Picture this: a platter of golden crispy chicken tenders, their sweet-n-spicy glaze catching the light like caramelized sunshine. The aroma—smoky, honeyed, with a kick of chili—fills your kitchen as the air fryer hums. One bite and you get crackling crunch, tender white meat, and a sticky-sweet heat that keeps you coming back.
These sweet and spicy chicken strips are built for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike. Whether you call them spicy-sweet chicken tenders, bacon wrapped chicken tenders, or just the best late-night snack, they deliver big flavor with minimal effort. You can have a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.
The Inspiration
This recipe was born on a chilly Friday when I craved fair-style fried chicken but refused the deep-fryer mess. My solution? A honey-chili glaze, a dash of smoky paprika, and the trusty air fryer. One test and my family demanded it weekly—game nights, tailgates, even brunch.
Why You’ll Love These Tenders
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Golden, crispy chicken tenders with zero deep-fryer guilt.
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Balanced sweet heat from honey, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper.
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Quick: 10-minute prep, 15-minute cook.
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Perfect for meal prep or party platters.
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Customizable—dial the spice up or down.
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Kid-approved when you tame the chili.
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Works for chicken tenders homemade or store-bought strips.
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Amazing with countless dipping sauces.
What You’ll Need
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1 ½ lbs raw chicken tenders (or cut boneless breasts into strips)
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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½ cup honey
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2 Tbsp brown sugar
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2 tsp smoked paprika
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1–2 tsp crushed red pepper (adjust heat)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp onion powder
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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Optional: 6 slices thin bacon (for bacon wrapped chicken tenders)
Substitution Tip: Swap honey for maple syrup for a fall twist or add a splash of sriracha for extra fire.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Air fryer (any basket-style)
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Mixing bowls
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Silicone brush for glazing
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Instant-read thermometer
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Tongs for easy flipping
No air fryer? Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined sheet for 18–20 minutes.
Quick Recipe Overview
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 15 minutes
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Total Time: 25 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Difficulty: Easy
Let’s Cook It Together
1. Toss & Season
Pat the chicken dry. In a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Massage to coat.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
Set to 400°F. Lightly mist the basket with oil for an even, crispy finish.
3. Arrange & Cook
Place strips in a single layer. Air fry 7 minutes, flip, then another 6–8 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. For bacon wrapped chicken tenders, wrap each strip before cooking and add 2 extra minutes.
4. Make the Sweet-Spicy Glaze
While chicken cooks, simmer honey, brown sugar, and crushed red pepper in a small saucepan for 2–3 minutes until slightly thick and sticky.
5. Glaze & Finish
Brush the hot tenders with the sticky sauce and air fry 1 more minute so it caramelizes beautifully.
Pro Tip: Double the glaze for an extra drizzle at the table.
Little Secrets for Success
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Dry chicken thoroughly for maximum crunch.
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Don’t overcrowd the basket; cook in batches if needed.
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Warm the honey slightly so it brushes on smoothly.
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Let tenders rest 2 minutes to keep juices inside.
Fun Variations to Try
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Garlic-Parmesan: Skip honey; toss in melted butter and grated Parm.
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Asian Fusion: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame seeds to the glaze.
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Maple-Chipotle: Maple syrup plus smoky chipotle powder.
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Gluten-Free Crunch: Lightly coat in crushed rice crackers before air frying.
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Plant-Based Twist: Use breaded tofu strips with the same glaze.
Perfect Pairings
Serve with:
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Creamy coleslaw or tangy pickled veggies.
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A side of homemade ranch or blue cheese sauce for chicken tenders.
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Warm cornbread or sweet potato fries.
Craving more? Try my Honey Garlic Brussels Sprouts or Roasted Sweet Potato Wedges.
A Bite Full of Health
Air frying cuts oil by up to 70% compared to deep frying. Chicken tenders pack lean protein, while honey provides natural sweetness without refined syrups.
How to Save It for Later
Cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5 minutes to revive that crisp.
Questions You Might Have
Can I use frozen chicken tenders?
Yes, thaw first and pat dry for best texture.
What sauce goes best?
Ranch, blue cheese, or a spicy mayo complement the sweet heat.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just cook in batches so the basket isn’t crowded.
Is it spicy?
Mild to medium; adjust crushed red pepper to taste.
Can I make it ahead?
Season and refrigerate raw tenders up to 12 hours before cooking.
Nutrition
Approx: 310 calories, 32 g protein, 18 g carbs, 11 g fat, 0 g fiber.
These sweet-n-spicy chicken tenders prove you don’t need a vat of oil for finger-licking flavor. Crispy, juicy, sticky, and irresistibly sweet-hot—they’ll be the hit of any dinner table or game-day spread.
