If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances crispy, spicy, and sweet, you’re in the right place. The Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a sensational twist on your everyday chicken nuggets, where crunchy cornflakes meet the fiery sweetness of hot honey for a bite that’s utterly addictive. These nuggets are not just a delight to eat but also a breeze to make, turning simple ingredients into a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to serve again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each one plays a special role in delivering that unbeatable crunch, bold flavor, and irresistible heat that define the Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein base, cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect nugget portions.
- 3 cups cornflakes: Crushed to create the crispy coating that’s lighter and crunchier than traditional breadcrumbs.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing and enhancing all the flavors.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A subtle kick to complement the hot honey’s heat.
- 2 large eggs: Helps the coating stick perfectly to each nugget while adding richness.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: A sweet and spicy binder for the egg dip that gives an extra beautiful glaze.
- Sauce ingredients: ¾ cup hot honey, 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 3 cloves garlic (minced), and ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) to bring a saucy punch.
- Spicy Honey Mayo: ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon hot honey, and 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce to add creamy heat.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a final nutty garnish and a bit of crunch.
How to Make Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). To prevent sticking, line the basket with aluminum foil or give it a light spray with nonstick cooking spray. This step ensures your nuggets come out crispy without fuss.
Step 2: Crush and Season the Cornflakes
Take the cornflakes and crush them into smaller pieces using a rolling pin or food processor, aiming for a texture that’s coarse enough to coat well but not powdery. Mix them in a bowl with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, layering in the flavor directly into the crispy crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Whisk together the eggs along with 2 tablespoons of hot honey. This combo not only helps the coating stick but begins infusing the nuggets with that signature sweet heat.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge them in the seasoned cornflake mixture. Use your fingers to firmly press the coating in place—this step is crucial for the crunch.
Step 5: Air Fry the Nuggets
Place the coated nuggets in a single layer within the air fryer basket to ensure they cook evenly. Cook them for about 12 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through, tender inside yet crispy outside.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the nuggets are cooking, combine hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if you like it extra spicy) in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer gently for 3 minutes to develop flavor and thicken slightly.
Step 7: Prepare the Spicy Honey Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth. This creamy, spicy mayo is the perfect cooling companion to the nuggets’ sweet heat.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Once cooked, toss the nuggets lightly in the hot honey sauce to coat them wonderfully. Plate them up and drizzle or dollop the spicy honey mayo on top. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if using, and serve immediately while warm and crispy.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a subtle nuttiness and visual appeal, while a few fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions can brighten the dish further. These little details elevate the presentation and flavor to restaurant-quality levels.
Side Dishes
These nuggets pair beautifully with a crisp, refreshing slaw to cut through the sweetness and spice, or a simple side of buttery mashed potatoes for comfort-food vibes. For a lighter option, steamed veggies or a tangy cucumber salad will balance the meal nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these nuggets on a platter with small bowls of extra hot honey sauce and spicy honey mayo as dipping stations for a fun, interactive experience. You can also use them as a topping for crisp salads or even inside sliders for a finger-food party hit!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any nuggets left, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, but you might want to reheat carefully to maintain that crispness.
Freezing
To freeze, lay the cooked and cooled nuggets on a parchment-lined tray and flash freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, where they can keep for up to 2 months. This way, you have homemade nuggets ready whenever you need a quick treat.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated nuggets in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until hot and crisp again. Avoid microwaving, which tends to make the coating soggy instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I bake these chicken nuggets instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake the nuggets on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They’ll still be crispy and flavorful, just with a bit more hands-off time.
What can I use if I don’t have hot honey?
You can mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to mimic the spicy sweetness of hot honey. Adjust the heat level to suit your taste.
Is it necessary to crush the cornflakes myself?
Crushing cornflakes fresh ensures you get the perfect texture—chunky enough to crunch but fine enough to coat evenly. Pre-crushed cereal might work but could be too powdery or inconsistent.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Cornflakes are often gluten-free but check the packaging to be sure. You can also substitute with gluten-free crispy cereal of your choice for the coating.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and nicely balanced by the sweetness of the honey. You can easily adjust the cayenne pepper and hot honey amounts to make it milder or spicier based on your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves a crispy, sweet, and spicy bite. It’s quick to whip up and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection. Give it a try and watch your family and friends ask for seconds again and again!
Print
Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets are crispy, sweet, and spicy bites that combine crunchy cornflake coating with a sticky hot honey glaze. Air-fried to perfection, they’re served with a spicy honey mayo that adds an extra kick, making them an irresistible appetizer or snack.
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
Optional Garnish
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Prepare the basket by lining it with aluminum foil or spraying it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the cornflake coating: Crush the cornflakes into small pieces using a rolling pin or a food processor. In a bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper for seasoning.
- Mix egg wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot honey to create a sweet and spicy egg wash.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then press into the cornflake mixture to coat thoroughly, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- Air fry the nuggets: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked through, flipping halfway if needed for even crispness.
- Make the hot honey 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 for 3 minutes to meld flavors.
- Prepare spicy honey mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Toss and serve: Once the nuggets are cooked, toss them gently in the hot honey sauce. Plate the nuggets and drizzle or dollop with spicy honey mayo. Sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish if desired. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the chicken by repeating the egg and cornflake coating step before air frying.
- If you don’t have hot honey, mix honey with a dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce as a substitute.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce according to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- Serve with extra spicy honey mayo or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor contrast.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, ensure the cornflakes and soy sauce used are certified gluten-free.
