Description
Make crunchy, sweet, and spicy chicken tenders in the air fryer for a quick weeknight dinner or game day appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon butter, melted
Instructions
- Pat the chicken strips dry using paper towels. This helps the coating stick.
- Set up a dredging station: Place flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish. In a second dish, place the beaten eggs. In a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip the floured strip into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off.
- Coat the strip thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Work in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the hot honey glaze: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, hot sauce, apple cider vinegar, and melted butter. Stir until smooth and heated through. Do not boil.
- Remove the cooked tenders from the air fryer. Place them in a large bowl.
- Pour the hot honey glaze over the tenders and toss gently until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray just before placing them in the air fryer.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the glaze to control the spice level.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce instead of apple cider vinegar for a slight umami boost in the sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 6
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 40
- Cholesterol: 110