We may not be sitting at the kid’s table anymore, but that doesn’t mean we’ve outgrown a good chicken tender. Especially when it’s extra crispy and coated in a sticky hot honey glaze. And when you can make them fast—without a pot of sizzling oil splattering everywhere? That’s a win. This air fryer recipe gives you all the crunch and flavor of deep-fried tenders—without the mess or extra oil. Plus, the balance of heat and honey makes them downright addictive and worth the extra napkins. The best part? You can crank these tenders out in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for a quick dinner or those moments when a fast-food craving hits but you’d rather stay in. Here’s how to make air fryer hot honey chicken tenders.
Why these chicken tenders work
Most of us like our chicken golden and crispy, but that often comes with a side of extra calories. Cooking them in the air fryer, however, delivers all that perfection with way less oil. That means you get the crunch you crave while keeping things lighter. Plus, hot honey takes these tenders to an adult-appropriate level, adding a bold kick of heat with just the right amount of sweetness to balance it out. You didn’t think we were going to copy the boxed stuff, did you?
What you’ll need
For the ultimate batch of hot honey chicken tenders, you’ll need:
- Chicken tenders
- Flour, eggs and panko breadcrumbs for breading
- A blend of seasonings for maximum flavor
- Honey and hot sauce for that irresistible hot honey drizzle
Tips for the best air fryer chicken tenders
We all know how to use an air fryer. But a little extra attention to technique ensures your tenders come out golden, crunchy and full of flavor every time.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give your chicken tenders some breathing room so the air can circulate properly, crisping them up evenly.
- Use a two-step breading process: For maximum crunch, dip the tenders in flour, then egg and finally, panko or breadcrumbs. Repeat for a thicker, crispier crunch.
- Flip halfway through: Air fryers work best when both sides get equal exposure to heat, so don’t forget to turn them over! No one wants a tender with a soggy underside.
- Drizzle hot honey at the end: Adding the sauce after cooking helps keep the breading crispy while giving you that sticky-sweet kick.
Make them your own
Air fryer hot honey chicken tenders already come packed with flavor, hence their name. But there are plenty of ways to tweak them to your liking. Want more heat? Mix a little cayenne into the honey or add a pinch of chili powder to the breading. If you’re all about the crunch, try using crushed cornflakes instead of panko. And let’s not forget about dipping sauces—ranch, blue cheese or even a cool, creamy garlic aioli can make these tenders restaurant-worthy.
Healthy air fryer hot honey chicken tenders recipe
We love how this recipe from Healthful Blondie uses Panko breadcrumbs and a butter-free glaze (let’s here it for healthy swaps!) If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily make them in the oven without oil.
Ingredients:
- 1½ lb. chicken tenders (10 to 12 pieces) or 3 chicken breasts cut into tenders
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp. black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1⅓ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ to ½ cup hot honey
Directions:
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Preheat air fryer to 380°F (or oven to 425°F).
- In a small shallow bowl add the flour. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, add the panko, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder.
- Trim off all fat and tendons from chicken tenders. Or, if using boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut them into 1-inch thick strips. Then, pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Dip a chicken tender into flour, coat it, then shake off excess flour. Then, dip it into egg mixture and finally into panko breadcrumbs. Use your hands to coat the chicken with the panko, until fully covered. Repeat with the rest of the tenders.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders into the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for eight to 11 minutes, until golden and the internal temperature reads 165°F. (Alternatively, bake for 10 to 14 minutes).
- Meanwhile, heat the hot honey in a microwave-safe dish for 20 to 30 seconds. When chicken is done cooking, drizzle or coat the tenders in the warmed hot honey before serving.
Storing and reheating your air fryer hot honey chicken tenders
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra tenders, preferably unglazed, in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to bring back that crispy magic.
