Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful snack or meal option. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated with a sweet and smoky glaze, they’re perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 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
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss with olive oil, salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in a single layer and air fry for 6 minutes. Shake the basket, then continue cooking for another 4–6 minutes, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Step 3: While the chicken cooks, warm the BBQ sauce, butter, and honey in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir until smooth and glossy, about 5–8 minutes.
- Step 4: Transfer the hot chicken to a bowl and toss with the warm honey BBQ glaze until evenly coated.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier bite or breasts for a leaner option.
- Adjust the honey amount to make the glaze sweeter or more subtle to your taste.
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix for a spicy kick.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping to balance the sweetness.
Storage
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or a skillet to keep the exterior crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, make sure it’s fully thawed before cutting and cooking in the air fryer.
What can I substitute for BBQ sauce?
You can use any favorite barbecue sauce or try a mixture of ketchup and spices if you don’t have BBQ sauce on hand. Sweet chili sauce also makes a tasty alternative with a different flavor profile.
PrintAir Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites made with juicy bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a smoky spice blend, then tossed in a warm, glossy honey BBQ sauce. Perfect as a quick appetizer or a delicious main dish using an effortless air frying method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 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 Glaze
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 ½ tbsp honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with olive oil, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Make sure every piece is evenly coated with the seasoning for maximum flavor.
- Preheat and Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer inside the fryer basket. Cook for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue air frying for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Make the Honey BBQ Glaze: While the chicken is cooking, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the BBQ sauce, butter, and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and heated through, about 5 to 8 minutes.
- Toss Chicken with Glaze: Remove the hot chicken bites from the air fryer and transfer them to a large bowl. Immediately pour the warm honey BBQ glaze over the chicken and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the delicious sauce.
Notes
- Using boneless, skinless chicken thighs will give slightly juicier results, but breasts work well too.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to keep the chicken crispy.
- You can adjust the honey quantity in the glaze to make it sweeter or less sweet according to preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best crispness.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked chili powder to the seasoning mix.
Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, honey BBQ chicken, quick chicken recipes, easy appetizer, air fryer recipes
