Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb. Chicken tenders
- 1 Cup Flour
- 2 Large eggs
- 1 Cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper (adjust to your desired level of spiciness)
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for spraying
For Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 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!
