Description
These Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets offer a deliciously crispy coating with a spicy-sweet kick. Air-fried to golden perfection and tossed in a flavorful hot honey sauce, they’re paired with a creamy spicy honey mayo that adds a delightful contrast. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, this recipe is quick to prepare and bursting with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Nuggets
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cups cornflakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
Hot Honey Sauce
- ¾ cup hot honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Spicy Honey Mayo
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon hot honey
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce
Garnish
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and Preheat: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or spray it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Crush Cornflakes: Using a rolling pin or a food processor, crush the cornflakes into small pieces. Combine the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot honey until well blended.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg and honey mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.
- Air Fry: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine ¾ cup hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble and Serve: Toss the air-fried chicken nuggets in the hot honey sauce to coat. Drizzle or dollop the spicy honey mayo on top and garnish with sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure the cornflakes are crushed evenly and pressed well onto the chicken pieces.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper according to your heat preference or omit for a milder sauce.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes if you need to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Serve with extra spicy honey mayo or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
