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
Units
Scale
- 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.