A waft of sweet and smoky aromas fills your kitchen, making it nearly impossible to resist reaching for just one more bite. This recipe delivers juicy, tender pieces of chicken coated in a mouth-watering honey BBQ glaze that’s ready in about 30 minutes. The air fryer guarantees that you’ll have perfectly crispy bites without the guilt of frying.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a quick snack for gatherings. You can make it ahead of time and store leftovers in the fridge for a few days. Enjoy irresistible Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites today!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- These chicken bites are incredibly tender and juicy.
- The air fryer gives them a crispy texture without deep frying.
- The marinade infuses a perfect balance of sweetness and smokiness.
- It takes only 30 minutes from prep to plate.
What You’ll Need
To create these delightful chicken bites, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Marinade
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Cooking
- Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Use low-sugar BBQ sauce for a healthier option.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Chicken breast: use chicken thighs for more flavor.
- Honey: maple syrup can be an alternative.
- Barbecue sauce: homemade or store-bought works well.
- Garlic powder: fresh minced garlic is a great swap.
How to Make It
Get ready to create delicious chicken bites with these simple steps.
1. Whisk the Marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until the marinade is smooth and well-combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for a few minutes to get it nice and hot, ready to crisp up those chicken bites.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them.
5. Air Fry the Chicken
Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F, and develop a delightful golden-brown color.
6. Rest and Serve
Once the Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are done, let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve these crispy, flavorful morsels hot and enjoy!
How to Store It
Fridge: up to 4 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: no, chicken may become dry.
Reheat: in the air fryer for 5 minutes at 350°F.
Tips for Best Results
- Make sure every piece of chicken is well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking.
- Allow the chicken to rest before serving for juicier bites.
- Experiment with different BBQ sauces for varied flavors.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a fresh salad for a light meal.
- Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for extra fun.
- Great for game day snacks or casual gatherings.
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