Air Fryer Chicken Bites are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. You just coat the chicken in your favorite spices and let the air fryer do its magic!
These bites are perfect for snacking or a quick meal. I love how fast they cook and how easy clean-up is—no oil splatters to worry about! Just grab some dipping sauce, and you’re ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe because they cook quickly and stay juicy. If you’re looking for alternatives, chicken tenders or thighs work well too!
Olive Oil: I use olive oil for its flavor, but you can substitute it with avocado oil or even a light cooking spray to reduce calories. Just make sure it has a high smoke point for frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the chicken bites a wonderful crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but the texture will be denser. You could also try crushed cornflakes or even ground almonds for a gluten-free option!
Spices: The spices add a lot of flavor! You can mix and match according to your taste—try adding cayenne for heat or Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How Do I Get My Chicken Bites Crispy?
Achieving that crispy texture is all about the coating and the air fryer’s hot air circulation. Here’s how to ensure your chicken bites turn out perfectly crispy:
- Make sure to coat the chicken well with olive oil before breading—it helps the panko adhere better.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each piece space so the hot air can circulate around. You may need to cook in batches.
- Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps achieve an even crispiness all around.
- A light spray of cooking spray before cooking enhances the crunch, so feel free to give them an extra spritz.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you can have these delicious chicken bites ready to enjoy in under 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps ensure the chicken gets crispy all around.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, add the bite-sized pieces of chicken. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. This step is crucial for helping the breadcrumbs stick and giving flavor.
3. Create the Coating:
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix them well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
4. Coat the Chicken:
One by one, take each piece of chicken and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so that the coating sticks well to the chicken. Make sure each piece is well coated.
5. Air Fry the Chicken Bites:
Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to overcrowd them for even cooking. If you’d like, you can lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crunch.
6. Cook to Perfection:
Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh or dried parsley, adding a nice touch of color. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce—ketchup, ranch, or barbecue sauce work great!
Enjoy your crispy and juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites!
Can I Use Other Meats Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey or even bite-sized pork chops. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the meat and ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make these chicken bites gluten-free, simply use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and check that your spices are gluten-free as well. They’ll turn out just as crispy and delicious!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness, or use a microwave on low power.
Can I Add More Flavor to the Bread Crumb Coating?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding grated cheese, different herbs, or spices to the panko mixture to customize the flavor to your liking! A bit of Parmesan cheese can add a nice touch!
