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Healthy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Veggie Bites

Healthy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Veggie Bites - featured image

These Healthy Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Veggie Bites are a quick, flavorful, and guilt-free snack combining juicy chicken and fresh veggies with a smoky BBQ glaze, perfect for snacking or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground chicken (lean, preferably 93% lean)
  • 1 cup finely chopped bell peppers (red or yellow)
  • ½ cup shredded carrots
  • ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or gluten-free if preferred)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup your favorite BBQ sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Finely chop the bell peppers, carrots, and red onion. Mince the garlic.
  2. In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, chopped veggies, minced garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly.
  3. Scoop about 1.5 tablespoons of the mixture and roll into small meatballs or bite-sized patties. Place on a plate or tray (makes about 20-22 bites).
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together BBQ sauce, apple cider vinegar, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and warm up for about 3 minutes.
  6. Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each. Cook for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  7. Transfer cooked bites to a bowl and toss gently with the prepared BBQ sauce until evenly coated.
  8. Return the sauced bites to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes at 375°F to set the glaze.
  9. Let the bites cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Preheat the air fryer for best crispiness. Avoid overcrowding the basket to prevent soggy bites. Wet hands slightly when shaping bites to prevent sticking. For baking, cook at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat in air fryer to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, BBQ chicken, healthy snack, veggie bites, quick recipe, easy snack, game day food, low fat, high protein