Description
Deliciously crispy Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets coated in a spiced cornflake crust and air-fried to perfection, tossed in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, and served with a creamy spicy honey mayo dip. A quick and easy recipe for a flavorful snack or meal that’s a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
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
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (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 ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Crush Cornflakes: Using a rolling pin or food processor, crush the cornflakes into small pieces. Transfer them to a bowl and mix with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned coating.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. This mixture will help the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken pieces and add a touch of sweetness.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornflake mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating sticks evenly around the chicken.
- Air Fry: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Air fry for about 12 minutes, turning halfway through if possible, until they turn golden brown and are cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 3 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.
- Make Spicy Honey Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth. This will be your creamy, spicy dipping sauce to complement the nuggets.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken nuggets are done, toss them in the hot honey sauce to coat evenly. Plate and drizzle or dollop with the spicy honey mayo. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
- You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha to control the spiciness between mild and hot.
- For extra crispiness, gently press the cornflake coating onto the chicken pieces before air frying.
- Using aluminum foil or parchment paper in the air fryer basket helps with cleanup but avoid blocking air circulation.
- Serve these nuggets as a snack, appetizer, or alongside your favorite sides for a complete meal.
- Check doneness by using a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked.