Tank Cooks Chicken and Waffles

For the chicken: 

• Chicken Tenders 
• 2 teaspoons salt 
• 1 teaspoon onion powder 
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 
• ½ teaspoon sage 
• ½ teaspoon black pepper 
• 1 teaspoon cumin
•  1 teaspoon paprika
•  ½ teaspoon thyme 
• 2 cups buttermilk 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
•  ¼ cup cornstarch

 For the honey butter:

• ½ cup butter softened
• ¼ cup honey 
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon 
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

For the waffles:

• ½ cup butter cut into pieces 
• 1¾ cup milk 
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 
• 2 eggs 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour 
• 4 teaspoons baking powder 
• ½ teaspoon salt 
• 1 tablespoon sugar

Directions 

1. Add the chicken tenders to a medium bowl. Toss the chicken pieces with the salt, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, black pepper, cumin, paprika, and thyme. Pour the buttermilk over the top and mix gently. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight. 
2. To make the honey butter, in a small bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Add the honey, cinnamon, and vanilla, and beat until well combined. Cover until ready to use. 
3. When ready to cook the chicken, preheat the air fryer at 400°F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and cornstarch. Toss the chicken wings in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess flour. Fry the chicken pieces for 10 minutes, flip, then fry for 10-15 minutes, or until cooked to 160 degrees. Drain on paper towels. 
4. To make the waffles, add the butter and milk to a small bowl or measuring cup and heat in the microwave for one minute and thirty seconds, or until the butter is melted. Whisk in the vanilla and set aside. In a large bowl, beat the eggs until fluffy. Add the milk mixture and stir to combine. Add the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar, and mix until combined (small lumps are ok). Let sit for five minutes. While the batter is resting, preheat your waffle iron. Add the batter and cook according to your waffle maker's directions. 
5. Place two chicken pieces on each waffle and top with a scoop of honey butter to serve the chicken and waffles. If desired, serve with maple syrup.