Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious snack or meal option perfect for any day. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these bite-sized pieces are easy to prepare and cook to golden perfection using an air fryer.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)
• 1 large egg
• Cooking spray or olive oil (for spraying the air fryer basket)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Mix well.
3. Step 3: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
4. Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded chicken bites in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
6. Step 6: Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Try substituting the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain their crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, boneless chicken thighs can be used as a juicier alternative. Make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The bites should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 109 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a healthier twist on classic fried chicken nuggets. Coated with a savory breadcrumb and Parmesan cheese mixture and cooked in the air fryer, these bite-sized pieces are tender on the inside and irresistibly crunchy on the outside. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meal served with your favorite dipping sauces.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack, Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian herbs (optional)

Other

• 1 large egg
• Cooking spray or olive oil (for spraying the air fryer basket)

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl for easy breading.
2. Mix the breading: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs if using. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
3. Coat the chicken: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat each piece thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Repeat for all pieces.
4. Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
5. Arrange chicken in the basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket for even air circulation.
6. Air fry: Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. Chicken is done when golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty snack or meal.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs rather than regular breadcrumbs.
• Ensure the chicken pieces are roughly the same size for even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket — cook in batches if necessary.
• Check chicken internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• These bites reheat well in the air fryer for a quick snack.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Bites, Chicken Nuggets, Crispy Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipes, Air Fryer Snacks