Air-Fried Honey Buffalo Chicken

Air-fried chicken tenders have completely changed weeknight dinners for my family. These honey buffalo tenders are everything you crave about classic fried chicken but so much lighter since they use only a spritz of oil. The cornflake crust is ultra crispy and the sweet spicy sauce adds a perfect kick. Whenever I make these, everyone dives in before I even put the platter down.

I first tried this method during a football game day and now my husband actually requests these over takeout. They disappeared before halftime even started.

Ingredients

• Chicken tenderloins: Always check for and remove the white tendon for the best texture. Choose ones that are uniform in size to help them cook evenly
• Honey buffalo sauce: A blend of your favorite buffalo sauce honey and garlic. I recommend using real honey for a stickier glaze and a good quality wing sauce for deep flavor
• Seasoned flour: Flour mixed with Cajun or poultry seasoning which gives the chicken so much flavor even before the breading goes on. Make your own spice blend or your favorite store-bought
• Eggs and milk: These bind everything together and help the cornflakes stick. Use fresh eggs and whole milk for the richest coating
• Plain corn flakes: Crushed by hand for uneven crunchy bits. Avoid frosted flakes or sweetened cereals since they get too sticky
• Oil spray: An avocado or olive oil spray adds just enough fat for browning. Make sure to get a spray without added propellants for best results

Instructions

Prep your workstation:

Organize three shallow dishes. In the first dish whisk flour and seasoning until combined. In the second dish beat eggs and milk together until totally smooth with no streaks. In the third dish add the crushed cornflakes. Have tongs or a fork handy for easy dipping.

Dredge the chicken:

Pat the chicken tenders completely dry with paper towels. Working in batches coat each piece in seasoned flour making sure every side is covered. Gently shake off the excess.

Dip in eggs:

Take the floured chicken and submerge it in the egg and milk mixture ensuring every part is coated. Let the extra drip off before the next step.

Coat with cornflakes:

Press the chicken into the crushed cornflakes turning and pressing firmly so the flakes stick to the entire surface. Try to use one hand for wet ingredients and one hand for dry to keep the process tidy.

Air fry the tenders:

Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Space them out so air can circulate. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Cook at four hundred degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes. Flip each tender over spray again and cook for another five minutes. For extra crispiness flip once more and cook for one to three more minutes. The chicken is done when it hits one hundred sixty-five degrees Fahrenheit inside.

Make and toss in sauce:

While the chicken cooks mix together buffalo sauce honey and minced garlic in a small bowl. Microwave for thirty to forty-five seconds until the honey melts. Stir again for a smooth sauce. As soon as the tenders are done toss them in the warm honey buffalo sauce making sure to coat every side generously.

The cornflake crust always surprises people with how crunchy it gets. My kids cheer when they hear that snap on the first bite. I never thought air fried chicken could be this satisfying without deep frying and now it is a mainstay at our house.

Storage Tips

Keep unsauced chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep their crispy texture do not coat in sauce until you are ready to serve. Freeze cooked but unsauced tenders in a zip-top bag for up to two months. Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer for best results. If you have leftovers already tossed in sauce they still taste great but the coating gets softer when stored. Reheat in the air fryer to bring back some crunch.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap chicken tenderloins for boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips if you cannot find tenders. Use gluten free flour and gluten free cornflakes for a completely gluten free version. Try maple syrup in place of honey for a deeper sweetness. For less heat pick a milder buffalo sauce or add extra honey.

Serving Suggestions

Great as a main dish with coleslaw or a simple green salad. Serve over waffles for a fun spin on chicken and waffles. Slice up leftovers and add to wraps or grain bowls for an easy lunch.

Cultural and Historical Context

Crispy chicken tenders are classic American comfort food but air fryers bring a modern twist. This healthier approach lets you enjoy those nostalgic flavors any night of the week. Buffalo sauce originated in Buffalo New York and mixing it with honey is a great way to tame the heat while keeping all the signature zing. Meal prepping with air frying is a big trend now and these tenders fit perfectly into busy family schedules.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer serve these with a fresh corn salad or watermelon. For game days pair with blue cheese dip celery and carrot sticks. During colder months tuck them into a warm pita with pickles for a cozy hand-held meal.

Helpful Notes

Always pat chicken dry before breading so the coating sticks. Crush cornflakes by hand for texture instead of pulsing in a food processor. Letting the tenders rest for two minutes before tossing in sauce helps the coating stay extra crisp.

Turning these chicken tenders into a freezer meal has absolutely saved me during hectic weeks. I love pulling them out for a no stress dinner everyone is excited about. Once you try these crunchy juicy tenders air fried at home you will never go back to ordering out again.

Your Recipe Questions Answered

→ How do I keep the chicken tenders crispy?

For maximum crispiness, coat tenders thoroughly in crushed cornflakes and air-fry in a single layer. Add the honey buffalo sauce just before serving to preserve the crunchy texture.

→ Can I make these in advance?

Yes, partially cook the tenders, let them cool, then freeze. Air-fry from frozen and toss with sauce when ready to eat.

→ What is the best way to reheat leftovers?

Reheat chicken tenders in the air fryer for several minutes to revive their crispiness, then add sauce if desired.

→ Can I use a different sauce instead of honey buffalo?

Absolutely. Try barbecue, teriyaki, sweet chili, or your favorite store-bought or homemade dips for variety.

→ Are cornflakes necessary for the coating?

Cornflakes provide a crunchy texture, but you can use panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as alternatives if desired.