Sunny Hot Honey Chicken Tenders ☀️
Crispy, sweet, and spicy chicken tenders cooked to perfection in the air fryer! A quick and delicious meal for any day.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced into 1-inch thick tenders
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour
- 1 large egg whisked
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs for ultimate crispiness
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Light cooking spray like olive or avocado oil
- 0.5 cup hot honey store-bought or homemade
Instructions
- Get Ready to Coat: Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place your flour. In the second bowl, whisk the egg until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if you're using it), salt, and black pepper. This creates your simple breading station for perfect tenders!
- Coat Each Tender: Take one chicken tender at a time. First, dip it thoroughly in the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, letting any excess drip away. Finally, firmly press the tender into the panko mixture, making sure it's completely coated. Place the coated tender on a clean plate and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Air Fry to Crispy Perfection: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Carefully arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer, being sure not to overcrowd the basket (cook in batches if needed for the best crispiness). Give the top of the tenders a quick spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, gently flipping them halfway through, until they are beautifully golden brown, wonderfully crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drizzle with Hot Honey: If your hot honey is thick, warm it slightly to make it easy to pour. You can either lightly drizzle it over the crispy tenders just before serving for a hint of sweetness and heat, or for a bolder flavor, toss them gently in a large bowl with the hot honey to coat completely. Serve immediately and enjoy the delightful sweet and spicy crunch!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
Calories: 437kcal
Total Carbs: 71g (Net Carbs: 68g)
Fats: 6g
Protein: 27g
Calories: 437kcal
Total Carbs: 71g (Net Carbs: 68g)
Fats: 6g
Protein: 27g
