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Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 4 reviews
  • Author: Sue
  • Prep Time: 8 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.