Crispy Chicken & Honey-Sriracha Tenders

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Air-fried chicken tenders coated in a sweet-spicy glaze—ready in 20 minutes with no deep-frying mess, perfect for busy weeknights. This american-inspired quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs chicken tenders, cornstarch, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.7 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 American cuisine 240 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 12 oz chicken tenders dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, combine 2 tbsp cornstarch, 1/4 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp paprika, and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Dredge each tender in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
  2. Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Place coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying lightly with 1 tsp avocado oil. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  3. Step 3: While chicken cooks, whisk together 1 tbsp honey and 1 tbsp sriracha sauce in a small bowl. After cooking, drizzle the honey-sriracha glaze over the tenders immediately, tossing gently to coat. Serve hot while crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Crispy Chicken & Honey-Sriracha Tenders take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Crispy Chicken & Honey-Sriracha Tenders?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Crispy Chicken & Honey-Sriracha Tenders?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Crispy Chicken & Honey-Sriracha Tenders for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Crispy Chicken & Honey-Sriracha Tenders?

American quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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