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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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