Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

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Golden, sticky, and flavor-packed — these Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites are the ultimate answer to weeknight cravings. Each bite bursts with a perfect blend of sweet and smoky, thanks to a rich honey BBQ glaze that clings to every crispy crevice. Made effortlessly in the air fryer, they bring all the joy of fried chicken without the grease or mess. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying appetizer or a quick dinner idea, these bites check every box.

This dish is a crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make over and over again. Tender chunks of chicken breast are coated in a lightly seasoned batter, air-fried to golden perfection, and then tossed in a luscious homemade honey BBQ sauce. Serve them up with a side of ranch, over rice, or as part of your favorite game-day spread — they’re versatile, easy, and downright addictive.

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Ingredients for Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites

For the chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil spray (for air frying)

For the honey BBQ sauce:

• ½ cup BBQ sauce (your favorite kind)
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional, for a kick)

Optional garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Toasted sesame seeds

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Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by placing the chicken pieces in a bowl with the buttermilk. Stir gently to coat each piece well. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge) to tenderize and soak in flavor. This step helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful once cooked.

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Step 2: Prepare the Breading

In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly distributed. This flour blend creates a super crispy coating without deep frying.

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Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s fully coated. Arrange the coated chicken on a tray or plate.

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Step 4: Air Fry the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops of the chicken bites lightly with oil as well.

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

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Step 5: Make the Honey BBQ Sauce

While the chicken cooks, combine BBQ sauce, honey, butter, apple cider vinegar, and chili flakes (if using) in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir and simmer for 3-5 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes glossy.

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Step 6: Toss & Serve

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Pour the warm honey BBQ sauce over the crispy bites and gently toss to coat them evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy every sweet, smoky, and crispy bite!

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Air Fryer Crispy Honey BBQ Chicken Bites fresh and delicious, proper storage is key:

• Refrigerator: Place any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container. They’ll stay good for up to 3 days in the fridge. For best texture, store the sauce separately if possible and toss together just before reheating.
• Freezer: You can freeze the cooked, unsauced chicken bites. Let them cool completely, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep for up to 2 months. When ready to use, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy. Then toss in fresh sauce.
• Reheating Tips: Use the air fryer at 375°F to bring the crispiness back, reheating for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the crunch.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 390 kcal
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 640mg
• Sugar: 14g
• Fiber: 1g

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the brand of BBQ sauce and exact ingredient quantities.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and work beautifully in this recipe. Just trim excess fat and follow the same steps.

2. What’s the best BBQ sauce to use?

Use your favorite brand! A smoky or spicy BBQ sauce pairs wonderfully with the honey. Homemade works too if you prefer to control the ingredients.

3. Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce separately. Air fry the chicken and store it unsauced, then reheat and toss with fresh sauce right before serving.

4. What dipping sauces go well with this dish?

Ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a spicy aioli are great companions. If you love heat, try sriracha mayo or buffalo dip.

5. Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and double-check that your BBQ sauce is gluten-free too.

6. Can I cook these in the oven if I don’t have an air fryer?

Definitely! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway. Use a wire rack over a baking sheet for extra crispiness.

7. How do I make them extra crispy?

Make sure the chicken is well coated, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket, and spray lightly with oil before cooking.

8. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just cook in batches to avoid crowding the air fryer. Doubling is perfect for parties or meal prep!

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