Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe, Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

The Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe is a quick and healthy way to prepare a delicious snack or meal. These bite-sized chicken pieces are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, resulting in crispy, golden-brown exteriors and juicy, tender interiors. Preparing them is easy—simply marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper, then air fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. This method requires minimal oil, making it a healthier alternative to traditional frying while still delivering a satisfying crunch. Serve these chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or barbecue, or pair them with a side of roasted veggies or a fresh salad for a complete meal. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this recipe is sure to impress!

Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe, Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

If you’re craving a delicious, quick, and healthier alternative to fried chicken, then air fryer chicken bites are your go-to option! With minimal oil, you can make these crispy, tender chicken pieces without compromising on taste. The air fryer provides a wonderful crunch while keeping the chicken juicy on the inside, making this recipe ideal for busy weeknights, parties, or meal prep. In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through how to prepare and cook air fryer chicken bites, offering tips, nutrition facts, and more.

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Introduction

Air fryer recipes have gained massive popularity for offering healthier versions of classic fried foods. The Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe is no exception. It’s a great dish to enjoy the comfort of crispy fried chicken without the extra calories and fat that come from traditional deep frying. Air frying uses hot air circulation to cook food with a little to no oil, resulting in a crisp texture on the outside while maintaining juiciness inside. Whether you are a seasoned air fryer user or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers fantastic results every time. Plus, it can be customized with your favorite spices and seasonings.

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Nutrition Information

Before diving into the recipe, it’s essential to highlight the nutritional benefits of this dish. This air fryer chicken bites recipe is packed with protein, low in fat, and can be adapted to fit various dietary preferences. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown:

• Calories per serving: 200-250 (depending on the ingredients used)
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Cholesterol: 60mg

The recipe is versatile, so you can reduce sodium and fat content by adjusting the seasoning or using a healthier alternative to breadcrumbs.

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Ingredients

To prepare the air fryer chicken bites, you’ll need a simple list of ingredients that you may already have in your pantry:

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray

Optional Dipping Sauce:

• Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping

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Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step instructions to make your air fryer chicken bites:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized cubes. Ensure the pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier exterior.

Step 2: Season the Breading

In one shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano (or Italian seasoning), salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Wash

In a separate shallow bowl, beat the egg. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken pieces.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash first, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat it evenly. This double-coating will give your chicken a crispy outer layer when air-fried.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the chicken bites cook evenly and achieve that desired crispy texture.

Step 6: Air Fry the Chicken Bites

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they’re not overcrowded. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken bites halfway through for even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken bites are cooked, remove them from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve them with your choice of dipping sauce and enjoy this healthy, crispy treat!

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Prep Time, Active Time, and Total Time

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (depending on how quickly you chop and coat the chicken)
• Active Time: 12-15 minutes (for air frying)
• Resting Time: 2-3 minutes (for the chicken to cool slightly)
• Total Time: 30 minutes (from prep to plate)

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Cuisines and Course

• Cuisine: American, Comfort Food, Healthy
• Course: Main Course, Appetizer, Snack

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Servings and Calories

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings, with each serving containing around 200-250 calories. The number of servings may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and how much breading you use. For larger portions, you can easily double the recipe.

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Equipment

• Air fryer
• Shallow bowls (for egg wash and breadcrumbs)
• Tongs or a spoon (to handle the chicken)
• Cooking spray or olive oil (for spraying the air fryer basket)

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Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Chicken Bites

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: While chicken breasts are leaner, chicken thighs offer more flavor and juiciness. You can use either cut based on your preference.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: To ensure even cooking, leave some space between the chicken bites. If necessary, cook them in batches.
• Use Panko for Extra Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken an extra crispy texture. You can also try adding a little cornstarch to the breading mixture for an even crunchier result.
• Check Doneness with a Meat Thermometer: The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.

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Conclusion

Air fryer chicken bites are a quick, easy, and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken, offering the same crispy satisfaction with fewer calories. Whether you’re making them for a busy weeknight dinner, a family snack, or an appetizer for a party, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. With just a few ingredients and the magic of your air fryer, you’ll have perfectly golden, tender chicken bites in no time. So, get your air fryer ready and enjoy this delightful recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your kitchen rotation!