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Air Fryer Chicken and Bacon Bites with Barbecue Sauce - Crispy, Savory, and Fast

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Chicken: 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs (thighs are juicier)
  • Bacon: 10–12 slices thin-cut bacon (thin crisps better)
  • Barbecue sauce: 1/2 cup (plus extra for dipping)
  • Brown sugar: 1 tablespoon (optional, for extra caramelization)
  • Garlic powder: 1 teaspoon
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon
  • Salt: 1/2 teaspoon (reduce if your bacon is very salty)
  • Olive oil or avocado oil spray: for the basket
  • Toothpicks: to secure the bacon (optional but helpful)
  • Optional add-ins: pinch of cayenne, onion powder, or a splash of hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Prep the chicken: Pat chicken dry. Cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes so they cook evenly. Aim for uniform size.
  2. Season: In a bowl, toss chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add brown sugar if you want a slightly sticky, caramelized finish.
  3. Add barbecue sauce: Mix in 2–3 tablespoons of barbecue sauce to coat lightly. Reserve the rest for brushing and dipping.
  4. Wrap with bacon: Cut each bacon slice into thirds. Wrap one piece around each chicken cube and secure with a toothpick if needed. The ends should overlap slightly.
  5. Preheat the air fryer: Set to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes. Lightly spray the basket with oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Arrange in the basket: Place bites in a single layer with a little space between them. Don’t crowd; work in batches if needed for even crisping.
  7. Air fry, round one: Cook for 8 minutes. No need to flip yet unless your air fryer has hot spots.
  8. Brush with sauce: Open the basket and brush each bite with a thin layer of barbecue sauce. This helps glaze without burning.
  9. Air fry, round two: Cook 3–6 more minutes, until bacon is crisp and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Total time is usually 11–14 minutes depending on your air fryer and the size of the bites.
  10. Rest and serve: Let them rest 2–3 minutes so the juices settle. Serve with extra barbecue sauce for dipping.