There’s something wildly satisfying about that first bite of a crispy chicken tender, especially when it’s coated in sticky, spicy-sweet hot honey. I’ll never forget the night I first tried making hot honey chicken tenders using the Using the air fryer for that batch completely changed how I approach weeknight cooking. I had just started culinary school, still chasing my energy back after years of low-protein eating. One late evening, exhausted but craving something bold, I tossed together a few pantry basics:With just some chicken strips, crushed cornflakes, a bit of hot sauce, and a touch of honey, I whipped up something unforgettable.What came out of the air fryer that night changed my weeknight dinners forever.
Prefer oven-baked? Try our crispy baked honey-hot tenders—same sticky finish, no air fryer needed.
These air fryer hot honey chicken tenders are now my go-to when I want something that’s high-protein, full of flavor, and ready in under 20 minutes. No deep fryer mess, no compromise on crunch. The air fryer turns these tenders golden and juicy, while the glaze adds that fiery-sweet magic. If you’ve got a craving for takeout-style satisfaction without the grease, you’re in for a treat.
This dish stands out because it’s quick to make and big on flavor, without the hassle. You get the kind of crispy texture that usually requires a vat of oil, but with way less effort and cleanup. Plus, air frying keeps things lean without sacrificing taste—making it a natural fit for active lifestyles. Whether you’re cooking for your kids, meal prepping, or fueling up post-workout, this recipe hits all the marks. It’s already become one of our most-loved weeknight recipes, right alongside our air fryer buffalo cauliflower bites and spicy crispy tofu nuggets.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to master these hot honey chicken tenders in your air fryer—from crispy breading tips and perfect cooking times to making the signature glaze and reheating leftovers like a pro.
Ready to cook up something crave-worthy? Let’s dive in.
PrintHot Honey Chicken Tenders Air Fryer – Crispy, Sweet & Spicy in 10 Mins
Crispy and juicy hot honey chicken tenders made in the air fryer with a sweet-and-spicy glaze. Perfect for a quick protein-packed meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup crushed cornflakes
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large egg
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil spray
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp hot sauce
1 tbsp butter
Instructions
1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F
2. Set up 3 bowls: one for flour and spices, one for beaten egg, one for cornflakes
3. Coat each tender in flour, then egg, then cornflakes
4. Place tenders in air fryer basket without overlapping
5. Spray lightly with olive oil
6. Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
7. Melt honey, hot sauce, and butter in saucepan
8. Toss cooked tenders in hot honey sauce
9. Serve hot with your favorite sides and dips
Notes
Use parchment liners with holes to prevent sticking
Adjust cooking time for smaller or thicker tenders
Store leftovers up to 3 days and reheat in air fryer for best texture
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 3 tenders)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Making the Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Best Breading Methods for Crispy, Crunchy Texture
The secret to hot honey chicken tenders that are crispy on the outside but juicy on the inside lies in the breading. After testing multiple methods, I’ve found that crushed cornflakes give you the crunchiest result. They’re light, golden, and get extra crisp in the air fryer’s circulating heat. Want more bite? Mix them with a little panko for added texture.
Start by seasoning your flour with garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Then dip the chicken tenders in flour, followed by beaten egg, and finally the cornflake coating. Press gently so the coating sticks well. If you want an extra layer of flavor, marinate your tenders in a buttermilk-ranch mix for 20–30 minutes before breading. This adds tang and keeps the chicken tender while complementing the hot honey glaze beautifully.
Before air frying, give the breaded tenders a light mist of olive or avocado oil to help them turn golden and crisp on all sides. Don’t skip this step—it makes a major difference. You can also use a parchment liner with holes to prevent sticking while allowing proper air circulation.
We’ve used this breading method in recipes like our air fryer crispy parmesan chicken and Our chickpea fritters made in the air fryer deliver the kind of crunch that keeps you coming back for more.
Cook Time and Temperature Tips for Air Fryer Success
Getting your timing and temp right is what separates soggy tenders from golden perfection. For standard-sized chicken tenders (about 1-inch thick), preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Air fry the chicken tenders for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them over at the halfway point to ensure even crisping.
To check for doneness, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should hit 165°F. If your tenders are thinner or thicker, adjust by 1–2 minutes. Overcrowding the basket is a common mistake. Give your tenders space to breathe; otherwise, you’ll end up steaming instead of crisping.
Some air fryer models run hotter than others, so if it’s your first time trying this recipe, check on your chicken around the 8-minute mark. Once they’re golden brown and sizzling, they’re ready to toss in that hot honey glaze.
These cooking guidelines also work for other air fryer favorites like crispy air fryer lemon pepper chicken bites and turmeric spiced tofu strips.
