How to recognise the result
The coating is dry and crisp while the chicken stays juicy and reaches at least 74°C.
Chicken
Crispy Filet Bites
Prep Time / BBQ15m / 25m
BBQ Temp200°C
MethodIndirect
4
Crispy BBQ or air-fryer chicken bites with a sweet-spicy gochujang dip.
Craving an amazing chicken snack, but rather skip the hassle of hot oil and dirty pans? These Crispy Filet Bites satisfy all your cravings! Super crispy on the outside thanks to the famous Fake Fry technique, tender on the inside, and irresistibly sticky with a honey-Gochujang glaze. Can be prepared on the BBQ, in the oven, or the airfryer.
170 reviews
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Nutritional Values
410Calories
31gProtein
15gFat
38gCarbs
* Estimated values per person
Why this recipe works
These KFC-style crispy chicken bites use cornstarch, flour and baking powder for crunch without deep-frying. Indirect BBQ heat works like an oven, while an air fryer circulates the heat more forcefully. Chicken thigh stays juicy and the honey-gochujang glaze turns them into Korean fried chicken-style bites. KFC is used only as a familiar style comparison; this is an independent recipe.
Heat setup
Indirect cooking at 200°C controls browning and doneness.
Control point
The coating is dry and crisp while the chicken stays juicy and reaches at least 74°C.
Avoid this
Leave space between pieces and use a light oil spray; crowding or excess oil softens the crust.
The Magic of the Fake Fry Technique
The absolute star of this recipe is the 'Fake Fry' technique. We swap the heavy deep fryer for a brilliant crust of cornstarch and baking powder. By lightly misting the bites with cooking spray and baking them at high heat (BBQ, oven, or airfryer), the baking powder reacts. The result? An airy, explosive crunch that's indistinguishable from actual deep-frying. Less fat, no oil splatters, but that perfect crisp.
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How will you prepare it?
Preheat the BBQ for indirect cooking to 200C - 220C. Cut the chicken pieces into bite-sized chunks. Mix them in a bowl with the egg and a small dash of oil until well coated.
Thoroughly mix all dry ingredients together.
Toss the chicken chunks through the dry mixture until every bite is fully coated.
Set up the BBQ for indirect heat (200°C - 220°C).
Place the coated chicken on the grate and spray lightly with cooking oil spray.
Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown, super crispy, and fully cooked through.
Whisk the Gochujang, honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger into a smooth glaze.
Dip the hot, crispy bites in the sauce or gently toss them. Top with sesame seeds and sliced spring onions. Dig in!
170 reviews
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Tested in practice
Grillmaster notes for Crispy Filet Bites
Common mistake
Leave space between pieces and use a light oil spray; crowding or excess oil softens the crust.
Serving suggestions
Serve the glaze separately for maximum crunch or toss just before eating for Korean fried chicken style.
Prepare ahead
Coat shortly ahead and refrigerate. Cook near serving time and reheat leftovers without sauce.
Understand the technique
Knowledge behind this recipe
How much meat and food per person for a BBQ?
Calculate meat, fish, vegetarian food, snacks, bread and sides for small or large BBQ groups.
Read guideSolve BBQ problems: sticking, flare-ups and heatFix common BBQ problems including sticking meat, flare-ups, burnt marinades and unstable heat.
Read guideHow to use gochujang for Korean BBQLearn what gochujang is, how to turn it into a marinade or glaze and how to prevent burning on the grill.
Read guideCrispy chicken without deep-fryingMake crisp chicken bites on the BBQ, in an oven or air fryer using dry coating, oil spray and airflow.
Read guideConverting BBQ recipes for oven or air fryerUnderstand indirect BBQ heat, ovens and air fryers and how to adjust timing, temperature and expectations.
Read guideMade by you
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Practical answers
Frequently asked questions about Crispy Filet Bites
How do you make KFC-style crispy chicken without deep-frying?
These KFC-style crispy chicken bites use cornstarch, flour and baking powder for crunch without deep-frying. Indirect BBQ heat works like an oven, while an air fryer circulates the heat more forcefully. Chicken thigh stays juicy and the honey-gochujang glaze turns them into Korean fried chicken-style bites. KFC is used only as a familiar style comparison; this is an independent recipe.
Can I make Crispy Filet Bites without a BBQ?
Yes. Alongside the BBQ method, the recipe includes clear variations for oven, air fryer. Follow the temperature and steps listed for each method.
How long and at what temperature do you cook Crispy Filet Bites?
Allow about 40 minutes in total. The listed BBQ temperature is 200°C and the cooking method is Indirect. Always use the recipe steps to confirm doneness.
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