Air Fryer Crispy Honey Bbq Chicken Bites

If you’re craving something crispy, sweet, and savory, these air fryer honey BBQ chicken bites are calling your name. I couldn’t believe how easy and tasty they turned out—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor.

The honey BBQ sauce adds just the right amount of sweetness, while the air fryer gives them that perfect crisp. These bites are the perfect snack, appetizer, or main dish. And did I mention how fast they cook? No waiting around!

These chicken bites have quickly become one of my favorite go-to recipes. They’re super easy to make, have that delicious BBQ kick, and require hardly any clean-up. Honestly, they’re addictive—and I’m not even sorry about it.

Ready for some crispy, saucy goodness? Let’s get that air fryer fired up and make these honey BBQ chicken bites your new favorite snack.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one of our readers said, “These chicken bites are a game-changer! So crispy and flavorful. I can’t stop eating them!”
• Crispy and Crunchy: The air fryer gives these bites the perfect crispy texture without the need for deep frying, making them lighter yet just as satisfying.
• Quick and Easy: From start to finish, these chicken bites take less than 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store them in the fridge for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.
• Versatile: Serve them on their own, in tacos, or with your favorite dipping sauces.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Servings:

This recipe makes about 4 servings. Want more? Simply double the ingredients!

Difficulty:

This recipe is beginner-friendly and a great introduction to cooking with the air fryer.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Air Fryer – The star of the show! It will ensure your chicken bites turn out crispy and perfectly cooked.
• Mixing Bowls – For tossing the chicken in the seasoning and glaze.
• Tongs or a Slotted Spoon – For flipping the chicken bites as they cook.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy chicken bites:

Main Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized cubes)
• Honey BBQ sauce (store-bought or homemade for added flavor)
• Olive oil (for coating the chicken)
• Soy sauce (adds a bit of depth to the flavor)
• Cornstarch (helps the chicken get that crispy coating)

Seasonings:

• Garlic powder (for that delicious savory base)
• Onion powder (a complementary flavor to the garlic)
• Paprika (adds a little smokiness and color)
• Black pepper (for a touch of heat)

Variations for Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

• Add Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning mix. It will give these chicken bites a spicy kick.
• Different Sauces: Swap the honey BBQ sauce for a spicy buffalo sauce or a tangy teriyaki sauce for a new flavor twist.
• Use Chicken Thighs: For even juicier bites, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They will stay tender while still crisping up perfectly in the air fryer.
• Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy exterior, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs after tossing in cornstarch. This adds an extra crunch factor.

How to Make Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Make sure the pieces are uniform in size so they cook evenly.

2. Season the Chicken

In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and cornstarch. Make sure the chicken is well-coated. This mixture will help create the crispy texture.

3. Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry for 8 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 7-8 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and crispy on the outside, and fully cooked through on the inside.

4. Glaze the Chicken

While the chicken is cooking, combine the honey BBQ sauce and soy sauce in a small bowl. Once the chicken bites are done, transfer them to a mixing bowl and toss them in the honey BBQ glaze until evenly coated.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

These crispy chicken bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in many ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the chicken bites with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• In Tacos: Warm some soft tortillas and add the crispy chicken, along with some coleslaw or shredded lettuce, for a tasty taco treat.
• With Sides: Serve these chicken bites with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• As a Snack: Perfect for snacking at parties, game days, or just whenever you’re craving something crispy and savory.
• In Bowls: Layer over a bed of rice or quinoa with some steamed veggies for a balanced meal.

Storing Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

• Leftovers: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To keep the chicken crispy, reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the glazed chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: For the crispiest results, make sure the chicken pieces are spread out in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You might need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Double the Glaze: If you like a lot of sauce on your chicken, feel free to double the glaze recipe for extra coverage and flavor.
• Check Chicken Temperature: If you’re unsure whether the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C).

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350 kcal
Protein	28g
Carbohydrates	18g
Fat	20g
Fiber	1g
Sugar	12g

Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe. They tend to stay juicier than chicken breasts, giving you even more tender and flavorful bites. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

2. Can I make these chicken bites spicier?

Absolutely! To add heat, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the seasoning mix. If you like it extra spicy, feel free to double the amount of chili powder or paprika.

3. Can I bake these chicken bites in the oven instead of using the air fryer?

Yes, you can! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned chicken pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and cooked through. For the best texture, you can use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the chicken.

4. How do I make my chicken bites extra crispy?

To make the chicken bites even crispier, you can coat them with a layer of breadcrumbs after tossing in the cornstarch. This will give the bites an extra crunch and golden finish.

5. Can I freeze these chicken bites?

Yes! You can freeze the chicken bites after they’ve been cooked and glazed. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

6. Can I use homemade BBQ sauce instead of store-bought?

Definitely! Homemade BBQ sauce works great in this recipe. If you’re looking for a more personalized touch, you can make your own using ingredients like ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, and your favorite spices.

7. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The best way to check if your chicken is fully cooked is by using a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, just make sure the chicken is golden and crispy on the outside and no longer pink in the middle.

8. Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes! While olive oil adds a nice flavor, you can use any neutral oil like vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Just make sure to coat the chicken evenly to help it crisp up in the air fryer.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are perfect for any occasion, from game day to weeknight dinners. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them a hit with everyone. Give them a try, and you’ll see why they’re bound to become a family favorite!