Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites Crispy and Tasty Snack

by
To make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here is the list: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken breast is the main protein. It cooks quickly in the air fryer. The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can use your favorite brand or make your own. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. It also helps with browning. The spices and seasonings are what make these bites so tasty. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give a great taste. Black pepper and salt help balance the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste when you serve the chicken. With these ingredients, you can create a snack that is not just crispy but also packed with flavor. Enjoy making these bites for your next gathering or cozy night at home! Start by gathering a medium bowl. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Then, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything very well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Next, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy. Once the air fryer is hot, take the marinated chicken bites. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. This lets the hot air flow around the chicken. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches. Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps them cook evenly. You want your chicken to be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. If you want more sauce, toss the cooked chicken bites in extra BBQ sauce. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor. Finally, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve the BBQ chicken bites on a platter. You can add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a fun snack! Marinating your chicken bites is key. I recommend letting them soak for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the better the taste. For deeper flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The BBQ sauce, spices, and olive oil work together to make each bite more delicious. Air fryers need space to cook food evenly. If you pack too much chicken in, they won’t crisp up well. Always place the chicken bites in a single layer. If you have a lot of chicken, cook in batches. This helps each piece get that perfect crispy finish. To achieve a crispy outside, keep a few tips in mind. First, preheat your air fryer properly. This helps start the cooking process off right. Second, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows all sides to get that nice golden color. Lastly, don’t skip the olive oil. It helps the spices stick and adds to the crunch. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor with different BBQ sauces. Try a sweet sauce for a tasty twist. A spicy sauce adds heat for those who love it. Or, use a tangy vinegar-based sauce for a bold taste. You can even mix sauces for a unique flavor. Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you want it mild, skip the spices or use less. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also mix in chili powder for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find the perfect heat. Chicken is not the only option for these bites. You can use turkey for a leaner choice. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into similar sizes for even cooking. To keep your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. They can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, check for any signs of spoilage first. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date. To reheat, you can use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or refrigerated chicken bites in the basket. Heat them for about 5 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even warming. You can also use the microwave, but the texture might not be as crispy. Enjoy your tasty snack with your favorite dipping sauce! Yes, you can make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and cook it. Once cooked, let the bites cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. To store leftovers, place the chicken bites in a sealed container. Make sure they are cooled before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. To keep your chicken tender and juicy, marinate it for at least 30 minutes. Use olive oil in the marinade. This helps lock in moisture. Cook the chicken at the right temperature and time. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. A good rule is to air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400°F. You can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Once thawed, follow the marinating steps. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly if the chicken is still cold. In this blog post, we explored making tasty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites. I covered ingredients, like chicken breast and BBQ sauce, and shared easy steps to cook them. I provided tips to enhance flavor, keep the chicken crispy, and suggested fun variations. You can also find storage advice to keep leftovers fresh. Trying out this recipe will add fun to your meals. Enjoy each delicious bite!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Craving a snack that’s both crispy and packed with flavor? Look no further! I’m thrilled to share my easy recipe for Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites. These bites are perfect for any occasion—whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a cozy night in. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a tasty treat that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the fun of making these delicious snacks!

Jump to Recipe

Ingredients

To make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here is the list:

– 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

– 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken breast is the main protein. It cooks quickly in the air fryer. The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can use your favorite brand or make your own. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. It also helps with browning.

The spices and seasonings are what make these bites so tasty. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give a great taste. Black pepper and salt help balance the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste when you serve the chicken.

With these ingredients, you can create a snack that is not just crispy but also packed with flavor. Enjoy making these bites for your next gathering or cozy night at home!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

Start by gathering a medium bowl. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Then, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything very well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Next, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy.

Arrange Chicken Bites

Once the air fryer is hot, take the marinated chicken bites. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. This lets the hot air flow around the chicken. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches.

Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps them cook evenly. You want your chicken to be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside.

Add Extra BBQ Sauce (Optional)

If you want more sauce, toss the cooked chicken bites in extra BBQ sauce. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor.

Serve

Finally, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve the BBQ chicken bites on a platter. You can add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a fun snack!

Tips & Tricks

Marination Time for Best Flavor

Marinating your chicken bites is key. I recommend letting them soak for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the better the taste. For deeper flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The BBQ sauce, spices, and olive oil work together to make each bite more delicious.

Avoiding Overcrowding the Air Fryer

Air fryers need space to cook food evenly. If you pack too much chicken in, they won’t crisp up well. Always place the chicken bites in a single layer. If you have a lot of chicken, cook in batches. This helps each piece get that perfect crispy finish.

Ensuring Crispy Texture

To achieve a crispy outside, keep a few tips in mind. First, preheat your air fryer properly. This helps start the cooking process off right. Second, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows all sides to get that nice golden color. Lastly, don’t skip the olive oil. It helps the spices stick and adds to the crunch.

Variations

Different BBQ Sauce Options

You can change up the flavor with different BBQ sauces. Try a sweet sauce for a tasty twist. A spicy sauce adds heat for those who love it. Or, use a tangy vinegar-based sauce for a bold taste. You can even mix sauces for a unique flavor.

Spice Level Adjustments

Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you want it mild, skip the spices or use less. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also mix in chili powder for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find the perfect heat.

Using Other Proteins (e.g., Turkey or Tofu)

Chicken is not the only option for these bites. You can use turkey for a leaner choice. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into similar sizes for even cooking.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Tips

To keep your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. They can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, check for any signs of spoilage first.

Freezing Instructions

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date.

Reheating Guidelines

To reheat, you can use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or refrigerated chicken bites in the basket. Heat them for about 5 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even warming. You can also use the microwave, but the texture might not be as crispy. Enjoy your tasty snack with your favorite dipping sauce!

FAQs

Can I make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites in advance?

Yes, you can make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and cook it. Once cooked, let the bites cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

To store leftovers, place the chicken bites in a sealed container. Make sure they are cooled before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container.

How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

To keep your chicken tender and juicy, marinate it for at least 30 minutes. Use olive oil in the marinade. This helps lock in moisture. Cook the chicken at the right temperature and time. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. A good rule is to air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400°F.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

You can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Once thawed, follow the marinating steps. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly if the chicken is still cold.

In this blog post, we explored making tasty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites. I covered ingredients, like chicken breast and BBQ sauce, and shared easy steps to cook them. I provided tips to enhance flavor, keep the chicken crispy, and suggested fun variations. You can also find storage advice to keep leftovers fresh.

Trying out this recipe will add fun to your meals. Enjoy each delicious bite!

To make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites, you will need a few simple ingredients. Here is the list: - 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought) - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon salt - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken breast is the main protein. It cooks quickly in the air fryer. The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor. You can use your favorite brand or make your own. Olive oil helps the spices stick to the chicken. It also helps with browning. The spices and seasonings are what make these bites so tasty. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika give a great taste. Black pepper and salt help balance the flavors. Lastly, fresh parsley adds color and a fresh taste when you serve the chicken. With these ingredients, you can create a snack that is not just crispy but also packed with flavor. Enjoy making these bites for your next gathering or cozy night at home! Start by gathering a medium bowl. Cut 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Add the chicken to the bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce. Then, drizzle in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Add 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix everything very well. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For more flavor, you can marinate it for up to 2 hours in the fridge. Next, set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Let it preheat for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and become crispy. Once the air fryer is hot, take the marinated chicken bites. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the basket. This lets the hot air flow around the chicken. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches. Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps them cook evenly. You want your chicken to be golden brown on the outside and fully cooked inside. If you want more sauce, toss the cooked chicken bites in extra BBQ sauce. This step is optional, but it adds extra flavor. Finally, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Serve the BBQ chicken bites on a platter. You can add extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. Pair them with crunchy celery and carrot sticks for a fun snack! Marinating your chicken bites is key. I recommend letting them soak for at least 30 minutes. The longer you marinate, the better the taste. For deeper flavor, try marinating for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The BBQ sauce, spices, and olive oil work together to make each bite more delicious. Air fryers need space to cook food evenly. If you pack too much chicken in, they won’t crisp up well. Always place the chicken bites in a single layer. If you have a lot of chicken, cook in batches. This helps each piece get that perfect crispy finish. To achieve a crispy outside, keep a few tips in mind. First, preheat your air fryer properly. This helps start the cooking process off right. Second, shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows all sides to get that nice golden color. Lastly, don’t skip the olive oil. It helps the spices stick and adds to the crunch. {{image_2}} You can change up the flavor with different BBQ sauces. Try a sweet sauce for a tasty twist. A spicy sauce adds heat for those who love it. Or, use a tangy vinegar-based sauce for a bold taste. You can even mix sauces for a unique flavor. Adjusting the spice level is easy. If you want it mild, skip the spices or use less. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also mix in chili powder for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find the perfect heat. Chicken is not the only option for these bites. You can use turkey for a leaner choice. Tofu is great for a plant-based meal. Just make sure to press tofu to remove excess water. Cut it into similar sizes for even cooking. To keep your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down before sealing. They can last in the fridge for about 3 to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, check for any signs of spoilage first. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Place the cooled chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just make sure to label them with the date. To reheat, you can use the air fryer for best results. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen or refrigerated chicken bites in the basket. Heat them for about 5 to 8 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even warming. You can also use the microwave, but the texture might not be as crispy. Enjoy your tasty snack with your favorite dipping sauce! Yes, you can make Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites ahead of time. Marinate the chicken and cook it. Once cooked, let the bites cool. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They can last for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, just reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes. To store leftovers, place the chicken bites in a sealed container. Make sure they are cooled before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Just make sure to use a freezer-safe container. To keep your chicken tender and juicy, marinate it for at least 30 minutes. Use olive oil in the marinade. This helps lock in moisture. Cook the chicken at the right temperature and time. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness. A good rule is to air fry for 10-12 minutes at 400°F. You can use frozen chicken, but it's best to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Once thawed, follow the marinating steps. Keep in mind that cooking time may vary slightly if the chicken is still cold. In this blog post, we explored making tasty Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites. I covered ingredients, like chicken breast and BBQ sauce, and shared easy steps to cook them. I provided tips to enhance flavor, keep the chicken crispy, and suggested fun variations. You can also find storage advice to keep leftovers fresh. Trying out this recipe will add fun to your meals. Enjoy each delicious bite!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites

Indulge in savory Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites that are quick to prepare and packed with flavor! With just a few simple ingredients, you can create crispy, juicy bites that are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Follow our easy step-by-step guide to marinate and cook chicken to perfection in your air fryer. Click to explore the full recipe and bring delicious BBQ goodness to your table today!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce (homemade or store-bought)

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon salt

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces, BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Mix well to coat the chicken. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for more flavor).

    Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

      Arrange Chicken Bites: Once preheated, place the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

        Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to serve even cooking. The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and cooked through.

          Add Extra BBQ Sauce (Optional): If you like your chicken saucy, toss the cooked chicken bites in additional BBQ sauce before serving.

            Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and sprinkle with fresh parsley for garnish.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 25 minutes | 4 servings

                - Presentation Tips: Serve the BBQ chicken bites on a platter with extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping. You can also pair them with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a crunchy contrast.

                  WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?