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- 1 pound boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness) - 1/4 cup honey - 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds To make these air fryer sweet and spicy chicken bites, you need fresh ingredients. Start with chicken breast. Cut it into small bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook evenly and makes for easy eating. For the marinade, mix honey and sriracha for sweetness and heat. Add soy sauce for umami flavor. Apple cider vinegar adds a nice tang. Garlic and onion powders bring depth to the taste. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. Don't forget to season with salt and pepper to balance the flavors. Finally, you’ll want to garnish your chicken bites. Chopped green onions add freshness. Sesame seeds provide a nice crunch and a touch of elegance. These ingredients come together to create a dish that is both tasty and delightful. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Then, pour in 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Mix all these ingredients well. This is your marinade. Next, add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl. Make sure each piece gets coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you can wait, marinate for up to 2 hours. This lets the flavors soak in. After marinating, it’s time to get the air fryer ready. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. While it heats, take the chicken out of the marinade. Toss the chicken pieces in a bowl with 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Make sure each piece is coated. This helps the chicken get extra crispy. Now, it’s time to cook! Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If your basket is small, cook in batches. Avoid overcrowding; this keeps your chicken crispy. Set the air fryer to cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to cook evenly. The chicken is done when it turns golden brown and reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, take the chicken bites out and let them rest for a few minutes. Then, place them on a serving platter. You can garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a nice touch. To make your chicken bites crispy, coat them with cornstarch. This helps create a crunchy layer. Toss the marinated chicken in cornstarch before you air fry. Ensure each piece is well-coated. This step is key for that perfect crunch. Marinate your chicken for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, let it sit for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to soak in. A longer marination helps the chicken taste better. Don’t skip this step if you want bold flavor. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the chicken in batches if needed. This ensures the heat circulates well. If you pile the chicken, it may steam instead of crisp. Air fry each batch for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. {{image_2}} You can turn up the heat in these chicken bites. To make it spicier, add more sriracha sauce. You can also mix in chili flakes or hot sauce. If you like a smoky flavor, try adding chipotle powder. This gives a nice kick without being too overpowering. You can also use different hot sauces for unique flavors. Experiment and find your perfect spice level. To make this dish gluten-free, swap soy sauce for tamari. Tamari tastes just as good and keeps the flavor intact. You can also use coconut aminos, which adds a hint of sweetness. Make sure to check the labels of all sauces. Some sauces may contain gluten, so it's best to be safe. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty bites. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken bites. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the chicken pieces in a single layer. Bake for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remember to flip them halfway for even cooking. You can also pan-fry them in a skillet with a bit of oil. This will give them a lovely crisp outside while keeping the inside juicy. After cooking, let the sweet and spicy chicken bites cool. Place them in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken fresh and safe to eat. To reheat, use your air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Cook the chicken bites for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may not be as good. You can freeze leftover chicken bites for later. Place them in a freezer-safe bag. Squeeze out excess air and seal tightly. They will last for about 2 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat in the air fryer for best results. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you need to thaw it first. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. You can thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or use the microwave. After thawing, cut it into bite-sized pieces as the recipe suggests. To adjust the spice level, you can change the amount of sriracha. For less heat, use less sriracha. If you want more spice, add more sriracha. You can also add some red pepper flakes for extra kick. Taste the marinade first to find the right balance for you. These chicken bites pair well with rice or noodles. You can also serve them with a fresh salad or steamed veggies. For a fun twist, try them with a side of sweet potato fries. They add a nice contrast to the flavors of the chicken. This post covers how to make tasty chicken bites. We explored key ingredients and marinade tips. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions for the air fryer. You learned tricks for crispiness and marinating. We also looked at variations and storage tips. In conclusion, making chicken bites is simple and fun. Experiment with different flavors to match your taste. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites

Savor the mouthwatering flavors of Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Chicken Bites with this easy recipe! Perfectly marinated chicken pieces are air-fried to golden perfection, delivering the ideal blend of sweetness and heat in every bite. Whether it's game day or a cozy dinner, these bites are a crowd-pleaser! Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with this delicious dish.
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Ingredients
  

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

1/4 cup honey

2 tablespoons sriracha sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tablespoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine honey, sriracha sauce, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.

    Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are evenly coated with the marinade. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).

      After marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

        Once preheated, remove the chicken from the marinade and toss it in a bowl with cornstarch until evenly coated. This will help achieve a crispy texture.

          Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, work in batches to avoid overcrowding.

            Air fry the chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).

              Once done, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes.

                Transfer the chicken bites to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

                  Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4