If you love crispy chicken with a sweet and spicy twist, these Air Fryer Crispy Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey are about to become a new favourite. Coated in crunchy cornflakes and perfectly seasoned, each tender comes out golden, juicy, and irresistibly crisp without the need for deep frying.
The air fryer keeps things quick and easy while still delivering that satisfying crunch, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual snacking. Finished with a drizzle of hot honey, these tenders strike the perfect balance between sweet, spicy, and savoury.
Serve them fresh out of the air fryer with extra hot honey on the side, and you’ve got a simple yet flavour-packed dish everyone will keep coming back to.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (air fryer) or 18-22 minutes (oven)
Cool Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
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
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
In a bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and onion powder.
Place the crushed cornflakes in a separate shallow dish.
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Roll in the crushed cornflakes, pressing gently so they adhere well.
Place on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- Oven: Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Air Fryer: Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
Drizzle store-bought hot honey over the crispy chicken or serve it on the side for dipping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crispy without deep frying
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Sweet and spicy flavour combination
- Family-friendly and easy to customise
- Perfect for snacks, dinners, or sharing
What Is Hot Honey?
Hot honey is a sweet and spicy condiment made by infusing honey with chilli peppers. It adds a sticky heat that pairs perfectly with crispy chicken and balances the crunchy coating beautifully.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken
- Don’t crush the cornflakes too fine — small flakes give the best crunch
- Press the coating firmly onto the chicken
- Lightly spray with oil before cooking
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer
- Flip halfway through cooking
Variations You Can Try
- Mild version: Use regular honey instead of hot honey
- Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper to the egg mixture
- Cheesy coating: Mix grated parmesan into the cornflakes
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free cornflakes
What to Serve With It
Serve these crispy chicken tenders with fries, coleslaw, fresh salad, or tuck them into wraps or sandwiches for a more filling meal.
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C for 3–5 minutes to keep them crispy.
- Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay extra juicy.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can coat the chicken in advance and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Can I freeze them?
Yes, freeze after cooking and reheat in the air fryer.
