Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 6 reviews

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There is something irresistibly addictive about this Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe that makes it a true crowd-pleaser. These tender, juicy chicken pieces are infused with a smoky paprika kick, then perfectly crisped to golden perfection in the air fryer. Coated in a luscious, glossy honey BBQ sauce that strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy, every bite offers a burst of comforting flavor that will have you reaching for more. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful appetizer to impress guests, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and easy steps to deliver maximum delight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface. In the center, there is a bowl filled with light pink raw chicken pieces, which are chunky and unevenly shaped. Above it, to the left, is a bowl with a thick dark reddish-brown sauce with a glossy texture. To the right of that sauce, a smaller bowl holds a bright golden yellow liquid, smooth and shiny. Below the sauce to the left is a tiny clear bowl with white granulated salt. Next to the salt, there is a small white saucer with a square piece of light creamy butter. To the right of the butter is another small clear bowl with pale yellow powder, likely a spice or seasoning. Lastly, at the bottom right near the chicken bowl is a bigger clear bowl containing a transparent, light yellow liquid. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting the ingredients right is key to making this dish shine, and the beauty of this Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe is how simple yet impactful each component is. Each ingredient adds a layer of flavor, texture, or color that elevates the final dish to mouthwatering levels.

  • 1 ½ lb boneless & skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose your favorite for tender, juicy bites that cook evenly.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the chicken and promotes a golden crisp in the air fryer.
  • 1 tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the chicken perfectly.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that pairs beautifully with the BBQ flavors.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder: Provides a savory punch without overpowering the other spices.
  • ½ cup BBQ sauce: Use your favorite brand or homemade sauce to define the honey BBQ glaze.
  • 2 tbsp butter: Gives the sauce a rich, silky finish and balances the honey’s sweetness.
  • 1 ½ tbsp honey: Brings natural sweetness that perfectly complements the tangy BBQ sauce.

How to Make Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking. Toss them in olive oil so the seasoning clings beautifully, then sprinkle with kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Each spice plays a crucial role, building layers of flavor that will shine through after air frying.

Step 2: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F, ensuring a hot environment that will crisp the chicken without drying it out. Place the seasoned pieces in a single layer to allow maximum airflow and even cooking. Air fry for 6 minutes, then give the basket a shake for uniform crispiness. Continue cooking for another 4 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked inside.

Step 3: Make the Honey BBQ Glaze

While the chicken crisps up, warm the BBQ sauce, butter, and honey together over medium-low heat in a small saucepan. Stir consistently until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy, about 5 to 8 minutes. This glaze is the magic touch that transforms simple chicken bites into finger-licking delight.

Step 4: Toss Chicken in the Glaze

As soon as the chicken is ready, transfer it to a bowl and pour the hot honey BBQ glaze over the top. Toss gently to coat every piece thoroughly, ensuring each bite is bursting with that harmonious blend of sweet, smoky, and buttery goodness.

How to Serve Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe

The image shows a close-up of small, square pieces of chicken covered in a shiny orange sauce with a slightly thick texture. The chicken pieces are sprinkled with small green herb leaves and white sesame seeds. A silver fork is piercing one of the chicken pieces, lifting it slightly above the white plate that holds the food. The background has a white marbled texture with a blurred wooden cup and white cloth visible in the upper left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or cilantro over the chicken bites for a bright pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the rich glaze beautifully. A few toasted sesame seeds can also add a subtle nuttiness and added crunch.

Side Dishes

These chicken bites pair wonderfully with crisp coleslaw for contrast, buttery corn on the cob for sweetness, or creamy mashed potatoes to soak up any extra sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside a mixed greens salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe on a wooden platter with toothpicks for easy snacking party-style. Alternatively, pile them on mini slider buns with pickles and extra glaze for a fun twist, or toss over rice or quinoa bowls with avocado and grilled veggies for a wholesome meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool leftover chicken bites completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep the flavors intact and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

If you’d like to save them longer, freeze the cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for quick meals later.

Reheating

For best texture, reheat the chicken bites in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 5 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. You can also use a microwave if short on time, but know the crispiness might soften slightly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Both boneless, skinless chicken breasts and thighs work well in this Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe. Thighs tend to be juicier and slightly more flavorful, but breasts are leaner. Choose according to your preference.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating your air fryer helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and crisps up quickly on the outside. While not absolutely necessary, it definitely improves the texture and overall results of this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just double-check your BBQ sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free, as some brands contain gluten-containing ingredients. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe easy to adapt.

What type of honey works best in the glaze?

Any standard honey you have on hand will work perfectly here. If you want a more pronounced floral note, opt for wildflower or clover honey. It’s the balance with BBQ sauce and butter that really makes the glaze sing.

Can I add a spicy kick to this recipe?

Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the chicken seasoning before air frying, or mix some hot sauce into the honey BBQ glaze for a spicy-sweet combo that’s full of flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it’s surprisingly simple to make yet delivers such a rich and satisfying taste experience. The combination of crispy chicken and that glossy, sweet-tangy glaze hits all the right notes, perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and savor those tasty bites for yourself!

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Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 6 reviews

  • Author: Molly
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
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Description

This Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken pieces coated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ glaze. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a crispy exterior and a quick, easy meal ready in just 20 minutes. A delicious appetizer or main dish that combines simple ingredients with bold flavors.

Ingredients

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 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

  1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them 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. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 6 minutes, then shake the basket to ensure even cooking. Continue to cook for another 4 to 6 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Prepare the honey BBQ glaze: While the chicken is cooking, combine the BBQ sauce, butter, and honey in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until the mixture is smooth, glossy, and warmed through, which takes about 5 to 8 minutes.
  4. Toss chicken in glaze: Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ glaze over the chicken and toss well to coat all pieces evenly with the sauce.

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs for more flavorful and moist bites; chicken breasts work well for a leaner option.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow the chicken pieces to cook evenly and get crispy.
  • Adjust the honey amount in the glaze to your preferred level of sweetness.
  • If you like extra smoky flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for mild heat.
  • Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

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