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- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup 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, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients are simple but pack a lot of flavor. The chicken breast serves as a great base for the BBQ sauce. You can use your favorite sauce to suit your taste. Olive oil helps the spices stick and adds moisture. The seasonings—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt—give the chicken a nice kick. Each spice plays a role in making the dish taste great. I love adding fresh parsley on top. It makes the plate look nice and adds a bit of freshness. If you want to impress your guests, this garnish makes a big difference. With these ingredients ready, you're on your way to making tasty air fryer BBQ chicken bites. First, take 1 pound of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, mix the chicken with: - 1/2 cup of your favorite BBQ sauce - 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 Stir well to coat every piece in the marinade. Then, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes. For a richer taste, leave it for up to 2 hours. Next, you need to preheat the air fryer. Set it to 400°F (200°C) and let it run for about 5 minutes. This helps your chicken bites cook crispy and evenly. Once preheated, it’s time to arrange your chicken bites. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding; this ensures they cook well. If your air fryer is small, you might need to cook in batches. Now, let’s cook the chicken! Air fry the bites for 10 to 12 minutes. Halfway through, pause and shake the basket gently. This helps the chicken cook evenly. They should be golden brown and fully cooked when done. If you want more flavor, you can add extra BBQ sauce. Toss the hot chicken bites in the sauce before serving. It’s a great way to amp up the taste! Carefully take the chicken bites out of the air fryer. Present them on a serving plate. For a nice touch, sprinkle finely chopped fresh parsley on top. It adds color and freshness. Enjoy your tasty BBQ chicken bites! To make your BBQ chicken bites extra tasty, add more flavors. You can mix in a splash of hot sauce for heat. Try adding a teaspoon of honey for sweetness. A dash of Worcestershire sauce gives depth. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary also enhance the flavor. You can even switch BBQ sauces for a unique twist. Preheating your air fryer is key. Set it to 400°F for 5 minutes. This step ensures the chicken bites get crispy. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. This way, each piece gets even heat. Shaking the basket halfway through helps too. It keeps the chicken from sticking and promotes even cooking. Pair your BBQ chicken bites with fun side dishes. Crunchy celery and carrot sticks add freshness. Serve with a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. You can also try ranch or blue cheese dressing. For a full meal, add a simple salad or fries on the side. These options make your dish even more enjoyable! {{image_4}} You can swap BBQ sauce for other tasty options. Try teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. Honey mustard gives a nice tang, while buffalo sauce adds spice. You can even mix sauces for unique flavors. Each sauce can change the whole dish! You can boost your meal by adding veggies. Consider bell peppers, zucchini, or onions. Cut them into bite-sized pieces and toss them in with the chicken. The air fryer will cook them perfectly. They’ll add color, flavor, and crunch to your chicken bites. Want some heat? It’s easy to add spice! You can mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder with the marinade. For a fun kick, try adding hot sauce to your BBQ sauce. Adjust the heat level to match your taste. You’ll love the extra flavor it brings! After you enjoy your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites, store any leftovers properly. Place the chicken bites in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. You can keep them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want, you can also add a layer of plastic wrap before sealing the lid. This adds extra protection from air. To keep your chicken bites crispy while reheating, use the air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and warm the bites for about 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crunch. You can also use a toaster oven if you don’t have an air fryer. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them soggy. If you want to freeze your chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Frozen chicken needs extra time to cook. Add about 5-7 minutes to the cooking time. Always check if the chicken is cooked through before serving. The best temperature for chicken in an air fryer is 400°F (200°C). This high heat gives the chicken a nice crisp. It also cooks the inside well. Always preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. This step ensures even cooking. To fix soggy chicken bites, make sure to preheat the air fryer. Cooking in a single layer helps too. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If the bites still come out soggy, give them a few more minutes to cook. This will help them crisp up. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, 2 hours is ideal. Longer marinating times let the flavors soak in better. You can even marinate overnight if you plan ahead. Just keep it in the fridge to stay fresh. Your air fryer BBQ chicken bites are simple and fun to make. Start with fresh chicken and your favorite BBQ sauce, then follow the steps to marinate, cook, and serve. Remember to explore variations like different sauces or adding veggies. Proper storage ensures you enjoy leftovers. Each tip helps you achieve tasty, crispy bites every time. Enjoy your cooking and impress friends with this easy recipe!

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites

Indulge in delicious Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites that are perfect for any gathering! This easy recipe combines bite-sized chicken pieces with homemade BBQ sauce and a flavorful spice blend, resulting in crispy, mouthwatering delights in just minutes. Ideal for quick dinners or game-day snacks, these chicken bites are sure to impress your guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup of 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, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with BBQ sauce, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir thoroughly to ensure that all chicken pieces are well-coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 2 hours.

    Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy finish on the chicken bites.

      Arrange Chicken Bites: After preheating, carefully place the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket, as this will prevent even cooking. Depending on your air fryer size, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

        Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, pause and shake the basket gently to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. The bites should emerge golden brown and fully cooked inside.

          Add Extra BBQ Sauce (Optional): For those who love an extra kick of flavor, feel free to toss the freshly cooked chicken bites in additional BBQ sauce prior to serving.

            Serve: Carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and arrange them on a serving plate. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

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

                - Presentation Tips: Present the BBQ chicken bites on a platter with a small bowl of extra BBQ sauce for dipping. For added texture and color, consider serving with crunchy celery and carrot sticks alongside the platter.