: American