If you’re craving a crunchy, sweet, and spicy snack that hits all the right notes, you absolutely have to try this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe. These nuggets deliver a perfect blend of crispy cornflake coating and tender chicken bites, elevated by the irresistible kick of hot honey and a creamy, spicy mayo drizzle. It’s a dish that transforms everyday chicken into a fun, flavorful celebration you’ll want to make again and again. Get ready to fall in love with every crunchy, saucy bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering all the ingredients for this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is refreshingly simple, yet each component plays a crucial role. From the crunchy cornflakes providing that delightful texture to the hot honey infusing a sweet and spicy spark, everything works together to create a harmony of flavors and colors.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect nugget portions.
- 3 cups cornflakes: crushed to create the signature crunchy coating that makes these nuggets so addictive.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: adds savory depth to the crispy crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: provides a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: whisked to form the sticky layer ensuring the cornflakes adhere perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: folded into the egg wash for a gentle spicy-sweet note right in the coating.
- ¾ cup hot honey (for sauce): the star ingredient for that irresistible glaze.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: adds umami richness and a touch of saltiness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: brings a subtle tang to balance the sauce’s sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: for aromatic depth in the hot honey sauce.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): ramps up the heat for those who want an extra kick.
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for spicy honey mayo): creates a creamy, cooling contrast.
- 1 tablespoon hot honey: folded into mayo to keep the spice theme consistent.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce: adds an extra layer of heat in the mayo dip.
- Sesame seeds (optional): sprinkle for a little nutty crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your nuggets cook evenly and become perfectly crispy. It’s also helpful to line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or give it a good spray with nonstick spray so the nuggets don’t stick and cleanup is a breeze.
Step 2: Crush Cornflakes
Grab those crunchy cornflakes and crush them into small pieces. You can use a rolling pin for a hands-on approach or a food processor for speed and ease. Once crushed, mix the cornflakes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This spiced coating creates the nuggets’ unforgettable crispy crust.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. This sweet and spicy egg wash not only adds amazing flavor but also helps the cornflake coating stick to the chicken pieces like a dream.
Step 4: Coat Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, making sure it is fully coated. Then dredge it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. This double-layer ensures every nugget will have that incredible crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Air Fry
Arrange your coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket – don’t overcrowd to allow hot air to circulate properly. Air fry for 12 minutes, flipping halfway if your air fryer requires it, until the nuggets turn golden brown and are cooked through to juicy perfection.
Step 6: Make Hot Honey Sauce
While the nuggets are cooking, mix together hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if you like it hotter) in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 3 minutes to thicken slightly and meld those vibrant flavors.
Step 7: Make Spicy Honey Mayo
Whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of hot honey, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. This creamy, spicy mayo is going to add the perfect cooling contrast and extra dimension when you serve.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Once the nuggets are done, toss them gently in the hot honey sauce until they are gloriously glazed. Plate them up and drizzle or dollop the spicy honey mayo on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if you want that little extra finish, and serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these nuggets visually and flavor-wise, sprinkle on some toasted sesame seeds for a subtle nutty crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions also add a bright pop that complements the rich, spicy coating beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides that balance the bold flavors. Think crispy fries, refreshing coleslaw, or even a crunchy cucumber salad to add a cool, crisp texture contrast on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these nuggets skewered with wooden sticks alongside a trio of dipping sauces: classic ketchup, extra spicy honey mayo, and a tangy ranch dip. Alternatively, pile the nuggets atop a fresh salad or in a slider bun for juicy, handheld sandwiches that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any nuggets left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain maximum crunch, keep the hot honey sauce separate and toss the nuggets just before serving again.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked nuggets by arranging them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispness, reheat your nuggets in an air fryer or conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-8 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the nuggets in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. You may lose a little of the air-fried crispness but the flavor remains just as fantastic.
How spicy is the Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
The spice level is pleasantly mild with a sweet heat from the hot honey, but you can easily adjust it by adding more cayenne pepper or sriracha if you prefer a bolder kick.
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
You can, but it will lose that unique spicy sweetness that makes this recipe so special. To mimic the effect, try mixing regular honey with a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The heat is subtle, but if you are making this for young kids, reduce or omit the cayenne and use less sriracha. The nuggets still stay delicious and crunchy without overwhelming spice.
What can I use instead of cornflakes?
If cornflakes aren’t your thing, crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips work as great substitutes and still give a crispy texture. Just be mindful of seasoning adjustments.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably joyful about biting into crunchy, spicy-sweet Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets. This recipe brings together simple ingredients but creates a flavor explosion that feels special enough for any occasion. Whether serving family, friends, or keeping them as your secret snack, I cannot recommend trying this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe enough. You’re going to want to make it your go-to crispy chicken fix!
Print
Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets made by coating bite-sized chicken pieces in a spicy cornflake crust, air frying them to perfection, and tossing in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce. Served with a zesty spicy honey mayo and garnished with sesame seeds, these nuggets are a deliciously addictive twist on classic chicken bites.
Ingredients
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 your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the air fryer basket by lining it with aluminum foil or spraying it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Crush Cornflakes: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the cornflakes into small pieces. In a bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for the coating mixture.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey until smooth to make the egg wash.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the egg wash, then dredge it in the cornflake mixture, pressing down gently to ensure an even and crunchy coating on all sides.
- Air Fry: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the preheated air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, turning halfway if needed, until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken is frying, combine the hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth. This will serve as a spicy, creamy dipping sauce.
- Assemble and Serve: Toss the hot, crispy chicken nuggets with the prepared hot honey sauce to coat evenly. Serve immediately topped with dollops of spicy honey mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cornflakes with crushed panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or sriracha to control the heat level.
- Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
- Make sure your air fryer basket is not overcrowded to maintain crispiness.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer to restore crunchiness.
