Air Fryer Honey BBQ Explosion Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has it all—flavor, convenience, and ease. The air fryer ensures that your chicken comes out perfectly cooked every time, with a crispy exterior and juicy interior. The smoky and sweet honey BBQ sauce gives the chicken an irresistible glaze, while the cheese and crumbled beef add a deliciously indulgent touch. Best of all, it’s quick to prepare, so you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 4 slices cooked beef, crumbled
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Chopped green onions for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Season the chicken breasts with smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Place the seasoned chicken in the air fryer basket, spray with non-stick cooking spray, and cook for 10-12 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the BBQ sauce and honey.
5. Brush half of the honey BBQ mixture onto the chicken, then air fry for an additional 3-5 minutes.
6. Top each chicken breast with shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled beef. Air fry for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
7. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve with the remaining honey BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 15-20 minutes
• Total time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Swap the cheese: You can use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, for a different flavor.
• Use different meats: Substitute the crumbled beef with crumbled  ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Top the chicken with sautéed onions or bell peppers for an added burst of flavor.
• BBQ sauce variations: Experiment with different BBQ sauce flavors like smoky, spicy, or tangy to make the dish your own.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it for 1-2 minutes if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to adjust the cooking time since bone-in chicken typically takes longer to cook than boneless breasts. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

2. Can I make this recipe without the air fryer?

Absolutely! You can bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. Follow the same steps for seasoning and glazing.

3. What can I serve with this chicken?

This dish pairs wonderfully with sides like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.

4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the chicken by seasoning and glazing it ahead of time, then store it in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, simply follow the air frying instructions.

5. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a dash of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the BBQ sauce mixture for an extra kick of heat.

6. Can I freeze this chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer when ready to serve.

7. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken?

Yes! You can try using turkey breasts even tofu for a vegetarian version of this recipe.

8. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.

9. How do I make this recipe less sweet?

Reduce the amount of honey or substitute it with a sugar-free sweetener to adjust the sweetness to your liking.

10. Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! Feel free to add extra cheese to your chicken breasts if you’re a cheese lover.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Honey BBQ Explosion Chicken is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. With juicy chicken, smoky BBQ sauce, melted cheese, and crumbled beef, this dish is a delicious explosion of flavor. Whether you stick to the original recipe or experiment with your own variations, it’s a meal you’ll want to make again and again.