Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders Air Fryer Delight

Looking to spice up dinner? Let me introduce you to my Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders made in the air fryer. These tenders offer a perfect blend of sweet and heat, with a crispy coating that will make your taste buds dance. In this post, I’ll share easy steps, tasty tips, and variations so you can impress your family and friends. Ready to make this delicious dish? Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 pound chicken tenderloins

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/4 cup honey

– 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional Garnishes

– Chopped green onions

– Sesame seeds

These ingredients come together to create the perfect spicy honey Sriracha chicken tenders. The combination of chicken tenderloins and panko breadcrumbs gives you a crunchy bite. The seasoned flour adds flavor, while the sauce brings the heat. You can adjust the Sriracha to match your spice level. For a tasty touch, add green onions and sesame seeds on top. These simple ingredients lead to a dish that is both fun and flavorful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Air Fryer

First, you need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting the chicken tenders crispy and cooked well.

Preparing the Breading Station

Next, let’s set up your breading station. In a shallow bowl, mix these dry ingredients:

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1/2 teaspoon paprika

– 1/4 teaspoon salt

– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

In a second bowl, whisk one large egg until it is frothy. In a third bowl, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will help the tenders get that extra crunch.

Coating the Chicken

Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Take each tenderloin and first coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure it is fully covered. Next, dip it into the egg, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help them stick. Set aside the coated tenders on a plate.

Making the Spicy Honey Sauce

For the spicy honey sauce, whisk together these ingredients in a clean bowl:

– 1/4 cup honey

– 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Mix well until all the ingredients blend together. You can adjust the Sriracha for more or less heat.

Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Now, arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket. A little cooking oil spray helps them get crispy. Cook the tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Tossing and Serving

When the chicken is done, transfer it to the bowl with the spicy honey sauce. Toss gently until the tenders are fully coated. For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot for the best taste!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Perfect Crispiness

To get that perfect crunch on your chicken tenders, use cooking oil spray. Lightly spray the tenders before air frying. This helps them crisp up without adding too much fat. The oil creates a golden crust. You’ll love the texture it adds!

Adjusting Spice Levels

Sriracha can be spicy, so adjust it to fit your taste. Start with a small amount. Mix it with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Taste the sauce before tossing in the chicken. If you want it hotter, add more Sriracha. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount. It’s all about making it your own!

Best Practices for Air Frying

Air frying works best when you do not overcrowd the basket. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate around each tender. If they are too close, they will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and crispy results every time!

Variations

Substitute Ingredients

You can switch up the chicken tenderloins for other proteins. Try using shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. If you want a different crunch, use crushed cornflakes or almond flour instead of panko. Both give a great texture and taste.

Different Flavor Profiles

You can change the flavor of the sauce. Add garlic powder, chili powder, or even lime juice for extra zing. If you want a sweeter taste, mix in some brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also try other sauces, like barbecue or teriyaki, for unique flavors.

Cooking Methods without Air Fryer

If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This method keeps them crispy and delicious!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps keep them crispy. They will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is a great choice.

Reheating Tips

When you reheat the chicken tenders, the goal is to keep them crispy. The best way to do this is to use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Put the tenders in a single layer and air fry for about 5 minutes. This method helps them regain their crunch without drying out. You can also use the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes.

Freezing Recommendations

To freeze the chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Once cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This ensures they thaw evenly and taste great!

FAQs

How long does it take to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer?

It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) first. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even browning. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating.

Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. However, you must thaw them first. Thawing helps the breading stick better. This way, the tenders cook evenly and become crispy.

What can I serve with Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with:

– Fresh salad

– Steamed vegetables

– Rice or quinoa

– Dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese

These options balance the spicy flavor and enhance your meal.

You now have all the details for making Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders. We covered the key ingredients, the step-by-step cooking process, and tips for achieving that perfect crunch. Remember, you can adjust the spice and try new flavors. Don’t forget to store and reheat leftovers properly to keep them tasty. Enjoy making this dish easy and fun! You’ll impress your friends and family with your tasty creations.

