Description
These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a deliciously tender and juicy snack or meal option, perfectly coated with a sweet and smoky honey BBQ glaze. Quick to prepare and cook, they offer a flavorful bite-sized treat that's ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lb boneless & skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-size pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Honey BBQ Sauce
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Air fry the chicken: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to turn the pieces. Continue cooking for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.
- Make the honey BBQ glaze: While the chicken is cooking, combine the BBQ sauce, butter, and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir continuously until the mixture becomes smooth, heated through, and glossy, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Toss the chicken in the glaze: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the warm honey BBQ glaze over it. Toss the chicken gently but thoroughly until each bite-sized piece is coated evenly with the sauce. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using boneless skinless chicken thighs imparts juicier bites than chicken breasts.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are cut to uniform size to guarantee even cooking.
- You can substitute smoked paprika with regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey in the glaze to your preferred sweetness level.
- For a spicier variation, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or sauce.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness; cook in batches if necessary.