These Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are golden, crispy, and coated in a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze. A quick and easy healthier take on fried chicken, ready in just 20 minutes.

Side view of crispy hot honey chicken tenders with ranch dipping sauce in the background.

HOT HONEY CHICKEN TENDERS

Crispy, juicy chicken tenders coated in sticky-sweet-spicy hot honey… and the best part? They’re made right in the air fryer.

These Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders give you all the crunch of fried chicken without the extra oil — and that drizzle of hot honey takes them from “yum” to holy wow. Perfect for dinner, game day, or just when the craving hits.

If you love air fryer recipes you may also enjoy my Air Fryer Quesadilla or my Air Fryer Carrot Fries.

SIMPLE INGREDIENTS YOU WILL NEED FOR THE HOT HONEY CHICKEN TENDERS

You will need the following ingredients listed below to make these fried tenders (the exact measurements, nutritional information and full recipe are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post):

Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless tenders for quick cooking.
Flour – For the first coating layer.
Eggs – Helps the breading stick.
Panko breadcrumbs – Gives that extra crispy texture.
Seasonings – Garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper (adjust to taste).
Cooking spray – Helps the air fryer crisp them up.
Hot honey sauce – Either store-bought or homemade with honey + hot sauce/chili flakes.

HOW TO MAKE THE CRISPY HOT HONEY CHICKEN TENDERS

Prep the breading station
Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko mixed with seasonings.
Bread the chicken
Coat each tender in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing the crumbs in so they stick.
Air fry
Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Add the hot honey
Warm hot honey slightly so it’s pourable. Drizzle over chicken tenders right before serving, or toss them in a large bowl for full coverage.

TIPS AND TRICKS FOR BEST RESULTS

Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – Cook in batches for even crisping.
Use panko instead of regular breadcrumbs for the best crunch.
Make your own hot honey – Heat honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of your favorite hot sauce.
Serve immediately – The hot honey chicken strips are crispiest right out of the air fryer.
Want it spicier? Add cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.

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Hot Honey Chicken Tenders Recipe

These Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Tenders are golden, crispy, and coated in a sweet-spicy hot honey glaze. A quick and easy healthier take on fried chicken, ready in just 20 minutes.

Prep Time10

Cook Time8

Total Time18

Course: Air Fryer

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 437kcal

Author: Bailey Campbell

Ingredients

2 large chicken breasts sliced into strips
½ cup gluten-free all purpose flour
1 large egg
1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes cereal
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
½ cup hot honey

Instructions

Prep the breading station - Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with panko mixed with seasonings.
Bread the chicken - Coat each tender in flour, then egg, then panko mixture, pressing the crumbs in so they stick.
Air fry - Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer in the basket and lightly spray with cooking spray. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).
Add the hot honey - Warm hot honey slightly so it’s pourable. Drizzle over chicken tenders right before serving, or toss them in a large bowl for full coverage. Serve with a side of ranch dipping sauce and enjoy.

Nutrition

The nutrition information provided is calculated based on industry-standard software and should be used as a general guide only. The information may vary depending on ingredient substitutions, cooking techniques, and individual serving sizes. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of the nutritional information provided. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized medical or nutritional advice.

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STORAGE

Store leftover hot honey chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the leftover chicken in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness.

Other Air Fryer Easy Recipes You May Enjoy!

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