Tender Turkey Chicken Bites (Print Version)

Tender turkey or chicken bites glazed in honey-soy, crispy edges and sweet-savory flavor, perfect for gatherings.

# What You'll Need:

→ Protein

01 - 1 lb boneless, skinless turkey breast or chicken breast, cut into ¾-inch cubes

→ Marinade & Sauce

02 - 2 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
03 - 1½ tbsp honey
04 - 1 tbsp olive oil
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp ground black pepper
07 - ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)

→ Garnish

08 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
09 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, honey, olive oil, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth.
02 - Add turkey or chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let rest for at least 10 minutes or refrigerate up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
03 - Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
04 - Place marinated meat cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.
05 - Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until pieces are golden, caramelized, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
06 - Transfer bites to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining marinade, and garnish with sesame seeds and chopped chives or green onions. Serve immediately with toothpicks.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The honey caramelizes into crispy edges while the inside stays surprisingly tender.
  • You can prep the marinade in the morning and air fry right before guests arrive.
  • It works just as well with chicken thighs if you want extra juiciness.
  • The sweet-savory balance hits that spot where everyone reaches for seconds.
02 -
  • Pat the meat dry before marinating or the sauce will slide right off instead of clinging to the surface.
  • Don't skip shaking the basket halfway through, or you'll end up with uneven caramelization and some pale spots.
  • If the honey starts to smoke, your air fryer might run hot, so drop the temperature by 10°C next time.
03 -
  • Brush the bites with a little extra honey in the last 2 minutes of air frying for deeper caramelization and a glossier finish.
  • Toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for 30 seconds before sprinkling them on top, it makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
  • If your air fryer basket is small, cook in two batches rather than overcrowding, the extra few minutes are worth the even browning.
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