If you’re craving a quick and delicious meal, this Air Fryer Chicken Bites recipe is the perfect choice! Packed with incredible flavor and so simple to prepare!
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Air-fryer chicken Bites became my go-to for quick dinners and meal prep. Made with boneless, skinless chicken breast chunks and seasonings, they’re high-protein, juicy, and easy to make. They have a crispy texture and juicy centres, and they’re ready in under 20 minutes. They quickly became a family favourite.
These bites are versatile and great with salads, wraps, or as a snack with BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or garlic aioli. They’re kid-friendly, low-carb, and require almost no oil, making them perfect for a weekly menu. Whether served with potatoes and quinoa or transformed into air-fried grilled chicken bites, they fit any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (or chicken thighs for variation).
- Italian Dressing or Adobo Seasoning with onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Italian Herbs like oregano, basil, parsley, or Sazon seasoning with coriander, cumin, and annatto.
- Avocado, olive, or any neutral-flavoured oil with a high smoke point.
- Favourite seasoning blend includes Italian seasoning, dried herbs, or custom spices for added flavour.
How to Add Flavor to Chicken Bites
When I season my chicken, I love experimenting with fajita, Cajun, or lemon pepper seasoning. A mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and thyme creates bold flavours. I follow the rule of thumb of 1 teaspoon salt per pound of chicken for perfect taste, often adding smoked paprika or red pepper flakes for extra depth.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Making crispy air fryer chicken bites is quick and easy, resulting in crispy, juicy chicken every time.
Prepping the Chicken
- Cut chicken breast in to consistent 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Gather all ingredients before hand for an organized workflow.
Marinating and Seasoning
- Mix oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper with the chicken cubes in a large bowl.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes to enhance flavour and tenderness.
Air Frying to Perfection
- Preheat the air fryer to 385°F and place the marinated chicken in a single layer.
- Cook for 8-12 minutes, tossing halfway at the 8-minute mark for crispy, evenly cooked bites.
Alternative Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°Fand spread the chicken on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
- Bake for 10 minutes, flip the pieces, and cook for 5-10 minutes until cooked.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Chicken Bites in Air Fryer
- Cut chicken into consistent sizes, about 1-inch cubes, for even cooking.
- Use cornstarch for a light dusting that creates a crispy texture.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking in batches.
- Always preheat the air fryer to achieve a crispy coating.
- Check for an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked.
- Experiment with seasonings like panko bread crumbs or kosher salt for added variety.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If the chicken is dry or unevenly cooked, cut the pieces into consistent 1-inch cubes. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer for a crispy coating and use cornstarch to enhance texture. Always use a meat thermometer to confirm an internal temperature of 165°F.
Time and Temperature Adjustments for Air Fryers
Different air fryer brands may require tweaks, so cook at 385°F for 8-12 minutes and check for doneness. To avoid overcooking, test the chicken’s thickest part with a thermometer for accuracy.
What to Make with Diced Chicken
Diced chicken is incredibly versatile and works in a variety of dishes. You can toss it into stir-fries, add it to grain bowls or salads, use it as a filling for tacos, or include it in hearty soups and curries. It’s also perfect for quick meals like chicken fried rice or as a topping for pasta dishes.
Flavor Variations and Customization Ideas
I love adding ranch dressing mix, taco seasoning, or smoked paprika for bold flavours. Tossing the chicken with lemon pepper, flaky salt, or Italian seasoning creates a fresh twist, while breadcrumbs or yoghurt-based marinades add richness.
What to Serve with Air Fried Chicken Bites
- Suggested Dipping Sauces: BBQ sauce, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or Greek yoghurt ranch.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve in grain bowls, with quinoa, or with fresh salads like Kale Caesar Salad.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
After letting the crispy chicken bites air fryer cool completely, flash-freeze them on a tray before transferring them to a freezer-safe container or sealed bag. For reheating, use the air fryer fried chicken bites at 380°F for a crispy coating, or try the microwave for convenience.
Conclusion: Make It Your Own
Cooking grilled chicken bites in an air fryer allows endless customization, from trying new seasonings to pairing them with your favourite sides. Whether for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a snack, these bites are a versatile, high-protein option for any occasion!
FAQS
- How long does chicken bites take in the air fryer?
Chicken bites take 8-12 minutes at 385°F, depending on size.
- How long does diced chicken take in the air fryer?
Diced chicken cooks in 8-10 minutes at 385°F, with a toss halfway through.
- Can you put raw chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry raw chicken if it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Can I cook chicken nuggets in an air fryer?
Chicken nuggets cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F in the air fryer.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Equipment
- Air Fryer – For cooking the chicken.
- Knife – For cutting chicken into cubes.
- Cutting Board – For safe cutting.
- Large Bowl – For marinating the chicken.
- Measuring Spoons – For seasoning.
- Meat Thermometer – To check internal temperature.
- Baking Sheet – For oven baking (optional).
- Non-stick Cooking Spray – For greasing the baking sheet or air fryer.
- Tongs/Spatula – For flipping chicken.
- Freezer-Safe Container/Bag – For storing leftovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with Italian dressing, adobo seasoning, dried Italian herbs, kosher salt, and, if desired, sazon seasoning.
- Marinate: Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for 15 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 385°F and allow it to preheat for 5 minutes.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Spray the air fryer basket with a thin layer of oil. Place the marinated chicken in an even layer inside the basket. Cook in batches, if necessary, at 385°F for 8-12 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispiness.
- Check for Doneness: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F using a meat thermometer.