Buckle up because we’ve got a recipe that’s gonna blow your taste buds away! Today, we’re diving into the fiery world of Glazed Hot Honey Chicken Tenders. These bad boys are not your average chicken tenders. We’re talking about crispy, crunchy perfection, drenched in a sticky glaze that’s sweet and spicy, all at once. So, grab your air fryers and let’s get cooking!
Hot Honey Magic in the Air Fryer
Preparing this irresistible dish is not only a breeze but also a game-changer when you unleash the full potential of your air fryer. With just a few simple steps, you can achieve chicken tenders that boast a glorious crunch without the hassle of deep-frying. Our air fryer technique ensures that these tenders come out perfectly cooked every time.
Secrets to Achieving the Ultimate Glaze
Wondering how we achieve that divine sticky glaze that elevates this dish to greatness? Well, the key lies in the perfect balance of hot sauce, butter, and honey, which we’ve carefully crafted to create a tantalizing glaze that clings to each tender, delivering an explosion of sweet and spicy goodness.
How to Make Hot Honey Glazed Chicken Tenders
- Prep – To start, gather your ingredients: chicken tenders, flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper (if you’re feeling brave), hot sauce, butter, and honey.
- Dredge – Now, let’s set up our breading station – flour in one dish, beaten eggs in the next, and the seasoned breadcrumbs in the third. Get those chicken tenders ready for their transformation by coating them in flour, dipping them in the eggs, and then giving them a generous roll in the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake – Once they’re perfectly breaded, it’s off to the air fryer. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C), and in they go!
- Glaze – Now, let’s talk glaze – the heart and soul of this recipe. In a small saucepan, melt together the hot sauce, butter, and honey until it’s a luscious, sticky concoction. Oh man, this glaze is the stuff dreams are made of! Once the chicken tenders are perfectly crispy and golden from the air fryer, it’s time to toss them in that glorious glaze until each tender is coated in this sweet and spicy goodness.
Fiery Facts:
- Versatile Spice Level: One of the fantastic things about this recipe is its adaptability. You can easily customize the spice level to suit your preferences. If you’re a heat seeker, crank up the cayenne pepper or add an extra splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick. On the other hand, if you prefer a milder experience, simply reduce the amount of cayenne or use a milder hot sauce. It’s a dish that can cater to all heat tolerances.
- A Game-Day Winner: Firecracker Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are an absolute slam dunk when it comes to game-day gatherings or sports events. These spicy, crispy delights are the perfect finger food to enjoy while cheering on your favorite team.
- Kid-Friendly Twist: If you have little ones at home who might not be fans of spicy foods, don’t worry! You can easily tone down the spice without sacrificing flavor. Simply reduce the amount of cayenne or opt for a milder hot sauce. These tenders will still be a hit with the whole family.
- Sauce for Dipping: While the tenders come perfectly glazed, you can always whip up an extra batch of the hot honey glaze as a dipping sauce. It’s the ideal accompaniment for those who crave even more fiery sweetness with each bite. Plus, dipping these tenders just adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
- Flavorful Leftovers: If, by some miracle, you have any leftovers (which is unlikely), these tenders taste just as fantastic the next day. The flavors intensify overnight, making them perfect for lunch or a quick snack. You can even use the leftover tenders to make a tantalizing chicken sandwich or a tasty salad topping.
There you have it folks! I hope you give these chicken tenders a try and let us know what you think in the comments below!
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CHICKEN TENDERS IN A HOT HONEY GLAZE
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Chicken Tenders in a Hot Honey Glaze
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Chicken tenders
- 1 Cup Flour
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 Cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for spraying
For Hot Honey Glaze:
- ¼ Cup Honey
- 2 Tbsp. Hot sauce (such as Frank’s Red Hot or your favorite hot sauce)
- 1 Tbsp. Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Apple cider vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes while you prepare the chicken tenders.
- Set Up Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, place the all-purpose flour in one, whisk the eggs in the second dish, and combine the panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper in the third dish.
- Bread the Chicken Tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tender with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere the breadcrumbs.
- Air Fry the Chicken Tenders: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil. Place the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken tenders in the preheated air fryer for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking for even browning and crispiness. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Make the Hot Honey Glaze: While the chicken tenders are cooking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar (if using). Heat over low heat, stirring until the butter is melted, and the glaze is well combined. Remove from heat.
- Toss in Hot Honey Glaze: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the hot honey glaze over the chicken tenders, tossing them gently to coat them evenly with the spicy-sweet glaze.
- Serve: Arrange the Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders on a platter, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, if desired, and serve hot. These tender and flavorful chicken tenders are perfect as a main dish, party appetizer, or served with your favorite side dishes.
- Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors!
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