Description
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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Ingredients
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1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
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½ cup all-purpose flour
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp smoked paprika
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¼ tsp black pepper
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Olive oil spray (for air fryer)
For the Hot Honey Sauce:
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¼ cup honey
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1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
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¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
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½ tsp apple cider vinegar (for balance)
Optional Add-ins & Dips:
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Ranch or blue cheese dressing
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Pickles for serving
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Brioche buns for sandwiches
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.
Notes
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!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Cuisine: American Southern-Inspired