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
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
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.
