Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly sweet, these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are everything you love about comfort food—made lighter and faster in the air fryer. Juicy chicken is coated in a seasoned breadcrumb crust and cooked to golden perfection, then drizzled with a homemade hot honey sauce that brings just the right kick. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy, spicy, and sweet—all without deep frying.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fried, Not Deep Fried – Crispy without all the oil.
Sweet & Spicy – Hot honey drizzle takes it over the top.
Quick to Make – Ready in about 30 minutes.
Family Friendly – Serve it mild or spicy—your call.
Perfect for Any Meal – Great as a snack, dinner, or party appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray (for air fryer)

For the Hot Honey Sauce:

• ¼ cup honey
• 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• ½ tsp apple cider vinegar (for balance)

Optional Add-ins & Dips:

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing
• Pickles for serving
• Brioche buns for sandwiches

Tools You’ll Need

• Air fryer
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Whisk or small saucepan
• Spoon or brush for drizzling sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk.
Let sit for at least 15 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the fridge for extra tenderness.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, add breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Bread the Tenders
Remove chicken from buttermilk (letting excess drip off).
Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, then press into the breadcrumbs until well coated.
Lightly spray both sides with olive oil spray.

Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Place tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Make the Hot Honey
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, heat honey with hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and vinegar for 30–60 seconds, just until warm. Stir to combine.

Step 6: Serve & Drizzle
Transfer chicken tenders to a plate and drizzle generously with hot honey.
Serve immediately with dipping sauces and sides of your choice.

Tips for Success
Use Panko – It gives the best crispy texture in the air fryer.
Don’t Overcrowd – Air fry in batches for even cooking and crunch.
Adjust the Heat – Add more or less hot sauce and red pepper flakes to control spice.
Keep It Crispy – Only drizzle with hot honey right before serving.
Reheat in the Air Fryer – Brings the crispiness right back!

Serving Suggestions
With Fries or Coleslaw – Classic combo for lunch or dinner.
In a Wrap – With lettuce, ranch, and pickles.
Over Waffles – For a sweet and spicy twist on chicken and waffles.
As a Party Appetizer – Serve bite-sized tenders with toothpicks and hot honey on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Store the hot honey separately and drizzle fresh when reheating.

Freezing:
Freeze breaded (but not yet cooked) tenders for up to 2 months.
Cook from frozen, adding a few minutes to air fry time.

Reheating:
Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5–6 minutes.
Oven: Bake at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
Avoid the microwave to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this without buttermilk?
   Yes! Use regular milk with 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar stirred in. Let sit 5 minutes before using.
2. Can I use store-bought hot honey?
   Of course! But homemade lets you control the spice level and flavor.
3. What’s the best hot sauce to use?
   Use your favorite—Frank’s, sriracha, or even a smoky chipotle hot sauce work great.
4. Can I bake instead of air fry?
   Yes! Bake at 425°F for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make it GF-friendly.

Final Thoughts
These Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the ultimate combination of crispy, juicy, sweet, and spicy. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or anytime you’re craving something bold and satisfying. They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and way better than takeout.

Try them tonight and see why hot honey and crispy chicken are a match made in flavor heaven!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 12 minutes
Cuisine: American Southern-Inspired

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – serves 4):
Calories: 340 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 22g | Fat: 15g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 460mg

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