If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, sweet, spicy, and downright addictive, you’ve landed in the right spot. This Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe is a total game-changer in the world of homemade finger foods. The golden, crunchy cornflake coating paired with tender chicken bites drenched in a luscious hot honey glaze offers a perfect harmony of heat and sweetness that’ll have you reaching for seconds — and thirds. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight treat but fancy enough to impress friends on any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things simple but powerful — each one is carefully selected to build layers of flavor, texture, and that irresistible crunch that makes this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe so special.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for tender, easy-to-eat nugget pieces.
- Cornflakes: Crushed for a uniquely crispy, golden coating that’s gluten-free friendly.
- Garlic powder: Adds a subtle aromatic depth to the crust.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and enhances every bite.
- Eggs: Acts as the perfect binding agent to help the coating stick beautifully.
- Hot honey: The magic ingredient that adds a sweet heat both in the coating and the finishing sauce.
- Soy sauce and rice vinegar: Bring an umami tang and brightness to the dipping sauce.
- Minced garlic and cayenne pepper: Amp up the spice levels and flavor depth.
- Mayonnaise, sriracha, and extra hot honey: Combine into a creamy, spicy honey mayo that’s the perfect cool contrast.
- Sesame seeds (optional): For a little nutty crunch and gorgeous garnish.
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). Prepare the basket by lining it with aluminum foil or giving it a good spray with nonstick spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes
Grab about 3 cups of cornflakes and crush them into small, coarse pieces. You can use a rolling pin or a food processor — whichever is easier. Then mix the crushed flakes with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to infuse that savory undertone right into the crust.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash
Whisk together two eggs and 2 tablespoons of hot honey until smooth. This mixture will carry the flavors and help the cornflakes stick firmly to the chicken pieces.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each bite-sized chicken piece into the honey-egg wash, then dredge it in the crushed cornflake mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres well, creating that crispy exterior we’re after.
Step 5: Air Fry the Nuggets
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in your air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Air fry them for about 12 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked inside. The air fryer gives them that perfect crunch without drowning in oil.
Step 6: Make the Hot Honey Sauce
While the nuggets cook, whisk together the hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper in a small saucepan. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes. This sauce is sweet, tangy, and packs a gentle kick.
Step 7: Prepare the Spicy Honey Mayo
Mix mayonnaise with hot honey and sriracha sauce until creamy and well combined. This spicy honey mayo adds a luscious, cooling touch to each bite, balancing out the heat and crunch.
Step 8: Assemble and Serve
Toss the crispy chicken nuggets in the warm hot honey sauce to coat them evenly. Finish by drizzling or dolloping the spicy honey mayo on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if you like for that added flair. Serve immediately while hot and irresistible.
How to Serve Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Garnishes
Sesame seeds are a fantastic garnish to add visual appeal and a slight crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped scallions or cilantro also work beautifully to brighten the dish and add fresh contrast to the sweet-spicy nuggets.
Side Dishes
These nuggets pair wonderfully with crispy French fries, refreshing coleslaw, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. For something fun and unique, serve with pickled veggies or a cool cucumber salad to cut through the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, serve your Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe in mini paper cones or on a large platter with little bowls of spicy honey mayo and extra hot honey sauce for dipping. You can also skewer the nuggets with toothpicks and serve as irresistible party appetizers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the spicy honey mayo and extra sauce separate until ready to eat to maintain their best texture and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked nuggets for up to a month. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back their crispiness, reheat the nuggets in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can make the cornflake coating soggy. After reheating, toss them again briefly in the hot honey sauce for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use regular honey instead of hot honey?
Absolutely! Regular honey gives the sweetness, but you’ll miss the spicy kick that hot honey delivers. If you want to keep the heat, you can mix regular honey with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Is an air fryer necessary for this recipe?
While the air fryer is perfect for a crispy, healthier result, you can also bake the nuggets in the oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
How spicy is this Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe?
The recipe balances mild heat from the hot honey and cayenne with sweetness. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more cayenne or sriracha depending on your preference.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, cornflakes are often gluten-free, but always check the packaging to be sure. This recipe is great for those avoiding gluten as long as you choose certified gluten-free cornflakes.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with thighs?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will be juicier and slightly more flavorful, though the nuggets might be a bit denser. Either cut into bite-sized pieces work beautifully here.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably comforting and exciting about these Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe that keeps me coming back for more. The crunchy cornflake exterior paired with the sweet-spicy sauce is a winning combo that’s simple to make but feels special. Whether you’re feeding family or showing off your snack game to friends, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a go — your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken Nuggets offer a crispy, flavorful twist on classic chicken nuggets with a crunchy cornflake coating and a delightful spicy honey glaze. Air-fried to perfection, they’re served with a tangy hot honey sauce and a creamy spicy honey mayo for dipping, making this recipe a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
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: Use a rolling pin or food processor to crush the cornflakes into small pieces. In a bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with 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 mixture will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then dredge it in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating on all sides.
- Air Fry: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12 minutes, or until the nuggets are golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway if needed for even cooking.
- Make Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine the ¾ cup of hot honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and cayenne pepper (if using) in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Make Spicy Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon hot honey, and sriracha sauce until smooth. This sauce adds a creamy, spicy element perfect for dipping or drizzling.
- Assemble and Serve: Once the chicken nuggets are done, toss them in the hot honey sauce to coat evenly. Plate the nuggets and drizzle or serve with the spicy honey mayo on the side. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired, and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, make sure you press the cornflake coating firmly onto the chicken pieces.
- You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less cayenne pepper and sriracha according to your taste.
- If you don’t have hot honey, you can mix honey with a little hot sauce or chili flakes as a substitute.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Leftover nuggets can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to retain their crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
