Air-Fried Hot Honey Chicken Tenders

the Story

These air-fried tenders are a simple, satisfying dish that proves chicken tenders aren’t just for kids. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll get perfectly crispy tenders coated in a golden-brown crust that’s light and crunchy, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. The real star of the show is the drizzle of warm, sticky hot honey—balancing sweet heat with the savory, juicy chicken for an irresistible flavor combination. Whether served as a weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or an easy crowd-pleaser, these tenders are grown-up comfort food at its finest, packed with bold flavor in every bite.

the Ingredients

• 1 LB Package of Chicken Breast Tenders

• 1/2 Cup of All-Purpose Flour

• 1 Cup of Panko Seasoned Breadcrumbs

• 2 Eggs, Beaten

• 12 oz. of your favorite Hot Honey

• 2 Tablespoons of Trader Joe's BBQ Rub & Seasoning w/ Coffee & Garlic

  • Or, Onion Salt, Garlic Powder, and Smoked Paprika are a great substitute.

• Cooking Spray

the Instructions

• Preheat your Air Fryer to 400 Degrees.

• In 3 small mixing bowls:

  • Add the Flour to Bowl 1.

  • Add the Eggs to Bowl 2.

  • Add the Breadcrumbs and Seasonings to Bowl 3.

• Dip each Chicken Tender into the Flour, making sure all surfaces are covered. Then, shake off any excess flour before dipping into the Eggs.

• Dip each Chicken Tender into the Egg, making sure all surfaces are covered. Then, shake off any excess egg before dipping into the Breadcrumbs.

• Dip each Chicken Tender into the breadcrumbs, making sure all surfaces are covered. Then, shake off any excess Breadcrumbs. Set aside.

• Repeat these three dipping steps until all Chicken Tenders are breaded.

• Once the Air Fryer is preheated, spray the tray with cooking spray until thoroughly coated. Place each Chicken Tender onto the tray, but make sure you don't overcrowd the tenders. You may have to cook 4-6 tenders at a time depending on the size of your air fryer.

• Once the Tenders have been placed onto the tray, spray the top of each tender with cooking spray, and cook for 6 minutes.

• After 6 minutes, it's time to flip. Before flipping, spray the top of each tender with cooking spray again. Then, flip. Spray the other side of the tenders before closing the tray to cook.

• Once flipped, cook the tenders for an additional 6 minutes.

• Once all Chicken Tenders have been cooked, set aside on a cutting board or work surface, and thoroughly coat each tender with the Hot Honey.

• Once all Chicken Tenders have been coated with Hot Honey, place them back in the Air Fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes at 400 Degrees. Let cool for 1-2 minutes, and enjoy!