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Air-Fried Honey Buffalo Chicken Tenders deliver all the crunch and satisfaction of your favorite fried chicken but are made with just a light mist of oil and the magic of the air fryer. The tenders get a double coating—first in well-seasoned flour, then in a crispy cornflake crust—before turning golden and juicy in the air fryer. Tossed with a punchy, sweet-spicy honey buffalo sauce, these are the ultimate game day finger food or weeknight treat.
My family always cheers when these hit the table. I started making them for quick dinners, but they have become my must-make for parties and Sunday football, too.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenderloins: Choose tenderloins for the juiciest texture and always remove any tendons for best results
- Buffalo wing sauce: Look for one with a balanced heat level you love I prefer Frank’s but mild or extra spicy works The tangy base gives that classic buffalo flavor
- Honey: Use real honey for sweetness that mellows the heat and helps the sauce cling to the chicken
- Garlic: Fresh minced or a small pinch of garlic powder adds punchiness as the sauce simmers
- All purpose flour: Essential for the first coating layer and helps the seasoning stick Choose unbleached flour for best taste
- Cajun or poultry seasoning: A bold blend for adding maximum flavor to the flour coat Homemade seasonings let you control the salt and heat
- Eggs and milk: Whisked together for a sticky bath that helps the cornflakes adhere and keeps chicken super juicy
- Plain corn flakes: Crush them by hand or with a rolling pin to get a range of crumb sizes for extra crunch Avoid sugary varieties
- Avocado or olive oil spray: Needed for a golden crispy finish Use a spray bottle for the most even coverage
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Breading Station:
- Arrange three shallow dishes First put flour and seasoning in one dish In the second dish whisk together eggs and milk The last dish holds your crushed cornflakes
- Coat the Chicken:
- Pat each chicken tender dry Dip in seasoned flour and coat all sides Shake off extra flour Transfer to the egg mixture and turn to coat Remove letting excess drip off, then press gently into cornflakes to cover completely
- Air Fry in Batches:
- Lay the tenders in your air fryer basket in a single layer Spray with oil on top Set to 400 degrees F and cook for 5 minutes Flip each tender, spray again, and cook 5 minutes more Flip a final time and cook an extra 1 to 3 minutes to reach 165 degrees inside
- Warm and Toss in Sauce:
- Mix buffalo sauce, honey, and garlic in a microwave safe dish Heat for 30 to 45 seconds to melt honey Stir and add hot chicken tenders Toss to coat evenly in sauce and serve right away
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My favorite touch is a generous drizzle of honey when the tenders are fresh from the fryer My kids’ favorite memory is making an assembly line in the kitchen and racing to see who can bread the chicken fastest
Storage Tips
If you want to save time for family dinners or lunches, par-cook a big batch and freeze without sauce After cooling, pack the tenders flat in a zip-top freezer bag They will keep up to two months Air fry straight from frozen and they crisp right back up Once sauced, leftovers are best eaten within two days as the crust will soften You can still enjoy them chopped over salad or in a sandwich
Ingredient Substitutions
No cornflakes on hand Substitute panko or crushed rice cereal instead If spicy buffalo is not your thing try barbecue sauce mixed with a little honey Gluten free option Use a one-to-one gluten free flour blend and certified gluten free cornflakes or panko
Serving Suggestions
Serve a platter of these chicken tenders with celery sticks and creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing They are perfect for parties game night or dinner with sweet potato fries or a fresh slaw If you like extra heat add more buffalo sauce on the side Use leftovers sliced on top of a crisp salad for lunch
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Cultural Inspiration
Buffalo chicken was born in Buffalo New York but this version makes it lighter and a bit sweet The contrast of crunchy coating and sticky sauce is inspired by classic American bar food but with a modern air fryer twist This recipe echoes homey southern cooking with a wellness-minded upgrade
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep chicken tenders crispy?
For maximum crunch, toss tenders in the honey buffalo sauce just before serving. If storing, keep tenders unsauced and reheat in the air fryer for best results.
- → Can I freeze air-fried chicken tenders?
Yes, partially cook the tenders, cool, then freeze in a zip-top bag. When ready, air fry from frozen and sauce them after reheating.
- → Which type of corn flakes should I use?
Use plain corn flakes for coating. Avoid sweetened varieties like Frosted Flakes to keep the flavor balanced.
- → What’s in the honey buffalo sauce?
This sauce combines buffalo wing sauce, honey, and garlic, offering both a kick of heat and sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- → Can I customize the seasoning?
Absolutely! Use Cajun, poultry seasoning, or your favorite blend in the flour for extra flavor before coating the chicken.