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Air Fryer Hot Honey Chicken Nuggets - Crispy, Spicy, and Sweet

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.25–1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (or use all panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or cayenne (optional, for extra heat)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Olive oil spray or neutral oil spray
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 2–3 teaspoons hot sauce (Frank’s, Cholula, or your favorite)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a silky glaze)

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and cut into evenly sized nuggets, about 1 inch each. This helps them cook evenly.
  2. Set up your coating station: In one shallow bowl, add the flour. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, combine panko, plain breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, chili powder or cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Bread the nuggets: Work in batches. Dredge chicken in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into egg, letting the excess drip off. Press into the breadcrumb mixture so each piece is well coated.
  4. Preheat the air fryer: Set it to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. A hot basket helps the coating crisp up.
  5. Arrange and spray: Place nuggets in a single layer in the basket, leaving a little space between pieces. Lightly spray the tops with oil. Don’t overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air fry: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway and spraying the other side. They’re done when golden and the internal temperature hits 165°F.
  7. Make the hot honey: In a small saucepan, warm the honey, hot sauce, and apple cider vinegar over low heat until smooth and slightly runny, 1–2 minutes. Stir in butter if using. Taste and adjust heat or tang.
  8. Coat the nuggets: Transfer hot nuggets to a bowl and drizzle with the hot honey. Toss to coat evenly. For extra sticky glaze, let them sit 1–2 minutes to set.
  9. Serve: Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky salt or extra chili flakes if you like. Serve with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or garlic yogurt.