Name: Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders; 3 cups cornflakes, crushed into small pieces; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon onion powder; Cooking spray or oil (for air frying basket); Store-bought hot honey (for drizzling and dipping)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey deliver a perfect balance of crispy coating and tender, juicy chicken inside. Quick to prepare and cooked right in the air fryer, they make a delicious meal or snack with a sweet and spicy twist.

The image shows four white bowls and plates on a white marbled surface, each containing stages of preparing coated chicken strips. The top right bowl holds several raw pink chicken strips in plain form. The bottom right bowl contains one raw chicken strip soaked in a reddish brown marinade with visible spices. The central bowl shows one raw chicken strip partially coated with bright yellow, crunchy corn flakes inside. The bottom left white plate has two raw chicken strips fully covered in the crunchy yellow corn flakes, ready for cooking. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon onion powder
3 cups cornflakes, crushed into small pieces (not too fine)
Cooking spray or oil (for baking/air frying)
Store-bought hot honey (for drizzling and dipping)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Step 2: In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder until well combined.
Step 3: Place the crushed cornflakes in a separate shallow dish for coating.
Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently so they stick well.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer without overcrowding.
Step 6: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the coating is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 7: Remove the chicken tenders from the air fryer and drizzle with store-bought hot honey, or serve the honey on the side for dipping.

Tips & Variations

If you prefer extra crunch, lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray before air frying.
Substitute regular honey mixed with a pinch of cayenne pepper for homemade hot honey.
Try adding a little cayenne or chili powder to the egg mixture for more heat.
For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free cornflakes.

Storage

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Four crunchy golden brown fried chicken tenders coated with cornflakes are arranged on a round white plate, with light honey drizzles near the bottom edge. The chicken tenders have a rough crispy texture with irregular flakes. In the background, a white bowl of dipping sauce sits beside a white cloth on a white marbled surface. Another white plate with more chicken tenders is also blurred in the back. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken tenders for an even cook and crispy coating. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before coating and cooking.

How spicy is the hot honey?

The spiciness depends on the brand of hot honey used. If you want less heat, start with a small amount or serve it on the side for dipping.