These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are crispy, juicy, and super easy to make! With just a few simple seasonings, you’ll have a tasty snack or meal in no time.
I love how quick they cook, perfect for busy days! Serve them with your favorite dip, and they’ll be a hit at any gathering. Who can say no to delicious chicken bites? 🍗💖
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is great for this recipe, but you can also use chicken thighs for more juiciness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey breast instead!
Cornmeal or Panko: I love using cornmeal for a nice crunch, but panko breadcrumbs work just as well. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal.
Spices: Smoked paprika adds a lovely smokiness. If you don’t have it, regular paprika is fine, or add a dash of cumin for warmth. Adjust the cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Oil: Olive oil is my go-to, but melted butter or avocado oil also works wonderfully. For a lighter version, you can use a spray oil for a light coating.
How Do I Achieve Crispy Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer?
Getting that crispy texture in your air fryer is all about the coating and cooking method. Here are some tips:
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer for even cooking. This helps start the crisping process as soon as you add the chicken.
- Coat the chicken evenly with the oil before adding the breadcrumb mixture. This helps the coating stick better.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket; this ensures hot air circulates around each piece, giving you that perfect crisp.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This allows every piece to get the same level of heat and crispiness.
- Always check the internal temperature to ensure they are cooked through safely (165°F or 74°C).
Follow these tips, and you’ll enjoy perfectly crispy chicken bites every time!
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup fine cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for a bit of heat)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- Cooking spray or extra olive oil for air fryer basket
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time. After that, you’ll need 8-10 minutes in the air fryer to cook the chicken bites. Altogether, you’re looking at around 25 minutes for delicious, crispy chicken bites!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important for getting those chicken bites nice and crispy right from the start!
2. Prepare Your Seasoned Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the cornmeal (or panko), smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This mixture will give your chicken bites a flavorful and crunchy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Drizzle the olive oil or melted butter over the chicken pieces and toss them to coat evenly. This helps the seasoning stick and adds extra flavor. Then, add the seasoned cornmeal mixture to the bowl and toss again until all the chicken pieces are well coated.
4. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. This step is key to ensuring your chicken bites easily come out after cooking.
5. Arrange the Chicken Bites:
Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded, as this allows the hot air to circulate and crisp them up perfectly.
6. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will help them brown evenly. You’ll know they’re done when they are golden brown and have reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more moisture and flavor to your bites. Just be sure to remove any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
What If I Don’t Have Cornmeal or Panko?
No worries! You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a similar effect. Just make sure they are finely crushed for the best coating texture.
How Do I 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 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites in advance and store them in the fridge for up to a day before cooking. Just coat them and place them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry!
