If you love the perfect balance of sweet heat, crunchy texture, and juicy chicken, then the Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Honey Mayo Recipe is going to become your new obsession. These nuggets offer an irresistible crunch thanks to a crispy cornflake coating, while the hot honey glaze adds a wonderful kick of warmth and sweetness. Pair that with a creamy, spicy honey mayo for dipping, and you have a flavor-packed snack or meal that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make at home.

Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Honey Mayo Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things straightforward with ingredients you likely already have or can easily find. Each component plays a crucial role — from the crispy cornflakes that create unmatched crunch, to the hot honey that beautifully balances sweet and spicy, and the vibrant sauce that ties everything together.

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender base that soaks up all the flavor and stays juicy inside.
Cornflakes (3 cups): Crushed into crispy bits, they create that signature crunchy coating without heaviness.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a warm, savory note that complements the sweetness perfectly.
Salt (1 tsp) and black pepper (½ tsp): Essential seasonings to enhance flavor balance.
Large eggs (2): Whisked with hot honey, they create the perfect sticky layer to help the coating adhere.
Hot honey (various amounts): The star of the show, providing floral sweetness and spicy heat in both the nugget coating and the sauce.
Soy sauce (3 tbsp): Brings a touch of umami and depth to the hot honey sauce.
Rice vinegar (2 tbsp): Balances the sweetness with a mild tang.
Minced garlic (3 cloves): Fresh aroma and savory punch in the sauce.
Cayenne pepper (½ tsp, optional): Adds extra heat if you want to turn up the spice even more.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Base for the luscious and creamy spicy honey mayo dip.
Sriracha sauce (1 tsp): A subtle smoky spice that amps up the mayo beautifully.
Sesame seeds (optional): For a delightful nutty crunch and added visual appeal.

How to Make Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Honey Mayo Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This sets the stage for perfectly cooked nuggets with a golden, crisp coating. Don’t forget to line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or spray it with nonstick spray to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes

The key to that signature crunch is properly crushed cornflakes. Use a rolling pin or food processor to break them into small pieces, then mix them with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned crust will give the chicken a fantastic flavorful crunch with every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. This sticky, sweet-spicy mixture not only helps coat the chicken evenly but also infuses it with flavor from within the crunchy shell.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken breast immediately into the egg wash, then roll it in the crushed cornflake mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating grabs onto every piece. This step is what guarantees that satisfyingly crispy texture once air fried.

Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Arrange your coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly. Air fry them for about 12 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown and cooked through. This method makes them wonderfully crispy without the need for deep frying.

Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce

While the nuggets are cooking, combine the hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and optional cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer for 3 minutes. This saucy glaze will provide a harmonious sweet and spicy finish to your nuggets.

Step 7: Whip Up the Spicy Honey Mayo

For the creamiest dip, whisk together mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. This spicy honey mayo complements the nuggets with a cooling, tangy kick that balances the glaze’s heat perfectly.

Step 8: Assemble and Serve

Once your nuggets are air fried, toss them generously in the hot honey sauce until every bite is coated in that gorgeous sticky glaze. Drizzle or dollop the spicy honey mayo on top, sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired, and serve them immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

How to Serve Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Honey Mayo Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds on top for a light nutty crunch and a bit of visual flair. Fresh chopped green onions or a handful of finely chopped cilantro can also brighten up the dish with freshness.

Side Dishes

These nuggets are fantastic with classic sides like crispy sweet potato fries, cool coleslaw, or even a fresh garden salad. For something heartier, try pairing with creamy mashed potatoes or steamed vegetables to balance the heat and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun gatherings, serve these nuggets on small skewers with a side of honey spicy mayo for dipping. You can also create a nugget slider by placing them in mini buns with a little lettuce and extra drizzle of the sauce for a delightful twist on classic chicken sliders.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Honey Mayo Recipe, store them airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy mayo separate until ready to serve to preserve its creamy texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the uncooked, breaded chicken nuggets by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until frozen solid, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, snap them out and air fry directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Reheating

To reheat and revive that crispy coating, use your air fryer at 375°F for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving as it will make the coating soggy. The spicy honey mayo can be stirred well and served chilled alongside.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but cook times may vary slightly. Make sure pieces are uniform and check internal temperature to ensure they’re cooked through.

What if I don’t have hot honey? Can I substitute?

If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to mimic the sweet and spicy flavor. Just adjust the spice level to your preference.

Is the air fryer necessary for this recipe?

The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without deep frying, but you can also bake the nuggets in a hot oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just ensure that your cornflakes are gluten-free, and use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari for the sauce. This makes for a delicious gluten-sensitive option.

How spicy is this recipe?

The heat level is mellow and balanced thanks to the hot honey and spicy mayo. If you’re a heat lover, the optional cayenne and extra sriracha allow you to customize the spice to your liking.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say, once you try the Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets with Spicy Honey Mayo Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a total game changer. The combination of crunchy, sweet, spicy, and creamy makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re serving it for a fun family dinner, a game day snack, or just because you want something spectacular, this recipe delivers joy on a plate every time. Give it a go and watch it become an instant favorite in your recipe rotation!