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Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites Recipe

Longhorn Spicy Chicken Bites (Air Fryer Copycat)

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Author: Laurie Fleming
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings

Description

Crispy air fryer chicken bites tossed in a sweet-and-spicy honey hot sauce — an easy copycat of Longhorn Steakhouse's famous appetizer, ready in just 22 minutes.

Ingredients 

For the chicken:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Cooking spray

For the sweet-and-spicy sauce:

  • 4 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp hot sauce, adjust to taste
  • 3 tsp honey
  • 1 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  • Cut the chicken breast into even, bite-sized pieces.
  • In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, cayenne, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, beat the eggs.
  • Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.
  • Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (187°C) for 3–5 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the chicken in a single layer without overcrowding, and spritz the tops with cooking spray. Air fry at 370°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden brown and cooked to 165°F internal.
  • While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the hot sauce, honey, and garlic powder; simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  • Place the cooked chicken in a large bowl, pour over the sauce, and toss to coat. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese for dipping.

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Notes

  • For juicier bites, substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
  • Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the cayenne and hot sauce.
  • Make it gluten-free with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free hot sauce.
  • Storage: Refrigerate up to 3 days, or freeze unsauced bites up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 208kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 15gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 98mgSodium: 361mgPotassium: 263mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 336IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 1mg