Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

These Air Fryer Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are my new favorite way to make chicken in the air fryer. The bacon gets perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping the chicken tender and juicy.

Chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces, seasoned with spices, then wrapped in bacon and air fried until fully caramelized and the bacon is crispy and beautifully browned. 

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER TYSON CRISPY CHICKEN STRIPS, Air Fryer Buttermilk Marinade Chicken Breast, AIR FRYER CHICKEN BREAST (LEMON GARLIC), AIR FRYER HEALTHY BUFFALO CHICKEN, and AIR FRYER ITALIAN DRESSING CHICKEN.

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bacon Bites

Are you ready to give your air fryer a delicious challenge? Today, we’re diving into a recipe about simplicity, flavor, and the joy of healthy cooking—introducing our mouth-watering Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Breast recipe – a dish that promises to deliver big on taste and convenience!

The chicken is moist, juicy, and tender. If you love another great Bacon inspired meal, one of my favorite dinners is also wrapped in bacon, which is Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Scallops.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe!

• Hearty: Enjoy the richness of BBQ chicken without the guilt.
• Juicy! They are such a tasty appetizer and a perfect recipe for game day!
• Quick and Effortless: Say goodbye to long prep times. This recipe is perfect for those hectic days when you want a delicious meal without the fuss.
• Flavor-Packed: With the right blend of BBQ sauce and our secret seasoning mix, each bite is a perfect melody of smoky, tangy, and sweet flavors.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites

For Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites you’ll need a combination of ingredients that bring together the savory taste of bacon, the tenderness of chicken, and the sweet and tangy flavor of barbecue sauce.

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need:

Remember the step-by-step directions and exact measurements are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Chicken Breasts: Large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes. Boneless chicken breast or chicken tenders are ideal for this recipe.
• Bacon:  Depending on the size of your chicken pieces, you’ll need to cut each bacon slice into thirds or halves.
• Barbecue Sauce:  You can choose your favorite brand or flavor. Some people prefer a smoky flavor, while others might choose something with spice or sweetness.
• Seasonings: This can vary according to your taste. Standard options include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. About 1 teaspoon of each should be enough.
• Brown Sugar: This is optional but can add a nice caramelized glaze to the bites.
• Toothpicks: These are necessary to secure the bacon around the chicken pieces.
• Optional Ingredients: Cayenne Pepper: A pinch of cayenne pepper can be excellent if you like a bit of heat.  Honey: Mix some honey into the barbecue sauce for a sweeter glaze. Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or cilantro can be used for garnishing before serving. 

How To Make Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites In The Air Fryer

Making Air-Fried Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites is a straightforward process combining chicken, bacon, and barbecue sauce flavors into a delicious appetizer or snack. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preheat Your Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 390 degrees F (200°C). for 2-3 minutes. This helps in cooking the chicken bites evenly.

Season the Chicken: Dry the chicken with a paper towel. Toss the chicken pieces with your chosen seasonings in a medium bowl until they are evenly coated.

Wrap the Chicken: Take a piece of chicken and wrap a slice of bacon around it. Secure the bacon in place with a toothpick. Repeat this process with all the chicken pieces.

Apply Barbecue Sauce: Brush each bacon-wrapped chicken bite with barbecue sauce. You can mix in a bit of honey with the barbecue sauce for a sweeter taste. If you’re using brown sugar, sprinkle it lightly over the bites.

Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don’t touch each other for even cooking. You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

Cook: Set cook time for 10-15 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked. Halfway through the cooking time, you might want to flip the bites to ensure they cook evenly.

Check for Doneness: The internal temperature of the chicken should be 165°F (74°C). If the bacon isn’t as crispy as you’d like, you can cook it for a few more minutes.

Serve: Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Remove the toothpicks before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips to ensure your Air Fryer Barbecue Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites turn out perfectly every time:

• Choose the Right Bacon: Opt for thin to medium-thick bacon. Thick-cut bacon can take longer to crisp up and might not cook evenly with the chicken.
• Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into even-sized bite-sized pieces. This ensures that they all cook at the same rate and are done simultaneously.
• Prevent Stickiness: Lightly spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray or parchment paper with holes. This will help prevent the chicken bites from sticking to the basket.
• Secure the Bacon: Use toothpicks to secure the bacon around the chicken pieces. This prevents the bacon from unraveling during cooking.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the air fryer can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy results.
• Brushing the Sauce: Apply the barbecue sauce before cooking for a deeper flavor infusion. You can also brush extra sauce on the bites halfway through cooking for a more glazed effect.
• Flipping is Key: Flip the chicken bites halfway through the cooking process. This ensures that the bacon gets crispy on all sides.
• Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by ensuring its internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken bites rest for a few minutes after cooking. This helps redistribute the juices inside the chicken, making it more tender and flavorful.
• Sauce Variations: Experiment with different types of BBQ sauce, or mix in some honey, mustard, or hot sauce to customize the flavor to your liking.
• Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives can add color and a fresh flavor contrast.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with dips like ranch dressing, blue cheese, or more BBQ sauce on the side for added flavor.
• Cleanup Tip: If the sauce has left a sticky residue in your air fryer, soaking the basket in warm, soapy water for a while will make cleaning easier.

Following these tips will help you create a delicious and visually appealing dish that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends!

​Faq’s

What type of chicken is best to use for this recipe? Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are typically used for their lean nature and even for cooking. You can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option.

Can I use thick-cut bacon for this recipe? It’s best to use thin to medium-thick bacon as it wraps easily and cooks evenly with the chicken. Thick-cut bacon may not cook through properly and can leave the chicken overcooked.

How do I prevent the chicken bites from sticking to the air fryer? Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil or use a perforated parchment liner designed for air fryers to prevent sticking.

How long should I cook the chicken bites in the air fryer? Typically, it takes about 10-15 minutes at 390°F (200°C), depending on your air fryer model. It’s important to flip them halfway through for even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken is done? The internal temperature of chicken should have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is handy for checking this. The size of the chicken will determine the cooking time.

Can I prepare these chicken bites ahead of time? Yes, you can wrap the chicken in bacon and refrigerate them for a few hours before cooking. Just brush them with BBQ sauce right before air frying.

What are some good dipping sauces for these chicken bites? Ranch dressing, blue cheese sauce, honey mustard, or extra barbecue sauce are great options.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, just ensure that the barbecue sauce and any other added ingredients are gluten-free.

How should I store leftovers? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best results.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites? Yes, you can freeze them in a sealed container or freezer bag once cooled. Reheat in the air fryer straight from frozen, adjusting the cooking time as needed.

Are these chicken bites keto-friendly? They can be, depending on the barbecue sauce used. Opt for a low-sugar, keto-friendly BBQ sauce to make this dish suitable for a ketogenic diet.

Can I make these bites in an oven if I don’t have an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in an oven preheated to 400°F (205°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Breasts
• Air Fryer Frozen Chicken Drumsticks
• Air Fryer Juicy Chicken Bites

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