Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe
Introduction
Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious snack perfect for busy weeknights or game day. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these bites are easy to make with minimal ingredients. Enjoy a healthier twist on fried chicken with just a few simple steps.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Step 2: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
- Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Step 5: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, coat the chicken bites in a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan before air frying.
- Try different seasoning blends like Cajun or Italian herbs to change the flavor.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites, adjusting cooking time slightly if needed.
Storage
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep them crispy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, thaw completely before seasoning and air frying.
How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?
Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer, and the outside should be golden and crispy.
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and healthy snack or meal option. Tender chicken breast pieces are tossed with oil and a blend of seasonings, then air fried to crispy perfection without the need for deep frying. Perfect as a protein-packed appetizer or main dish, these bites offer a flavorful, low-fat alternative to traditional fried chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp oil (olive oil or vegetable oil)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper for heat
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken breast pieces. Cut them into evenly sized bite pieces to ensure consistent cooking.
- Season the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, toss the chicken pieces with oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper if using. Make sure all pieces are evenly coated with the oil and spices.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes to ensure a crispy exterior.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to cook evenly and achieve a crispy texture on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: Verify the internal temperature of chicken bites has reached 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. If needed, cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve hot. They pair well with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- Cut chicken into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste or add your favorite herbs and spices.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispness.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Bites, crispy chicken bites, healthy chicken snack, easy chicken recipe, low-fat chicken bites
