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The Ultimate Crispy Air Fryer/Oven Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

A pile of crispy, breaded hot honey chicken tenders drizzled with glossy sauce, one is cut open showing white meat.
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Make these hot honey chicken tenders for a weeknight dinner or game day snack. You get juicy chicken coated in a crispy breading, finished with a perfect sweet and spicy hot honey glaze. This recipe works well in the air fryer or oven.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • Cooking spray or oil for brushing
  • For the Hot Honey Glaze:
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (use more for extra heat)
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  2. Set up the breading station: In one shallow dish, place the flour. In a second dish, whisk the eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the chicken: Take one tender at a time, dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press the tender firmly into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely. Place coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet.
  4. Cook the tenders (Air Fryer Method): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray or brush with oil. Cook in a single layer for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
  5. Cook the tenders (Oven Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking rack set over a baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or brush with oil. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
  6. Make the hot honey glaze: While the chicken cooks, combine the honey, hot sauce, butter, and apple cider vinegar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring until the butter melts and the sauce is smooth. Do not boil.
  7. Glaze the chicken: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, immediately place them in a large bowl. Pour the warm hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
  8. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results in the oven, use a wire rack so air circulates around the bottom of the tenders.
  • If you prefer a thicker glaze, simmer the sauce for an extra minute or two until it reduces slightly.
  • You can easily make this recipe gluten free by substituting the flour with gluten-free flour and the panko with gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/hot-honey-chicken-tenders-recipe-crispy/