Pin it The air fryer changed everything for me when I finally stopped fighting it and let it do what it does best. I used to be deep fry or nothing when it came to chicken tenders, then one Tuesday night I tried this panko situation and honestly the crunch was so perfect I didnt even miss the gallon of oil. Now its the thing my friends actually request when they come over.
Last summer I made these for a small dinner party and had to double the batch halfway through because people kept hovering around the air fryer. Theres something about the combination of hot honey and salty crispy chicken that turns grown adults into sneaky kitchen lingerers pretending to help but really just grabbing another tender.
Ingredients
- 500 g boneless skinless chicken tenders: The uniform shape means even cooking and the natural tenderness stays juicy inside that crunchy coating
- 1 tsp kosher salt and ½ tsp black pepper: Season the chicken itself first so every layer has flavor not just the outside coating
- 60 g allpurpose flour: This first dry layer is what helps the egg wash stick and creates the foundation for that serious crunch
- 2 large eggs whisked with 2 tbsp water: The water thins the egg just enough to coat evenly without being too thick or gloppy
- 100 g panko breadcrumbs: Panko beats regular breadcrumbs every time for that lighter bigger crunch that makes air frying actually worth it
- 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp onion powder: This spice blend is what keeps people coming back trying to figure out your secret
- 2 tbsp olive oil: A light spray helps the panko turn golden and crispy instead of staying pale and soft
- 60 ml honey mixed with hot sauce: The heat cuts through the sweetness and suddenly you understand why this combination took over food social media
Instructions
- Get everything ready:
- Preheat that air fryer to 200°C and pat your chicken completely dry with paper towels because moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Season the tenders all over with salt and pepper.
- Set up your dredging station:
- Get three shallow bowls going one with flour one with eggs whisked with water and one with panko plus all those spices mixed together. Keep them in this exact order left to right so you can move through without dripping everywhere.
- Coat each tender like a pro:
- Dredge each piece first in flour shaking off the excess then dip in egg and finally press into the panko until thoroughly coated. Press the breadcrumbs in gently so they actually stick instead of falling off later.
- Give them a quick oil spray:
- Lightly coat both sides of each breaded tender with oil spray because this small step is what transforms them from pale to golden beautiful.
- Air fry to perfection:
- Arrange in a single layer and cook for 7 to 8 minutes then flip and go another 6 to 7 minutes until theyre golden and reach 74°C internally. Work in batches if your air fryer is cramped.
- Make the hot honey while things cook:
- Warm honey with hot sauce and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat just until combined. Do not boil it or youll lose that beautiful raw honey flavor.
- Finish and serve immediately:
- Drizzle the hot honey over those crispy tenders the second they come out and serve extra on the side because people will absolutely want more.
Pin it This recipe has turned into my go to for everything from quick weeknight dinners to feeding a crowd during game day. Something about that hot honey hitting the crispy chicken makes people pause midconversation and ask for the recipe immediately.
Making Ahead and Storage
You can bread the chicken up to 4 hours ahead and store it on a parchment lined baking sheet in the fridge. Let them come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before air frying for the best crunch. Leftovers reheat surprisingly well at 180°C for 3 to 4 minutes though theyre definitely best fresh.
Side Dish Pairings
Creamy coleslaw cuts through the heat and sweetness beautifully while crispy fries or roasted potatoes make it a full comfort meal. A simple green salad with tangy vinaigrette balances everything out if you want something lighter. Or just go full comfort with mac and cheese because sometimes you just need to embrace the indulgence.
Customization Ideas
The hot honey ratio is completely personal so start with less heat and add more until it hits your perfect sweet spot. Try adding dried oregano to the panko mixture for an herby version or swap in Cajun seasoning if you want more spice depth.
- Swap chicken thighs for tenders if you prefer darker meat just adjust cooking time by a couple minutes
- Make it gluten free with GF flour and certified GF panko though the texture might be slightly different
- Double the hot honey recipe and keep the extra in a jar for drizzling on pizza or roasted vegetables later
Pin it The way these tenders disappear whenever I make them tells me everything I need to know about this recipe. Hope they become a regular in your rotation too.
Recipe FAQs
- → What gives the chicken tenders their crispiness?
The coating of seasoned panko breadcrumbs combined with air frying creates a golden, crunchy texture.
- → How is the spicy honey sauce prepared?
Honey is gently warmed with hot sauce and red pepper flakes, stirring until combined but not boiled, to maintain the sweet-spicy balance.
- → Can I use regular frying instead of an air fryer?
Yes, shallow frying in oil can achieve a similar crispiness, but air frying offers a lighter option with less oil.
- → How can the heat level be adjusted?
Modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes in the honey drizzle to customize the spice intensity.
- → What alternatives exist for chicken tenders?
Chicken breast cut into strips can be used as a substitute if tenders are not available.