Description
These Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are a deliciously crispy and juicy appetizer that’s quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Marinated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce and cooked to perfection in an air fryer, these bite-sized chicken pieces make the perfect crowd-pleasing snack or starter for any occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
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
Instructions
- Prepare 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.
- 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 refrigerate for a few hours for deeper flavor.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.
- Prepare the Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
- Air Fry the Chicken Bites: Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and turn a golden-brown color.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Serve hot and enjoy your crispy, flavorful honey BBQ chicken bites!
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to get crispy results.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for juicier bites if preferred.
- Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.