Description

Crispy air-fried chicken tenders coated in a crunchy panko crust and drizzled with a spicy, sweet hot honey sauce. Perfectly balanced with smoky paprika, cayenne heat, and honeyed butter, these hot honey chicken tenders make an irresistible appetizer or main dish that’s quick to prepare and delightfully flavorful.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 1/2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
2 cups panko bread crumbs
2 teaspoons salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Hot Honey Sauce

1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup honey
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

Instructions

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. In a second shallow dish, beat the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow dish, add the panko bread crumbs along with the remaining 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko mixture. Press the chicken gently into the panko to ensure an even, thorough coating.
Prepare for Air Frying: Liberally spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp during air frying.
Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Depending on your air fryer capacity, cook in batches if necessary. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Flip the chicken tenders over and spritz again with cooking spray. Continue to air fry for an additional 4 to 5 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Make the Hot Honey Sauce: In a small saucepan, combine butter, honey, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and cracked black pepper. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently until the butter has melted and the sauce is well combined.
Serve: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the freshly cooked chicken tenders or serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Adjust the cayenne pepper in the hot honey sauce to control the level of heat according to your preference.
Make sure to spritz the chicken tenders with cooking spray before and after flipping to achieve maximum crispiness.
Work in batches if your air fryer basket is small to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent crisping.
Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
These tenders are best served immediately but can be kept warm in a low oven if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: hot honey chicken tenders, air fryer chicken tenders, spicy honey chicken, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, appetizer, snack