Irresistible Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders Recipe

It’s a bright and sunny Saturday morning, and the aroma of sweet, sticky hot honey is wafting through the kitchen. Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, crispy chicken tenders that are doused in a spicy-sweet glaze—your taste buds are already doing the cha-cha! Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they’re an experience that brings joy to every bite. For more inspiration, check out this Parmesan Crusted Chicken recipe.

Now, let me take you down memory lane. Growing up, my family had this tradition of “Taco Tuesdays.” But honestly, if we had known about these chicken tenders back then, we might have considered a new weekly ritual! Grab your air fryer because this dish is destined to become your new favorite way to enjoy chicken.

Ingredients for Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 1 pound should do the trick; feel free to adjust based on your hungry crowd!
• All-Purpose Flour: This is for coating; it helps create that beautiful crispy texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunchiness; these little guys are magic in the air fryer.
• Garlic Powder: A must-have for that savory kick—plus who can resist garlic?
• Hot Honey Sauce: Store-bought or homemade, this blend of honey and heat is the star of the show!

For the Spices:

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; don’t skimp on this step!
• Smoked Paprika: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of smokiness that pairs beautifully with chicken.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Preparation Time

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while you prepare your chicken. Cut the boneless chicken breasts into tender-sized pieces—about one inch thick works great!

Step 2: The Coating Station

In one bowl, mix together flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. You’ll be creating an assembly line that even professional chefs would applaud.

Step 3: Dredging Delight

Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the flour mixture first. Shake off any excess (no one likes a floury surprise), then dip it into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.

Step 4: Into the Air Fryer

Place your coated chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them lightly with cooking oil for that golden finish. Cook for about 10-12 minutes until they reach crispy perfection.

Step 5: Hot Honey Drizzle

Once your chicken is nice and crispy, drizzle them generously with hot honey sauce while they’re still warm. If you’re feeling adventurous (and I know you are), add some extra red pepper flakes for an additional kick! Crispy parmesan chicken.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Transfer those glorious tenders onto plates or a big platter—the presentation matters! Pair them with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese if you want to keep things classic. Trust me; everyone will be coming back for seconds!

And there you have it—the ultimate comfort food made easy! Enjoy these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders as a finger-licking snack or as part of a hearty meal alongside veggies or fries. Your taste buds just called dibs on dinner tonight!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating your chicken tenders in the hot honey mixture while preheating your air fryer. This ensures they soak up maximum flavor. Once marinated, air fry them to crispy perfection while preparing your favorite dipping sauce.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out honey for maple syrup or add a dash of sriracha for extra heat. Consider using different spices like smoked paprika or garlic powder to cater to your taste buds. The beauty is in the customization!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, air fry them at 350°F for about five minutes to keep them crispy and delicious.

Sharing a meal with friends, I served these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than my last slice of chocolate cake!

FAQs

What is the best way to serve Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

Hot Honey Air Fryer BLT chicken salad-recipe-delight/”>Honey mustard chicken salad For a complete dinner, serve these tenders alongside a light salad or some crispy sweet potato fries. This versatile dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even as a snack during game day.

Can I use a different protein instead of chicken for this recipe?

Yes! If you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap chicken for turkey or even beef tenders. Adjust cooking times based on the protein you choose; turkey may require similar timing as chicken, while beef might need a few extra minutes. To ensure the best flavor and texture, marinate your meat in the hot honey sauce before air frying. This will help infuse the flavors throughout your chosen protein and provide that irresistible sweet and spicy taste.

How do I store leftover Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders?

To store leftover Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy again. This method ensures they retain their crunchiness and delicious flavor. You can also freeze these tenders for longer storage; just be sure to wrap them tightly to prevent freezer burn.

Can I make Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make your Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders gluten-free, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Additionally, check that your hot honey sauce ingredients are free from gluten-containing components. This adaptation allows everyone to enjoy this tasty dish without compromising on flavor or texture while ensuring it fits into a gluten-free diet.

Conclusion for Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

In summary, Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish stands out due to its perfect blend of sweetness and spice. Remember to experiment with different proteins and serve them with tasty sides for a complete meal experience. Storing leftovers is easy, allowing you to enjoy this delightful dish multiple times throughout the week without losing its appeal!

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Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

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Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders deliver a delightful combination of crispy texture and sweet-spicy flavor in every bite. This healthier take on classic chicken tenders uses an air fryer for a golden crust without the extra oil. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or game-day snacks, these tenders are sure to impress your family and friends with their irresistible taste.

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately four people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 cup hot honey sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. 1. Preparation Time: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) while cutting chicken into one-inch strips.
2. 2. In one bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
3. 3. Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then coat with panko breadcrumbs.
4. 4. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil.
5. 5. Cook for 10-12 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. 6. Drizzle with hot honey sauce and serve immediately.

• Author: Adriana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 tenders (140g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 590mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate chicken in hot honey sauce before coating. - Substitute maple syrup for honey or add sriracha for extra heat. - Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days and reheat at 350°F for best results.