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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites

Name: Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1/2 cup BBQ Sauce; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites — If you’re looking for a tasty, healthier version of your favorite summer BBQ dish, these air-fried chicken bites will hit the spot!

Packed with flavor and crunch without all the extra fat from traditional deep frying methods, these juicy little morsels are cooked up in a fraction of the time. We promise that once you try this recipe, you won’t want to make it any other way – plus, they’re great for everyday meals or special occasions!

The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites

Air fryer BBQ chicken bites are a delicious and health-conscious take on classic cuisine. They make for a great party appetizer, and with their crispy coating and juicy interior, these bites also make for an excellent main course. Air frying requires less oil than traditional deep-frying methods, making the dish much healthier.

These BBQ chicken bites are perfect for snacks, appetizers, or main dishes. The air fryer gives them a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. You can serve them with coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites

Are you ready to take your barbecuing game up a notch with tasty and crispy air fryer BBQ chicken bites? This quick and easy appetizer is sure to tantalize your taste buds! So if you’re looking for an incredibly yummy snack that will only cost pennies on the dollar, this recipe should be at the top of your list!

Remember the step-by-step instructions are below in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page, as well as the nutritional information.

Chicken: Use boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken tenderloins
All-Purpose Flour: Gluten-Free Flour or Whole Wheat Flour can also be used
Seasonings and Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Kosher Salt, and Black Pepper
BBQ Sauce: Use your favorite barbecue sauce

How To Make BBQ Chicken Bites In Air Fryer

There’s nothing quite like the taste of a perfectly-cooked BBQ chicken – and now, you can have this delicious treat any time using your air fryer! These BBQ chicken bites are the perfect way to get that smoky flavor without firing up your grill. Plus, they come out crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. So what are you waiting for? Read on to find out how to make this simple yet scrumptious air-fried recipe.

Step One: Season Your Boneless Chicken Bites

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F for 2-3 minutes. Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl.

Dip each chicken chunks into the flour mixture to coat, then shake off any excess flour.

Step Two: Air Fry The BBQ Chicken Bites

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, or brush it with olive oil.

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket and set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes.

Once the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees F, check with a meat thermometer. Remove the cooked chicken bites from the air fryer and brush the BBQ sauce over the chicken bites.

Cooked Chicken Coating in BBQ Sauce in a Bowl

Step Three: Add Your BBQ Sauce

Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the BBQ sauce is sticky, caramelized, and the chicken is golden brown.

Serve hot, and enjoy!

Pro Tips For The Best Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites

Here are some pro tips to help you make the best air fryer BBQ chicken bites, whether you serve them for a quick lunch or dinner.

Cut the chicken into similar sizes: To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, make sure that you cut them into similar sizes. This will also help them cook simultaneously, resulting in perfectly cooked chicken bites.
Use boneless, skinless chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is the best choice for this recipe as it cooks quickly and stays tender and juicy. Another great option is chicken strips.
Coat the chicken bites in flour: Coating the chicken bites before cooking helps create a crispy exterior. It also helps the BBQ sauce adhere to the chicken.
Use your favorite BBQ sauce: Choose your favorite BBQ sauce for this recipe, as it will give the chicken bites the flavor you love.
Brush the BBQ sauce halfway through cooking: Brushing the BBQ sauce on the chicken bites halfway through cooking helps to prevent the sauce from burning. It also allows the sauce to caramelize and become sticky.
Shake the basket: To ensure that the chicken bites cook evenly, shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking. This will also help the chicken bites to cook on all sides. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook your chicken in batches.
Cook Time: Since every air fryer is slightly different, check the chicken bites with an instant-read thermometer before removing them for the best results.
Serve with a dipping sauce: Serve the BBQ chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard. This will add extra flavor and make them even more delicious.

You can make the best tender, juicy, and flavorful air fryer BBQ chicken bites following these pro tips.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites -- If you’re looking for a tasty, healthier version of your favorite summer BBQ dish, these air-fried chicken bites will hit the spot!

How To Store Leftover Chicken Bites

If you have any leftover BBQ chicken bites, here are some tips on how to store them properly:

Let them cool: Allow the BBQ chicken bites to cool completely before storing them. This will prevent them from getting soggy in the container. Store in an airtight container: Transfer the BBQ chicken bites to an airtight container. You can use an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure the container is large enough to hold the chicken bites without squishing them.

Refrigerate: Place the container with the BBQ chicken bites in the refrigerator. They can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

How To Reheat BBQ Chicken Bites In Air Fryer

To reheat the BBQ chicken bites, preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken bites in the air fryer basket and cook for 3-4 minutes or until heated through and crispy.

How To Freeze

Freeze for longer storage: If you want to store the BBQ chicken bites for a more extended period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for 2-3 months.

What To Serve With Chicken Bites

There are many delicious side dishes that you can serve with chicken bites to make a complete meal. Here are some ideas:

Air Fryer French Fries or Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries: Serve the chicken bites with crispy and salty fries.
Coleslaw: Coleslaw is a classic side dish with BBQ chicken bites. It’s refreshing and adds some crunch to the meal.
Air Fryer Baked Beans: Baked beans are a classic side dish that goes well with BBQ chicken bites.
Air Fryer Corn on the cob: Corn is a classic summer side dish that goes well with BBQ chicken bites.
Air Fryer Macaroni and Cheese: Macaroni and cheese is classic comfort food with BBQ chicken bites. It’s cheesy, delicious, and a hit for kids and adults.
Salad: A simple green salad or a Caesar salad would greatly complement the chicken bites. A salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette would add some freshness.

Choose any of these side dishes to serve with your BBQ chicken bites, and you will have a delicious and satisfying meal.

More Air Fryer Recipes

As you can see, making air fryer BBQ chicken bites is a quick and easy way to bring savory flavors to your kitchen. Not only are they incredibly flavorful, but they’re also much healthier than traditional fried food because they are cooked in the air fryer with little-to-no oil. Plus, with minimal ingredients and quick preparation time, these crispy chicken bites will surely be a hit with everyone – no matter who is at your dinner table!

The next time you’re looking for an appetizing meal or snack that won’t take long to make, try whipping up some of these delectable air fryer BBQ chicken bites! With their combination of spicy and tangy notes and crunchy textures, you won’t regret it! Serve them up hot to your friends and family for a truly unforgettable suite of taste sensations prepared in less time than ever – the perfect way to kick off any evening.