Air Fryer Honey BBQ Chicken Bites
Delicious sticky and crispy chicken bites marinated in a sweet and smoky honey BBQ sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or party platters.
Ingredients
For the marinade and chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/4 cup barbecue sauce Choose your favorite style
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika For mild smokiness
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for the air fryer basket
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the honey, barbecue sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the marinade is smooth.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 3 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving tiny gaps for hot air to circulate. Avoid overcrowding — cook in batches if necessary.
Cooking
- Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking or turning the basket halfway through to promote even browning.
- Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). If you like a stickier glaze, brush on a little extra BBQ sauce during the last 1–2 minutes of cooking.
- Let the bites rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
These honey-BBQ bites are very versatile. Serve them as a party tray, over a salad, in slider sandwiches, or with dipping sauces. For a spicy version, consider adding cayenne or sriracha.