Best Hot Honey Chicken Tenders (Air Fryer Recipe)

Intro

Crispy, juicy, and coated in a sticky-sweet glaze with a little heat, these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are an irresistible combination of flavors. The air fryer makes them perfectly golden and crunchy without the mess of deep frying, while the hot honey drizzle adds that sweet–spicy punch that takes them over the top.They’re quick enough for weeknight dinners but also fancy enough for game day, parties, or a fun snack. Pair them with cooling ranch or blue cheese dip and you’ve got a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 12–14 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4 (about 12 tenders)

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 mins)

1 tsp hot sauce (optional, for marinade)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

Olive oil spray

For the Hot Honey Glaze

½ cup honey

2–3 tbsp hot sauce (adjust to spice level)

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)

Instructions

Marinate chicken (5 minutes)

Place chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce.

Let sit while preparing coating (can marinate up to 2 hours for juicier chicken).

Prepare coating (5 minutes)

In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, and dredge in the flour–panko mixture until well coated.

For extra crunch: dip chicken back in buttermilk, then into the coating again (double dredge).

Air fry chicken (12–14 minutes)

Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2–3 minutes.

Spray basket with olive oil spray.

Arrange tenders in a single layer (work in batches if needed).

Spray tops lightly with oil for crispiness.

Cook for 6–7 minutes per side, flipping halfway, until golden brown and chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.

Make hot honey (2 minutes)

In a small saucepan over low heat, combine honey, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and butter.

Warm until melted and combined (do not boil).

Toss & serve

Once tenders are cooked, drizzle or toss with hot honey glaze.

Serve immediately with ranch, blue cheese dip, or extra hot honey on the side.

Serving Suggestions

With waffles for a sweet & savory brunch.

Over a fresh green salad for a lighter meal.

As sliders in buttery brioche buns with pickles.