Juicy, tender chicken bites wrapped in crispy bacon and coated with a sweet and spicy glaze make this air fryer recipe irresistible. Perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or a protein-packed treat, these bites are quick to prepare and bursting with flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the air fryer.
- Perfect balance of flavors: The sweetness of the glaze complements the smoky bacon and tender chicken.
- Crispy and juicy: The air fryer ensures perfectly crispy bacon while keeping the chicken moist.
- Great for entertaining: A crowd-pleaser that’s ideal for parties, game days, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Bacon slices, cut in half
- Brown sugar
- Chili powder
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Toothpicks (to secure the bacon)
Directions
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch each.
- Wrap the chicken: Wrap each piece of chicken with half a slice of bacon, securing it with a toothpick.
- Make the spice mix: In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
- Coat the bites: Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken piece in the spice mix, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the bites: Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Let the bites cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Makes about 12-15 bites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Maple twist: Brush the bites with maple syrup before air frying for a sweet glaze.
- Spicy upgrade: Add more cayenne or drizzle with hot honey for an extra kick.
- Cheesy option: Place a small piece of cheese inside the chicken before wrapping with bacon.
- Herb infusion: Add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the spice mix for an earthy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon works, but it may not crisp up as much as pork bacon.
2. How do I know when the chicken is cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Can I prepare these bites in advance?
Yes, assemble the bites and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before air frying.
4. Do I need to soak the toothpicks?
If using wooden toothpicks, soak them in water for 10-15 minutes to prevent burning.
5. Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw the chicken completely before preparing the bites to ensure even cooking.
6. What dipping sauces pair well with this recipe?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sweet chili sauce are great options.
7. Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
8. Can I make these gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check the labels of your spices and bacon to ensure they contain no additives.
9. What if my air fryer basket is small?
Cook the bites in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even crisping.
10. How do I prevent the bacon from unraveling during cooking?
Secure the bacon tightly with toothpicks to keep it in place.
Conclusion
Air fryer sweet and spicy bacon-wrapped chicken bites are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for more. Whether you’re making them for a party or a quick snack, this easy recipe delivers delicious results every time. Try them today and enjoy the smoky, sweet, and spicy goodness!
Print
Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 16–20 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizer Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Bacon-Wrapped Chicken Bites are juicy, smoky, and packed with bold flavor. The sweet glaze with a spicy kick makes them an irresistible appetizer or snack, perfect for game days, parties, or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 8–10 slices of bacon, cut in half
- 1/4 cup (50g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (adjust for spice preference)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
For Glaze (Optional):
- 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon:
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Wrap each piece of chicken with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick.
- Mix the Seasoning:
- In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Coat the Chicken Bites:
- Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken bite in the seasoning mixture, ensuring an even coating.
- Preheat the Air Fryer (Optional):
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 2-3 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bacon is crispy and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Optional Glaze:
- While the chicken bites are cooking, mix the honey or maple syrup with hot sauce in a small bowl. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, brush the glaze over the chicken bites for a sticky, sweet, and spicy finish.
- Serve:
- Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese, if desired.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate the chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and a dash of honey for 30 minutes before wrapping with bacon.
- Ensure the chicken pieces are uniform in size to cook evenly.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes to crisp them up.