Air Fryer Sweet & Spicy Chicken Tenders Recipe

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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish To make these air fryer sweet and spicy chicken tenders, gather your ingredients first. Start with 1 pound of fresh chicken tenders. This is the base of your dish. For a crispy coating, you will need flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices add great flavor. Next, you need a large egg, beaten, to help the coating stick. Finally, use 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. For the glaze, mix 1/4 cup of honey with 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce. This adds sweetness and heat. Then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for depth. You can also garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal. First, gather all your chicken tenders. You will need one pound. In a shallow bowl, mix these dry ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir these well so they blend. Next, take a large egg and beat it in another bowl until fully mixed. In a third shallow dish, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy coating. Now, dip each chicken tender into the flour mix. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lay the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get a nice golden color. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safely cooked. While the chicken cooks, let’s make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir the ingredients together until they blend well. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the chicken is done, drizzle this spicy honey glaze over the tenders. Toss them gently to coat each piece evenly. Enjoy your delicious air fryer sweet and spicy chicken tenders! For crispy chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a great crunch. Make sure to coat each tender well. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for better sticking. Preheat your air fryer, as this helps cook the chicken evenly. Don't overcrowd the basket; give the tenders space. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp up every side. I recommend cooking the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C). Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and tender. You can change up the glaze for fun! Try adding extra spices to the honey mix. For a tangy twist, add lime juice or ginger. If you like it sweeter, increase the honey. Mixing in different hot sauces can also adjust the heat level. Experiment to find your perfect balance! {{image_2}} You can change the spice in your sweet and spicy chicken tenders. To make them milder, use less sriracha. Try adding more honey to balance the heat. For a bolder kick, add more sriracha or mix in cayenne pepper. A pinch goes a long way, so start small. Remember, you can always add more spice later. The glaze can be fun to change up. Instead of sriracha, try using barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also mix honey with teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. If you like a fruity kick, add some orange juice to the honey. This will give your glaze a bright, fresh taste. Get creative and find what you love! Chicken is great, but you can use other proteins too. Try turkey tenders for a leaner option. You can also use shrimp, which cooks quickly and pairs well with the glaze. If you want a vegetarian choice, use tofu. Just press the tofu to remove water and cut it into strips. The glaze will add flavor to any protein you choose! To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure you seal it well to keep out air. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Heat the chicken tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. To freeze the chicken tenders, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. After thawing, reheat as mentioned earlier. Yes, you can! If you don't have an air fryer, use a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and cooked through. This method works well, but the tenders may not be as crispy as when cooked in an air fryer. To change the flavor, simply adjust the honey and sriracha. For more sweetness, add more honey. If you want it spicier, increase the sriracha. You can also add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat. Taste your glaze before using it. This way, you can find the right balance you enjoy! These chicken tenders go great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Rice or quinoa - Fresh salad with a light dressing Mix and match these sides to create a perfect meal! You learned how to make sweet and spicy chicken tenders step by step. We covered the best ingredients, cooking methods, and handy tips for perfect results. You can vary the spice and glaze to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Get creative in the kitchen, and share your tasty results! Enjoy your delicious chicken tenders today.

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Get ready to elevate your mealtime with my Air Fryer Sweet & Spicy Chicken Tenders recipe! These tenders are crispy on the outside and bursting with flavor inside. Using simple ingredients, you’ll whip up a delicious dish that balances heat and sweetness perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, these tenders will steal the show. Let’s dive into how you can make this mouthwatering treat in no time!

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Ingredients

Chicken Ingredients

– 1 lb chicken tenders

Coating Ingredients

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Sweet & Spicy Glaze Ingredients

– 1/4 cup honey

– 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

– 1 tablespoon soy sauce

– 1 teaspoon sesame oil

– Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

To make these air fryer sweet and spicy chicken tenders, gather your ingredients first. Start with 1 pound of fresh chicken tenders. This is the base of your dish. For a crispy coating, you will need flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices add great flavor.

Next, you need a large egg, beaten, to help the coating stick. Finally, use 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch.