- 1 pound chicken tenderloins - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds These ingredients come together to create the perfect spicy honey Sriracha chicken tenders. The combination of chicken tenderloins and panko breadcrumbs gives you a crunchy bite. The seasoned flour adds flavor, while the sauce brings the heat. You can adjust the Sriracha to match your spice level. For a tasty touch, add green onions and sesame seeds on top. These simple ingredients lead to a dish that is both fun and flavorful. First, you need to preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step is key to getting the chicken tenders crispy and cooked well. Next, let's set up your breading station. In a shallow bowl, mix these dry ingredients: - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper In a second bowl, whisk one large egg until it is frothy. In a third bowl, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will help the tenders get that extra crunch. Now it's time to coat the chicken. Take each tenderloin and first coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure it is fully covered. Next, dip it into the egg, letting any extra egg drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help them stick. Set aside the coated tenders on a plate. For the spicy honey sauce, whisk together these ingredients in a clean bowl: - 1/4 cup honey - 3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar Mix well until all the ingredients blend together. You can adjust the Sriracha for more or less heat. Now, arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket. A little cooking oil spray helps them get crispy. Cook the tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When the chicken is done, transfer it to the bowl with the spicy honey sauce. Toss gently until the tenders are fully coated. For a finishing touch, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if you like. Serve hot for the best taste! To get that perfect crunch on your chicken tenders, use cooking oil spray. Lightly spray the tenders before air frying. This helps them crisp up without adding too much fat. The oil creates a golden crust. You’ll love the texture it adds! Sriracha can be spicy, so adjust it to fit your taste. Start with a small amount. Mix it with honey, soy sauce, and vinegar. Taste the sauce before tossing in the chicken. If you want it hotter, add more Sriracha. If you prefer it milder, reduce the amount. It's all about making it your own! Air frying works best when you do not overcrowd the basket. Place the chicken tenders in a single layer. This allows hot air to circulate around each tender. If they are too close, they will steam instead of fry. Cook in batches if needed. This ensures even cooking and crispy results every time! {{image_4}} You can switch up the chicken tenderloins for other proteins. Try using shrimp or tofu for a fun twist. If you want a different crunch, use crushed cornflakes or almond flour instead of panko. Both give a great texture and taste. You can change the flavor of the sauce. Add garlic powder, chili powder, or even lime juice for extra zing. If you want a sweeter taste, mix in some brown sugar or maple syrup. You can also try other sauces, like barbecue or teriyaki, for unique flavors. If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken tenders. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check that they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This method keeps them crispy and delicious! To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps keep them crispy. They will stay good in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them longer, freezing is a great choice. When you reheat the chicken tenders, the goal is to keep them crispy. The best way to do this is to use the air fryer. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Put the tenders in a single layer and air fry for about 5 minutes. This method helps them regain their crunch without drying out. You can also use the oven at the same temperature for about 10 minutes. To freeze the chicken tenders, let them cool completely first. Once cool, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months. When you're ready to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating. This ensures they thaw evenly and taste great! It takes about 8 to 10 minutes to cook chicken tenders in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) first. Flip the tenders halfway through cooking for even browning. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenderloins. However, you must thaw them first. Thawing helps the breading stick better. This way, the tenders cook evenly and become crispy. These chicken tenders pair well with various sides. Consider serving them with: - Fresh salad - Steamed vegetables - Rice or quinoa - Dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese These options balance the spicy flavor and enhance your meal. You now have all the details for making Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders. We covered the key ingredients, the step-by-step cooking process, and tips for achieving that perfect crunch. Remember, you can adjust the spice and try new flavors. Don't forget to store and reheat leftovers properly to keep them tasty. Enjoy making this dish easy and fun! You'll impress your friends and family with your tasty creations.

Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders Air Fryer

Get ready to spice up your dinner with these easy and delicious Spicy Honey Sriracha Chicken Tenders! This recipe features juicy chicken tenderloins coated in a crispy panko crust, tossed in a sweet and spicy honey sauce that packs a flavor punch. Perfect for a weeknight meal or party appetizer, these tenders are sure to impress. Click through to discover the full recipe and get cooking today!

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenderloins

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg

1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)

1/4 cup honey

3 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust according to spice tolerance)

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Optional: chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it's hot and ready for the chicken tenders.

    In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper thoroughly. This will be your seasoned flour mixture.

      In a separate bowl, whisk the egg vigorously until it is frothy and well combined.

        Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl to create your breading station. Arrange it in this order: the seasoned flour mixture, the whisked egg, and then the breadcrumbs.

          Take each chicken tenderloin and first coat it in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully covered. Next, dip it into the whisked egg, letting any excess drip off, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they adhere well. Set aside the coated tenders on a plate.

            In a clean bowl, whisk together the honey, Sriracha, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar until all ingredients are blended well, creating your flavorful spicy honey sauce. Feel free to adjust the Sriracha for a milder or spicier kick based on your taste preferences.

              Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be mindful not to overcrowd them, as this promotes even cooking. For added crispiness, lightly spray the tenders with cooking oil.

                Air fry the chicken tenders for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and fully cooked with an internal temperature reaching 165°F (75°C).

                  Once cooked, carefully transfer the hot chicken tenders to the bowl containing your spicy honey sauce. Toss gently until the tenders are evenly coated in the sauce.

                    For an added touch, garnish your delicious spicy chicken tenders with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve hot for the best experience!

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                        Leave a Comment

                        Recipe Rating