Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

Introduction:
Discover a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders with this Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders recipe! Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a sweet and spicy honey glaze, these tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun appetizer for gatherings. With the convenience of the air fryer, you’ll get a healthier version of a beloved favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick and easy to prepare: Minimal effort for a meal packed with flavor.
• Crispy without the fry: Achieve that crunchy texture with less oil.
• Sweet and spicy: The hot honey glaze adds a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
• Family-friendly: A dish that’s sure to please kids and adults alike.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 2 large eggs
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Cooking spray

For the Hot Honey Glaze:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

1. Prepare the Breading:

• Set up a breading station: In one bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• In a second bowl, whisk the eggs.
• In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

1. Coat the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
• Dip in the egg mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.

1. Air Fry the Chicken:

• Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do this in batches).
• Spray the top of the tenders with a light coating of cooking spray.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and cooked through.

1. Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze:

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, hot sauce, and butter. Stir until the butter is melted and the glaze is smooth.
• If using chili flakes, stir them in for extra heat.

1. Glaze the Tenders:

• Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the air fryer and brush them with the hot honey glaze. Alternatively, toss the tenders in the glaze for even coverage.

1. Serve:

• Serve immediately while hot. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Tips for Success:

• Breading: For an extra crispy coating, use panko breadcrumbs and make sure to spray the tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
• Hot Honey Glaze: Adjust the level of hot sauce according to your spice preference. For a milder version, use less hot sauce.
• Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Recipe Variations:

• Garlic Parmesan Tenders: Toss the cooked tenders with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese instead of hot honey for a different flavor.
• Buffalo Tenders: Replace the hot honey glaze with your favorite buffalo sauce for a classic spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard: Mix honey with Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a fresh salad.
• Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or extra hot honey for added flavor.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked and cooled chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until crispy and heated through.

Special Equipment:

• Air Fryer: Essential for achieving the crispy texture with less oil.
• Saucepan: For preparing the hot honey glaze.

FAQ:

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
  Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips and use them in place of tenders. Adjust cooking time as needed.
• Can I make these ahead of time?
  The tenders are best served fresh, but you can prep the breaded tenders in advance and store them in the refrigerator or freezer until ready to cook.
• Can I use a different type of hot sauce?
  Absolutely! Use your favorite hot sauce or adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Preparation Time:

• 15 minutes for prepping ingredients and breading the chicken.

Cook Time:

• 10 minutes for air frying.

Total Time:

• 25 minutes (including prep and cook time).

Nutrition Information (per serving, assuming 4 servings):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 75mg
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 14g

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Closing Notes:
Have you tried these Hot Honey Air Fryer Chicken Tenders? Share your thoughts and tag us on social media with your creations. Don’t forget to check out more easy and flavorful recipes on our blog!