These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are juicy, crispy, and full of flavor! Made with tender chicken pieces tossed in a tasty seasoning, they’re super easy to whip up for dinner or snacks.
I love how quickly they cook in the air fryer, making dinner prep a breeze. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and I promise they’ll disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for these bites as they cook quickly and evenly. If you’re looking for a lower-fat option, use chicken thighs, which are just as tasty!
Olive Oil: This adds moisture and helps the coating stick. You can swap it out for avocado oil or any other light cooking oil you have on hand.
Flour: All-purpose flour makes the coating crispier. If you’re gluten-free, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend instead.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds great flavor and increases crunch. If you don’t have it, try using grated cheddar or omit it for a lighter version.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you like things spicy, add more chili powder or some cayenne pepper! Fresh herbs can be added for more flavor too.
How Do I Ensure My Chicken Bites Are Crispy?
Getting that perfect crispiness is all about the coating and cooking method. Here are some tips for achieving that:
- Make sure to coat the chicken pieces evenly with oil before adding the seasonings.
- Don’t skip the flour—this helps create a crunchy crust. Mixing in cheese adds even more flavor.
- Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of crisping.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This ensures even cooking and browning on all sides.
Following these steps will leave you with chicken bites that are deliciously crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, adds flavor and crisp)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional, for some heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes of cooking time, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Including preheating, you’re looking at around 30 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure your chicken bites are crispy right from the start!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, drizzle your bite-sized chicken pieces with olive oil. Give them a good toss so that all the pieces are evenly coated in oil. This helps the seasonings stick and adds moisture.
3. Mix the Coating:
In another small bowl, combine the flour, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, basil, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Toss the oiled chicken pieces in the seasoning mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated; this step is key to getting that delicious flavor and crispy texture!
5. Arrange in Air Fryer:
Place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. If you have a lot of chicken, it’s better to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
6. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Air fry the chicken bites for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You want them crispy and golden brown, so the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or buffalo sauce. Enjoy!
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are sure to be a favorite for all ages—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s important to thaw it first. Thaw the chicken overnight in the fridge or place it in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water until completely thawed. Pat it dry before proceeding with the recipe to ensure the coating sticks well.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken bites and coat them in the seasoning mixture a few hours ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook. Just give them a quick toss before placing them in the air fryer to refresh the coating.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes to get them crispy again, or you can use the microwave but be aware that they won’t be as crispy.
What Dipping Sauces Pair Well with These Chicken Bites?
These chicken bites are versatile and pair well with a variety of dipping sauces! Consider serving them with ranch, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Feel free to get creative based on your taste preferences!
