If you are craving a finger-licking snack that balances crunchy, sweet, and spicy all in one bite, you have to try this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe. Imagine chicken pieces coated in crispy cornflakes, kissed with a touch of garlic and spice, then drizzled with a luscious hot honey sauce that sings with flavor. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dish perfect for game days, family dinners, or anytime you want to treat yourself with something deliciously addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays an important role in creating the perfect nugget experience. From the crispy cornflakes that add irresistible crunch to the hot honey that brings the sweet and spicy magic, each component is simple yet essential. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking and perfect cooking.
- 3 cups cornflakes: Crushed to give that wonderful crispy coating that every nugget deserves.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the cornflake crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and enhances the natural taste of the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Provides a subtle heat and earthiness.
- 2 large eggs: Create the perfect sticky base to hold the coating on the chicken.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: Infuses the egg wash with sweetness and a spicy kick.
- ¾ cup hot honey (for sauce): The star ingredient that brings sweetness and heat to the final dish.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds a salty umami twist to the dipping sauce.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Gives the sauce a tangy balance that cuts through the sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic for a punch of flavor in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): Extra heat if you like it spicy!
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for spicy honey mayo): Creamy base that pairs perfectly with the hot honey and sriracha.
- 1 tablespoon hot honey: Sweet and spicy flavor for the mayo drizzle.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce: Adds a smoky heat to the mayo.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a beautiful garnish and subtle nutty flavor.
How to Make Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or spray it with nonstick spray to ensure your nuggets don’t stick and get that perfect crispiness when cooking.
Step 2: Crush Cornflakes
Take your 3 cups of cornflakes and crush them into small pieces using either a rolling pin or a food processor. Then, mix them in a bowl with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned cornflake mixture is going to create the irresistible crunchy coating for the chicken.
Step 3: Prepare Egg Wash
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. The hot honey in this mixture not only adds sweetness but also helps to infuse the nuggets with a subtle spicy flavor right from the start.
Step 4: Coat Chicken
Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it into the crushed cornflake mixture, pressing gently so every nugget is evenly coated with that crunchy layer. Take your time here – the coating is what will give you that amazing texture.
Step 5: Air Fry
Arrange the prepared chicken nuggets in one layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through to juicy perfection. The air fryer does the magic of making these nuggets crispy without the need for deep frying.
Step 6: Make Sauce
While your nuggets are cooking, combine hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring this mixture to a boil and then let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This sauce will coat your nuggets with a perfectly balanced sweet, savory, and spicy flavor.
Step 7: Make Spicy Honey Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of hot honey, and sriracha sauce. This creamy drizzle adds a cooling yet fiery complement that pairs beautifully with the hot honey sauce-coated nuggets.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Toss the air-fried chicken nuggets in the hot honey sauce until evenly coated. Then plate them up and generously drizzle with spicy honey mayo. If you like, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for an added touch of texture and presentation. Serve immediately while hot and crunchy for the best experience.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate these nuggets, use sesame seeds for a delicate crunch and nuttiness. Fresh chopped scallions or finely sliced red chili peppers also make great garnishes, bringing extra color and a fresh bite to the dish.
Side Dishes
Serve these nuggets alongside crispy fries, a crisp green salad, or even a light coleslaw to balance the richness. Mashed potatoes or steamed veggies offer a comforting and wholesome side to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, offer the nuggets with an array of dipping sauces—think ranch, blue cheese, or even a tangy barbecue. You can also turn this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe into sliders by popping the nuggets into small soft buns with pickles and lettuce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The nuggets will keep their flavor, though the coating may lose some crispness.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover nuggets by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They will keep well for up to 1 month and are convenient to reheat whenever a craving strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, use an air fryer or bake in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until warmed through and crispy again, about 5-7 minutes. This method helps retain the crunch better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! These nuggets can be baked in a conventional oven at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for around 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even crispiness.
Is there a substitute for cornflakes?
If you’d like to try something different, crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips can work as tasty alternatives that still provide a nice crunch.
How spicy is the hot honey sauce?
The heat in the hot honey sauce is mild to medium, perfectly balanced by sweetness. You can adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or using less hot honey depending on your preference.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will give a juicier, slightly richer flavor. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces and adjust cooking time if needed.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Definitely! The flavor is sweet with a gentle spicy kick, but you can reduce or omit the cayenne and sriracha to make it milder for little ones.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is one of those dishes that brings joy at every bite. It’s crispy, flavorful, and speaks to lovers of sweet and spicy snacks alike. Whether you’re sharing with friends or indulging solo, I can’t recommend this nugget recipe enough—it just might become your new favorite comfort food!
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Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously crispy and sweet-spicy Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets, air-fried to perfection and tossed in a bold hot honey sauce. Served with a creamy spicy honey mayo and sprinkled with sesame seeds for an irresistible flavor combination that’s quick and easy to make at home.
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 prevent sticking.
- Crush Cornflakes: Using a rolling pin or food processor, crush the cornflakes into small pieces. Transfer them to a bowl and mix in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to season the coating.
- Prepare Egg Wash: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey until well combined. This will help the coating adhere to the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornflake mixture. Press the cornflake coating onto the chicken to ensure even coverage.
- Air Fry: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the prepared air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if needed for even crispiness.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Make Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth and creamy for a spicy-sweet accompaniment.
- Assemble and Serve: Toss the air-fried chicken nuggets in the prepared hot honey sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately topped with a drizzle of spicy honey mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
- If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix regular honey with a small amount of hot sauce as a substitute.
- Adjust cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the air fryer to maintain their crispiness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cornflakes and soy sauce alternatives.
