Irresistible Air Fryer Sweet and Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

Crispy bacon adds incredible flavor to these delectable sweet and spicy air fryer chicken bites that pack a serious punch.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle inside a perfectly crunchy wrapper with bold seasonings.

Each morsel promises an explosion of tasty goodness that will make you crave more.

Unexpected spice levels dance across your palate with every single bite.

Simple ingredients combine to create something truly magical in mere minutes.

Home cooks seeking a quick and impressive appetizer will absolutely adore this recipe.

You can whip up these irresistible morsels faster than ordering takeout.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly these crowd-pleasing bites disappear from the plate.

Best Sauces and Sides for Serving

• Cool, creamy ranch perfectly balances the sweet and spicy chicken bites, providing a refreshing contrast to the intense flavor profile.
• Light, crisp pilsner cuts through the richness of bacon and chicken, enhancing the dish's complex spice notes and cleansing the palate.
• Crunchy, acidic coleslaw offers a fresh, cool side that complements the hot chicken bites, creating a balanced and satisfying meal experience.
• Refreshing cucumber salad with light vinaigrette provides a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, spicy bacon-wrapped chicken, creating a delightful textural contrast.

Try These Flavor Variations Next

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener to reduce carbs while maintaining sweetness. Use sugar-free hot sauce and skip honey glaze.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices and seasonings are certified gluten-free. Double-check bacon brand for potential gluten contamination.
• Low-Sodium Option: Select low-sodium bacon and reduce or eliminate added salt in seasoning mix. Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for enhanced flavor without sodium.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or cauliflower florets. Wrap plant-based protein in thin zucchini strips or rice paper instead of bacon for similar texture and crunch.

Chicken Bite FAQs at a Glance

• Can I use different types of bacon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various bacon types like turkey bacon or center-cut bacon. Just ensure the bacon is thin enough to crisp up properly in the air fryer.

• How do I prevent the bacon from getting too greasy?

Pat the chicken and bacon dry before wrapping, and use a paper towel to blot excess grease during cooking. The air fryer helps reduce oil compared to traditional frying.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level depends on the amount of cayenne pepper and hot sauce you add. You can adjust these ingredients to make the dish mild or hot according to your preference.

• Can I prepare these chicken bites ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken bites and coat them with seasoning up to 24 hours in advance. Store them covered in the refrigerator and cook just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Why Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Are Popular

• Perfect bite-sized treats ready in under 20 minutes for busy home cooks who want delicious party snacks without complex preparation.
• Easily adjust spice levels by controlling cayenne pepper and hot sauce amounts, making these chicken bites adaptable for mild or bold taste preferences.
• Air fryer method reduces excess oil compared to traditional deep-frying, creating crispy bacon and juicy chicken with significantly less fat and calories.
• Versatile recipe ideal for game day gatherings, potlucks, family dinners, and casual entertaining where guests love finger foods with bold flavor profiles.

What’s in These Sweet and Spicy Bites

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender meat as the main protein, choose boneless and skinless for easy preparation.
• Bacon: Adds crispy texture and rich flavor, select thin-sliced for even cooking.

• Brown Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create caramelization, balances spicy elements.
• Smoked Paprika, Chili Powder, Cayenne Pepper: Create a complex spicy profile, adjust heat level to preference.
• Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: Adds depth and aromatic warmth to the overall seasoning.

• Honey or Maple Syrup: Creates a sticky glaze with additional sweetness, choose pure and high-quality.
• Hot Sauce: Enhances spiciness and adds tangy complexity to the final coating.
• Toothpicks: Helps secure bacon around chicken pieces during cooking.
• Optional Dipping Sauces: Ranch or Blue Cheese for serving, complements the spicy-sweet flavor profile.

How to Air Fry Chicken Bites Evenly

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Cubes

Slice chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Cut bacon strips in half. Wrap each chicken piece with bacon and secure tightly using a toothpick.

Step 2: Create Flavor Explosion

• Brown sugar
• Smoked paprika
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Cayenne pepper (optional)

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl.

Step 3: Coat with Seasoning

Roll each bacon-wrapped chicken piece thoroughly in the seasoning mixture. Ensure complete coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Prepare Air Fryer

Set air fryer temperature to 375°F. Allow device to warm up for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Cooking Magic

Place chicken bites in air fryer basket. Ensure pieces are not touching. Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Chicken is ready when bacon looks crispy and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 6: Add Sweet Spicy Glaze

• Honey
• Hot sauce

Brush glaze over chicken during final 2 minutes of cooking.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove chicken bites from air fryer. Let cool briefly. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing for extra deliciousness.

Tips That Keep Bacon Crispy and Chicken Juicy

• Maximize Bacon Crispiness: Pat chicken and bacon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crunchier texture when air frying.
• Prevent Bacon Sticking: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use parchment paper to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Customize the heat by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper and chili powder to match your personal spice tolerance.
• Check Chicken Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken reaches 165F internally, guaranteeing safe and perfectly cooked bites every time.
• Glaze Application Trick: Apply honey or maple syrup glaze during the last two minutes of cooking to prevent burning while creating a delicious caramelized finish.

Storing and Warming These Appetizers Easily

• Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual bites in plastic wrap, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 2 months to preserve their delicious flavor.
• Warm refrigerated bites at 350F for 3-4 minutes, turning halfway through to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Heat chilled bites for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to ensure even warming without drying out the meat.

Air Fryer Sweet And Spicy Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy sweet chicken bites wrapped in crispy bacon elevate game day snacking with irresistible flavor. Perfectly cooked in an air fryer, these morsels deliver a mouthwatering punch that keeps guests coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450g), cut into 1-inch cubes
• 8–10 slices of bacon, cut in half

Spices and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Glaze (Optional):

• 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce

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Instructions

1. Transform plump chicken breasts into delectable bite-sized morsels, meticulously trimming and cubing each piece to uniform dimensions.
2. Encase each chicken cube with a half slice of bacon, skillfully securing the wrapping with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during cooking.
3. Craft a zesty seasoning blend by thoroughly mixing brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
4. Generously coat each bacon-wrapped chicken morsel in the spice mixture, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage that will intensify flavor profiles.
5. Activate the air fryer and set the temperature to 375°F, allowing the appliance to reach optimal cooking heat for maximum crispiness.
6. Strategically arrange the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to promote uniform cooking and crisp texture.
7. Execute precise cooking by air frying for 12-15 minutes, flipping the bites midway to guarantee balanced crispness and thorough chicken doneness.
8. Create a tantalizing glaze by whisking honey or maple syrup with hot sauce, then delicately brush over the chicken during the final two minutes of cooking.
9. Once internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F, carefully extract the bites and allow brief resting to stabilize juices.
10. Present the succulent bacon-wrapped chicken bites accompanied by complementary dipping sauces like ranch or blue cheese for an elevated culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Sticking: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray to ensure easy removal and minimal cleanup.
• Bacon Selection: Choose thin-cut bacon for quicker and more even cooking, allowing the bacon to crisp perfectly without drying out the chicken.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee the chicken reaches 165F internally, ensuring safe consumption while maintaining juicy texture.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular bacon for turkey bacon to reduce fat content, or use plant-based bacon alternatives for vegetarian guests.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg