Save The air fryer changed my relationship with fried chicken completely. I used to avoid making it at home because of the mess, the oil splatter, and that heavy post-fryer smell that lingers for days. Then one Sunday afternoon, craving something crispy but wanting to keep it light, I tried panko-crusted tenders with a spicy honey finish.
My friend Sarah stayed over during a particularly chaotic week when work deadlines blurred into midnight snack runs. I threw these together between calls, and she actually paused mid-bite to ask what restaurant I ordered from. That was the moment I knew this recipe wasnt just convenientit was genuinely good.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders: Boneless and skinless gives you the leanest base for all that crispy coating to shine
- Kosher salt and black pepper: The only seasoning the chicken itself needs, so dont skip this first layer
- All-purpose flour: Creates the dry foundation that helps the egg wash stick perfectly
- Eggs and water: Whisked together, this becomes the glue that holds everything in place
- Panko breadcrumbs: Lighter and airier than regular crumbs, they fry up into something extraordinary
- Garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder: This trio infuses the breading with depth before it even hits heat
- Olive oil or neutral spray: A light mist helps the panko turn golden without heavy frying
- Honey: Pure and warm, it balances the heat and creates that gorgeous glaze
- Hot sauce: Franks RedHot brings vinegar tang, while Sriracha adds more garlic kick
- Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they give the honey these little blooming heat pockets
Instructions
- Get everything ready:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C 400°F and let it get good and hot while you prep
- Season the chicken:
- Pat those tenders completely dry with paper towels, then sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper
- Set up your dredging station:
- Arrange three shallow bowls in a rowflour first, then eggs whisked with water, then panko mixed with your spices
- Coat each tender:
- Dredge in flour and shake off the excess, dip into egg until fully coated, then press firmly into the panko mixture
- Prep for crunch:
- Lightly spray both sides of each breaded tender with oil for that gorgeous golden finish
- Arrange and cook:
- Lay them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, cooking in batches if needed so nothing crowds
- Get them golden:
- Air fry for 78 minutes, flip each tender carefully, then go another 67 minutes until they hit 74°C 165°F inside
- Make the hot honey:
- Warm honey, hot sauce, and red pepper flakes in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring just until combined
- Finish and serve:
- Drizzle that spicy honey over the hot tenders immediately and pass extra at the table
Save These became my go-to for Friday night dinners when everyone is tired but still wants something that feels special. Theres something about that crunch followed by sweet heat that makes people slow down and actually enjoy their food.
Making Them Extra Crunchy
If you want next-level crunch, run the tenders through the egg and panko a second time before air frying. The double layer creates this shattering crust that people will not stop talking about.
The Honey Situation
I keep little jars of pre-mixed hot honey in my pantry now. Just warm honey, stir in your chosen hot sauce, and it keeps for weeks. This trick has saved me so many times when friends drop by unexpectedly.
What To Serve Alongside
A crisp slaw cuts through the richness beautifully, but honestly, these tenders shine with just about anything. Roasted vegetables, a simple green salad, or even just some extra hot honey and good company.
- Try brushing some honey directly onto the tenders during the last 2 minutes of cooking
- Let the chicken rest for 3 minutes after air frying for maximum crunch retention
- Make double the hot honeyit keeps beautifully in the fridge
Save Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones you come back to again and again, and this ones proof that comfort food doesnt have to be complicated.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I achieve extra crunch on the chicken tenders?
Double-coat the chicken by repeating the dredging and coating steps before air frying for an extra crispy texture.
- → Can I substitute chicken tenders with another cut?
Yes, chicken breast sliced into strips works well as a substitute and cooks similarly in the air fryer.
- → How do I adjust the heat level of the hot honey drizzle?
Modify the amount of hot sauce and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice intensity.
- → What is the best oil to use for coating the tenders?
Olive oil or a neutral oil spray is suitable to lightly coat the tenders for crispiness without overpowering the flavors.
- → Is it necessary to pat the chicken dry before seasoning?
Patting the chicken dry helps the seasoning and coatings adhere better, ensuring a crisp finish.