Description
Crispy air fryer honey garlic chicken tenders made with corn flakes offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions. They are coated in crushed corn flakes for ultimate crunch and tossed in a sticky, homemade honey garlic glaze. This recipe is quick, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights or game days.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders or strips
- 2 cups corn flakes, crushed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil mist
- Chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or cilantro for garnish (optional)
- For the Honey Garlic Sauce:
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and one with crushed corn flakes.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Dredge each tender first in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Press the egg-coated tender firmly into the crushed corn flakes, ensuring an even, thick coating.
- Lightly spray both sides of the coated tenders with cooking spray or oil mist.
- Place the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, which ensures maximum crispiness.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. They are done when golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- While the chicken is cooking, prepare the honey garlic sauce. In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and minced garlic.
- Simmer the sauce over medium heat for 3–5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then stir this mixture into the simmering sauce and cook until it slightly thickens.
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked, you can either drizzle them with the warm honey garlic sauce or toss them in the sauce just before serving. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Adequate space allows for proper air circulation, which is key to crispiness.
- For an even crunchier coating, you can double-coat the tenders: dip them in egg and corn flakes a second time.
- Consider lining your air fryer basket with perforated parchment paper for easier cleanup.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Allow the tenders to rest for about 2 minutes after cooking. This helps the coating set properly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers, Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 4 tenders)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 1565mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
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