If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures, then this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. Imagine juicy, tender chicken nuggets coated in a crispy cornflake crust, tossed in a vibrant hot honey glaze that delivers just the right amount of heat and sweetness. It’s comfort food elevated with a fun twist, perfect for game days, family dinners, or whenever you’re in the mood for something irresistibly tasty and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that each play a unique role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the crunchy cornflakes to the spicy honey glaze, every element comes together effortlessly to create a dish you’ll want to make over and over again.
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for perfect nugget-sized bites.
- 3 cups cornflakes: Crushed for that unbeatable crispy coating.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a savory depth to the cornflake crust.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Brings a mild kick and balances the sweetness.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder to hold the crust on each nugget.
- 2 tablespoons hot honey: Sweet heat that shines in the egg wash.
- ¾ cup hot honey (for the sauce): The star ingredient that ties the whole dish together.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds umami richness to the glaze.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Lends a subtle tang to cut through the sweetness.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): For anyone who loves an extra spicy kick.
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for spicy honey mayo): Creamy cooling element for dipping.
- 1 tablespoon hot honey: Mixed into mayo for a balanced sweet heat.
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce: Adds a fiery touch to the mayo dip.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A pretty garnish that adds a subtle nutty crunch.
How to Make Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Air Fryer and Chicken
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for that crispy finish. Then, get your aluminum foil or nonstick spray ready to line the air fryer basket, making cleanup a breeze. Meanwhile, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces–this size is ideal for perfect nugget bites that cook evenly and stay juicy inside.
Step 2: Create the Crunchy Coating
Take your cornflakes and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or food processor. Then mix in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse those flakes with flavor. This crunchy coating is the secret to those nuggets turning out golden brown and irresistibly crisp.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg and Hot Honey Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey. This mixture not only helps the cornflake coating stick to the chicken but also starts building layers of that delicious sweet heat we love in this recipe.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Pieces
Dip each chicken piece into the egg and hot honey wash, then roll it thoroughly in the cornflake mixture. Press lightly so the crumbs adhere evenly for maximum crunch in every bite.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Arrange your coated chicken nuggets in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. The key here is to avoid overcrowding so they crisp up nicely. Air fry for 12 minutes or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. You’re aiming for that crackling crunch on the outside with tender, juicy chicken inside.
Step 6: Prepare the Hot Honey Glaze
While the nuggets are cooking, combine hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if you’re craving extra heat) in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then simmer for 3 minutes to meld the flavors into a perfect sticky glaze.
Step 7: Make the Spicy Honey Mayo Dip
Whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of hot honey, and sriracha sauce in a small bowl. This creamy sauce pairs effortlessly with the nuggets, balancing the sweet heat with a smooth, spicy finish.
Step 8: Toss and Serve
Once the chicken nuggets are done, toss them gently in the hot honey glaze. Then plate them up and drizzle with spicy honey mayo. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a little nutty crunch and visual appeal. Serve immediately while warm, crispy, and absolutely bursting with flavor.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Adding sesame seeds on top not only gives your nuggets a beautiful finish but also adds a subtle nuttiness that complements the hot honey glaze perfectly. For an extra pop of color, finely chopped scallions or fresh herbs like cilantro are amazing garnishes that brighten every bite.
Side Dishes
These nuggets shine as the star of the plate, but pairing them with simple sides makes the meal complete. Think crisp celery sticks or carrot ribbons for freshness, classic coleslaw for tang, or even some garlic butter roasted potatoes for a heartier option that everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual gathering, serve your Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe in a big platter with dipping bowls of the spicy honey mayo alongside. You can also turn them into sliders with mini buns and pickles or use them as a protein topping for a vibrant salad. The versatility is endless, making this recipe as fun to serve as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply place your crispy chicken nuggets in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To keep the coating crunchy, avoid covering them while still warm as condensation can make them soggy.
Freezing
These nuggets freeze beautifully. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, perfect for a quick snack or meal whenever hunger strikes.
Reheating
To reheat, the air fryer is your best friend. Heat the nuggets at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it will soften the crunchy coating you worked so hard to create.
FAQs
Can I bake the Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets instead of air frying?
Absolutely! You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they stay crisp and golden.
Is there a substitute for hot honey if I don’t have it?
You can easily make your own by combining honey with a bit of chili powder or drizzle some sriracha into regular honey. This way, you maintain the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
Can I use something other than cornflakes for the coating?
Yes, crushed panko breadcrumbs or crushed tortilla chips work as excellent alternatives. Each will give a different texture but still deliver that satisfying crunch.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and can be adjusted to your preference. Adding cayenne pepper to the sauce ups the spice, while the hot honey itself brings a gentle warmth with sweetness that balances nicely.
Are these nuggets kid-friendly?
They sure are! The combination of sweet and mildly spicy flavors tends to please kids and adults alike. You can always hold back on the cayenne pepper or hot honey if you want to keep the spice level low for younger palates.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fun, flavor-packed recipe to spice up your regular chicken nights, this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together crunchy, juicy, sweet, and spicy all in one bite, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. Once you try it, I promise it’ll become one of your go-to comfort food favorites — so let’s get cooking and enjoy every crispy, sticky bite!
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 a crispy, spicy, and sweet treat perfect for a quick snack or meal. Coated in a flavorful cornflake crust and air-fried to golden perfection, they are tossed in a homemade hot honey sauce and served with a zesty spicy honey mayo for an irresistible combination.
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
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: 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.
- Prepare Cornflake Coating: Crush the cornflakes into small pieces using a rolling pin or food processor. In a bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful crust mixture.
- Make Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with 2 tablespoons of hot honey, which will add a sweet heat to the chicken coating.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg mixture, then dredge it thoroughly in the cornflake mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even coating that will crisp well.
- Air Fry Chicken Nuggets: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching. Air fry for 12 minutes or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if your air fryer requires it.
- Prepare Hot Honey Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and optional cayenne pepper in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 3 minutes to blend the flavors and slightly thicken the sauce.
- Make Spicy Honey Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon hot honey, and sriracha sauce to create a creamy, spicy condiment perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Toss and Serve: Once the chicken nuggets are done, toss them gently in the prepared hot honey sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately topped with dollops of spicy honey mayo and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired, for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the sauce to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken nuggets in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For extra crispiness, let the coated chicken pieces rest for 5 minutes before air frying to allow the coating to set firmly.
- Use gluten-free cornflakes to make the recipe gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat in the air fryer for best results.
