Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken (Print-Friendly Version)
Cornflake-crusted chicken tenders get a fiery-sweet finish from homemade hot honey, perfectly cooked in the air fryer.
# What You’ll Need to Make This:
→ Chicken
01 -
2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
→ Egg Wash
02 -
1 large egg
03 -
A splash of water
→ Cornflake Breading
04 -
2 cups (about 50 g) crushed cornflake cereal
05 -
1.5 teaspoons kosher salt
06 -
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
07 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 -
0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
09 -
0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
10 -
0.5 teaspoon onion powder
11 -
0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
→ Hot Honey Sauce
12 -
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 -
60 ml honey
14 -
3–4 tablespoons hot sauce (your preferred brand)
→ Miscellaneous
15 -
Cooking oil spray (such as avocado oil), for air fryer
16 -
Minced fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 -
Place cornflake cereal in a resealable plastic bag and crush with a rolling pin or food processor until fine crumbs form. Arrange two shallow bowls and one plate. In one bowl, whisk the egg with a splash of water until smooth. In the second bowl, combine crushed cornflakes, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, cayenne, thyme, onion powder, and garlic powder, mixing thoroughly.
02 -
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
03 -
Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring all sides are coated and excess is allowed to drip off. Dredge each strip in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere fully. Place coated tenders on the prepared plate and repeat with remaining chicken.
04 -
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Arrange 4–5 chicken tenders in the basket, leaving space between each. Mist the tops with additional oil spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes until golden and cooked through, ensuring an internal temperature of 74°C (165°F) is reached. Cook in batches as necessary.
05 -
While the chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in honey and hot sauce, whisking to blend. Simmer for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
06 -
Arrange chicken tenders on a platter and generously drizzle with hot honey sauce. Garnish with minced parsley if desired and serve hot.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For crispier results, use an oil spray with a high smoke point such as avocado oil. Ensure tenders do not touch in the basket to promote even air circulation.
02 -
Store-bought hot honey may be substituted for homemade sauce. Omit the butter, honey, and hot sauce and drizzle with prepared hot honey as desired.