The Hot Honey Glaze – Balance of Fire and Sweet
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor Impact
The heart of this dish lies in its glaze. Hot honey sauce brings the perfect sweet heat that makes these air fryer chicken tenders completely irresistible. What’s great? You only need a handful of ingredients: honey, hot sauce, and butter. That’s it. Optional add-ins like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or apple cider vinegar can boost flavor even further.
Here’s a basic combo that works every time:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Frank’s or your favorite)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Melt them together in a small saucepan over low heat until fully blended. Taste and adjust heat levels by adding more hot sauce if you like it spicier, or more honey if you want a gentler bite. Want to give it depth? A splash of soy sauce or a pinch of chili flakes adds a little edge.
This glaze works wonders beyond chicken—try it on roasted salmon, brussels sprouts, or even cauliflower. We’ve also drizzled it over protein-packed air fryer tofu bites with incredible results.
When and How to Glaze for Maximum Flavor
Timing is everything with hot honey. You want your tenders to stay crispy but also soak up that bold flavor. The best method? Toss your tenders in the glaze immediately after air frying. This way, the breading stays intact, and the sauce clings perfectly.
Use a large bowl for tossing, not brushing. Toss gently so the coating doesn’t slide off. If you prefer a drier finish, drizzle the glaze just before serving instead of soaking. Some cooks marinate the chicken in a honey-hot sauce blend before breading, but this makes the coating less crunchy. It’s a flavorful move, but not ideal for those who love a firm bite.
Need to scale it up? Double the glaze and store leftovers in a sealed jar for up to a week in the fridge. It reheats beautifully and can be used over air fryer salmon bowls or roasted sweet potatoes for a fast weeknight twist.
Variations, Pairings & Storage
Serving Ideas and Dips That Complement the Heat
Once you’ve got your hot honey chicken tenders air fryer-style, it’s all about how you serve them. The sweet-heat flavor is bold, so balance it with something creamy or cooling. A side of ranch or blue cheese dressing works every time. Want something lighter? Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and dill makes a great dip.
These tenders also shine in wraps or sliders. Stuff them into a warm tortilla with cabbage slaw, avocado, and a dollop of sauce. Or tuck them into a brioche bun with pickles and crunchy lettuce for a spicy-sweet sandwich that hits every craving.
For sides, pair with air fryer sweet potato fries or garlic green beans for a balanced, high-protein meal. Craving a bowl? Layer your tenders over quinoa or cauliflower rice with roasted veggies and drizzle extra glaze on top.
Serve with a handful of crispy high-protein cottage cheese chips to add crunch without wrecking your macros.
These combinations are perfect for meal prep too. Cook a batch, pair with different sides through the week, and you’ll never get bored.
Reheating and Storing Without Soggy Leftovers
Leftovers? No problem. The key to keeping that crispy texture is reheating in the air fryer—not the microwave. Store your cooked tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, air fry at 350°F for 3–4 minutes until hot and crisp.
If you’ve already glazed them, the sauce will caramelize a bit during reheating—which is actually delicious. If you want to prep ahead, consider storing the glaze separately and adding it after reheating to keep the coating extra crunchy.
Freezing is also an option. Place cooked, unglazed tenders on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag. Reheat from frozen at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.
If you’re into batch cooking, you’ll love our guides on meal-prep high-protein chicken bowls and freezer-friendly air fryer meals to help you stay on track during busy weeks.
FAQs About Hot Honey Chicken Tenders in the Air Fryer
How long do you cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?
For standard-sized tenders, cook at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. If the tenders are thin, start checking at 8 minutes. Always confirm an internal temperature of 165°F for doneness.
How do you make crispy honey chicken in the air fryer?
Start with a solid breading—flour, egg wash, and crushed cornflakes or panko. Lightly spray with oil, then air fry at high heat. Toss in the honey glaze after cooking to keep the coating crisp.
How long do I cook honey breast tenders in the air fryer?
Chicken breast tenders follow the same timing: 10–12 minutes at 375°F, flipping once. If you glaze before cooking, expect slightly less crispiness. Glazing after air frying gives the best result.
Can you use honey in an air fryer?
You can, but with care. Don’t drizzle honey on raw chicken before air frying—it can burn. Instead, cook the chicken first, then toss or drizzle with warmed honey-based glaze after air frying.
Conclusion
Air fryer hot honey chicken tenders are everything a great meal should be—bold, crispy, and packed with real flavor. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal-prepping for the week, or just chasing that spicy-sweet craving, this recipe delivers.
From the simple glaze to the golden breading, every step is fast, easy, and built for flavor. If you loved this, don’t miss our spicy garlic chicken bites or air fryer honey-lime shrimp skewers for your next protein-packed adventure.
Want a complete dinner? Pair your tenders with our creamy garlic butter beef pasta—a spicy-creamy winning duo.
