Save There's something about the sound of chicken hitting hot air that makes me smile—that crispy sizzle that promises something golden and delicious is coming. I discovered hot honey chicken tenders by accident one Sunday afternoon when I had leftover panko and a bottle of hot sauce calling my name. What started as improvisation became the dish I now make whenever I need something that tastes like comfort but feels effortless.
I'll never forget the first time I made these for my sister's surprise visit. She walked in mid-cooking and followed the smell straight to the kitchen, asking what smelled so impossibly good. When I served them with that warm honey drizzled over the top, she took one bite and immediately asked for the recipe. That's when I knew this wasn't just a random experiment—it was something worth keeping.
Ingredients
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenders (500 g): Use tenders as-is for quick, even cooking, or substitute chicken breast cut into strips if needed.
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: These simple seasonings on the raw chicken matter more than you'd think—they penetrate the meat before breading.
- All-purpose flour (60 g): This base layer helps the egg wash stick and creates an extra-crispy foundation.
- Large eggs (2) and water (2 tbsp): The water thins the egg wash slightly so it coats evenly without pooling.
- Panko breadcrumbs (100 g): Panko's larger flakes create that signature crunch that standard breadcrumbs simply can't match.
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder: These spices build flavor into the coating itself—you taste them in every bite.
- Olive oil or neutral oil spray (2 tbsp): Just enough to help the panko turn golden without making the chicken greasy.
- Honey (60 ml) and hot sauce: The honey provides sweetness and silky texture; the heat comes from your choice of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Preheat to 200°C (400°F) for 5 minutes so the chicken cooks evenly from the moment it hits the basket.
- Prepare your chicken:
- Pat the tenders completely dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Set up your dredging station:
- Arrange three shallow bowls in a row: flour in the first, eggs whisked with water in the second, and the panko mixed with garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder in the third. This assembly line keeps your fingers less messy.
- Bread the chicken:
- Working one tender at a time, coat in flour and shake off the excess, dip in egg mixture, then press firmly into the seasoned panko so the coating sticks. Don't rush this step—the coating is where all the flavor lives.
- Lightly oil the tenders:
- Spray or brush both sides with a thin layer of oil. This is crucial for achieving that golden, crispy exterior the air fryer does best.
- Air-fry the first side:
- Arrange the breaded tenders in a single layer in the basket without crowding. If they don't fit, work in batches—overcrowding means uneven cooking. Air-fry for 7–8 minutes until the bottom is golden.
- Flip and finish:
- Carefully flip each tender and air-fry for another 6–7 minutes until the second side is golden and the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Make the hot honey:
- While the chicken cooks, combine honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan. Warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally, until just combined—never let it boil or the honey will lose its silky texture.
- Finish and serve:
- Remove the tenders from the air fryer and immediately drizzle generously with the warm hot honey. Serve extra honey on the side for dipping.
Save There's a moment right after the air fryer beeps when you open the basket and that rush of warm air hits your face—that's the moment everything comes together. The golden chicken, the smell of smoked paprika and garlic, and the anticipation of that first crispy, honey-drizzled bite. It's the kind of simple dinner that somehow feels like you've done something special.
The Double-Coat Secret
If you want extra crunch that lasts even longer, double-dip the chicken in egg wash and panko after the first coating. I discovered this accidentally when I knocked a tender back into the panko bowl mid-breading and decided to just go with it. The result was a thicker, more satisfying crunch that held up beautifully even when I reheated leftovers the next day—rare for breaded chicken.
Customizing Your Heat Level
The beauty of hot honey is that you control how spicy it gets. I've made this for people who think hot sauce is a four-letter word and people who challenge each other to spice-eating competitions, and everyone loves it because they can adjust it to their taste. Start with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and taste as you go; you can always add more heat, but you can't take it out.
Serving and Storage Tips
These chicken tenders are best served immediately while they're still warm and crispy, but they're also surprisingly good cold the next day straight from the fridge—my kids actually prefer them that way. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and you can reheat them in the air fryer at 180°C for about 5 minutes to restore the crunch.
- Serve alongside coleslaw, crispy fries, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the honey.
- If you're making this for a crowd, set the hot honey in a small bowl for dipping so guests can control how much they use.
- Prep the dredging station ahead of time so cooking feels relaxed rather than rushed.
Save This recipe reminds me why cooking doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious. Sometimes the best meals come from simple ingredients treated with care and a little warmth shared with the people you're feeding.
Cooking Guide
- → How do I get the chicken tenders extra crispy?
Double-coating the chicken in the flour, egg, and panko mixture before air-frying boosts the crunch factor significantly.
- → Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, chicken breast cut into strips works well as a substitute and cooks evenly in the air fryer.
- → How can I adjust the spice level of the hot honey?
Modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes used in the honey drizzle to suit your preferred heat intensity.
- → Is the air fryer necessary for this method?
While the air fryer provides a quick, crispy finish with less oil, oven baking is a possible alternative though texture may vary.
- → What sides complement these chicken tenders well?
Coleslaw, fries, or a fresh green salad pair nicely, balancing the spicy-sweet flavor profile.