For the glaze, mix 1/4 cup of honey with 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce. This adds sweetness and heat. Then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for depth.

You can also garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

First, gather all your chicken tenders. You will need one pound. In a shallow bowl, mix these dry ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir these well so they blend.

Next, take a large egg and beat it in another bowl until fully mixed. In a third shallow dish, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy coating.

Now, dip each chicken tender into the flour mix. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

Cooking the Chicken in the Air Fryer

Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lay the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly.

Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get a nice golden color. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safely cooked.

Making the Sweet & Spicy Glaze

While the chicken cooks, let’s make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat.

Stir the ingredients together until they blend well. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the chicken is done, drizzle this spicy honey glaze over the tenders. Toss them gently to coat each piece evenly.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer sweet and spicy chicken tenders!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Tenders

For crispy chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a great crunch. Make sure to coat each tender well. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for better sticking. Preheat your air fryer, as this helps cook the chicken evenly. Don’t overcrowd the basket; give the tenders space. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp up every side.

Recommended Cook Times and Temperatures

I recommend cooking the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C). Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and tender.

Alternative Glazing Techniques

You can change up the glaze for fun! Try adding extra spices to the honey mix. For a tangy twist, add lime juice or ginger. If you like it sweeter, increase the honey. Mixing in different hot sauces can also adjust the heat level. Experiment to find your perfect balance!

Variations

Different Spice Levels

You can change the spice in your sweet and spicy chicken tenders. To make them milder, use less sriracha. Try adding more honey to balance the heat. For a bolder kick, add more sriracha or mix in cayenne pepper. A pinch goes a long way, so start small. Remember, you can always add more spice later.

Alternative Glaze Options

The glaze can be fun to change up. Instead of sriracha, try using barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also mix honey with teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. If you like a fruity kick, add some orange juice to the honey. This will give your glaze a bright, fresh taste. Get creative and find what you love!

Using Different Proteins

Chicken is great, but you can use other proteins too. Try turkey tenders for a leaner option. You can also use shrimp, which cooks quickly and pairs well with the glaze. If you want a vegetarian choice, use tofu. Just press the tofu to remove water and cut it into strips. The glaze will add flavor to any protein you choose!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure you seal it well to keep out air. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Heat the chicken tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy.

Freezing and Thawing Tips

To freeze the chicken tenders, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. After thawing, reheat as mentioned earlier.

FAQs

Can I make these chicken tenders without an air fryer?

Yes, you can! If you don’t have an air fryer, use a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and cooked through. This method works well, but the tenders may not be as crispy as when cooked in an air fryer.

How can I adjust the sweetness or spiciness?

To change the flavor, simply adjust the honey and sriracha. For more sweetness, add more honey. If you want it spicier, increase the sriracha. You can also add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat. Taste your glaze before using it. This way, you can find the right balance you enjoy!

What are some side dishes that pair well with sweet and spicy chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders go great with many sides. Here are some ideas:

– Steamed broccoli

– Sweet potato fries

– Coleslaw

– Rice or quinoa

– Fresh salad with a light dressing

Mix and match these sides to create a perfect meal!

You learned how to make sweet and spicy chicken tenders step by step. We covered the best ingredients, cooking methods, and handy tips for perfect results. You can vary the spice and glaze to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later.

Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Get creative in the kitchen, and share your tasty results! Enjoy your delicious chicken tenders today.

- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce - 1 teaspoon sesame oil - Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish To make these air fryer sweet and spicy chicken tenders, gather your ingredients first. Start with 1 pound of fresh chicken tenders. This is the base of your dish. For a crispy coating, you will need flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. These spices add great flavor. Next, you need a large egg, beaten, to help the coating stick. Finally, use 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs for that perfect crunch. For the glaze, mix 1/4 cup of honey with 2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce. This adds sweetness and heat. Then add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for depth. You can also garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for a pop of color. These ingredients come together to create a delicious meal. First, gather all your chicken tenders. You will need one pound. In a shallow bowl, mix these dry ingredients: 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Stir these well so they blend. Next, take a large egg and beat it in another bowl until fully mixed. In a third shallow dish, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This will help create a crispy coating. Now, dip each chicken tender into the flour mix. Make sure it is fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg, letting any extra drip off. Finally, roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lay the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. This helps them cook evenly. Cook the chicken for about 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get a nice golden color. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are safely cooked. While the chicken cooks, let’s make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Heat this mixture over medium heat. Stir the ingredients together until they blend well. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes. Once the chicken is done, drizzle this spicy honey glaze over the tenders. Toss them gently to coat each piece evenly. Enjoy your delicious air fryer sweet and spicy chicken tenders! For crispy chicken tenders, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a great crunch. Make sure to coat each tender well. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken for better sticking. Preheat your air fryer, as this helps cook the chicken evenly. Don't overcrowd the basket; give the tenders space. This allows hot air to circulate and crisp up every side. I recommend cooking the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C). Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures your chicken is safe to eat and tender. You can change up the glaze for fun! Try adding extra spices to the honey mix. For a tangy twist, add lime juice or ginger. If you like it sweeter, increase the honey. Mixing in different hot sauces can also adjust the heat level. Experiment to find your perfect balance! {{image_2}} You can change the spice in your sweet and spicy chicken tenders. To make them milder, use less sriracha. Try adding more honey to balance the heat. For a bolder kick, add more sriracha or mix in cayenne pepper. A pinch goes a long way, so start small. Remember, you can always add more spice later. The glaze can be fun to change up. Instead of sriracha, try using barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor. You can also mix honey with teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. If you like a fruity kick, add some orange juice to the honey. This will give your glaze a bright, fresh taste. Get creative and find what you love! Chicken is great, but you can use other proteins too. Try turkey tenders for a leaner option. You can also use shrimp, which cooks quickly and pairs well with the glaze. If you want a vegetarian choice, use tofu. Just press the tofu to remove water and cut it into strips. The glaze will add flavor to any protein you choose! To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool down. Place them in an airtight container. Make sure you seal it well to keep out air. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When you are ready to eat the leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Heat the chicken tenders for about 5-7 minutes. This helps keep them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but they may get soggy. To freeze the chicken tenders, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. When you want to eat them, thaw them overnight in the fridge. After thawing, reheat as mentioned earlier. Yes, you can! If you don't have an air fryer, use a regular oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are golden and cooked through. This method works well, but the tenders may not be as crispy as when cooked in an air fryer. To change the flavor, simply adjust the honey and sriracha. For more sweetness, add more honey. If you want it spicier, increase the sriracha. You can also add hot sauce or chili flakes for extra heat. Taste your glaze before using it. This way, you can find the right balance you enjoy! These chicken tenders go great with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Steamed broccoli - Sweet potato fries - Coleslaw - Rice or quinoa - Fresh salad with a light dressing Mix and match these sides to create a perfect meal! You learned how to make sweet and spicy chicken tenders step by step. We covered the best ingredients, cooking methods, and handy tips for perfect results. You can vary the spice and glaze to suit your taste. Remember to store leftovers properly to enjoy them later. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Get creative in the kitchen, and share your tasty results! Enjoy your delicious chicken tenders today.

Air Fryer Sweet & Spicy Chicken Tenders

Craving a delicious twist on a classic? Try these Spicy Honey Glazed Air Fryer Chicken Tenders! This simple recipe combines juicy chicken with a sweet and spicy glaze for the perfect meal. With just 15 minutes of prep time and easy steps, you'll have mouthwatering tenders ready in no time. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this irresistible dish!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 teaspoon sesame oil

Optional: sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

In a shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

    In another bowl, beat the egg until well combined.

      Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.

        Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.

          Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off.

            Finally, coat the chicken tender with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

              Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

                Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

                  While the chicken cooks, prepare the sweet and spicy glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until well blended and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.

                    Once chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and drizzle the spicy honey glaze over them. Toss gently to coat.

                      Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds as desired.

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

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