These air fryer chicken bites are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They are super easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or meal!
I love how they cook up quickly without all the oil. Just season the chicken, pop them in the air fryer, and enjoy a healthier treat that everyone will love! 🍗✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using chicken breasts for a lean option, but chicken thighs will give you a juicier result. You can also use turkey if you want a different flavor!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives these bites a great crunch. If you’re out, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute. It’ll change the texture slightly, but it’ll still be delicious!
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a lovely savory flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
Spices: Feel free to mix up the spices! Adding cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for additional flavors can be fun. Adjust based on what you like!
How Do You Get the Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
The key to achieving crispy chicken bites is in the breading process and cooking method. Here are some tips to get the perfect crisp:
- Ensure the chicken is well-coated in olive oil. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken pieces firmly. This creates a thicker crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give each piece space to cook evenly and develop that crispy exterior.
- Shake or turn halfway through cooking to ensure all sides get evenly crispy.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil spray
- Optional dipping sauce (ranch, honey mustard, or garlic aioli)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll need about 5 minutes to prep the ingredients and then around 10-12 minutes for cooking in the air fryer. It’s quick enough for a delicious weeknight meal or a fun snack anytime!
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 ensures that the chicken bites will cook thoroughly and get nice and crispy.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
In a large mixing bowl, pour in the olive oil. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces and toss them gently until they are well coated. This will help the breadcrumbs stick!
3. Mix the Coating:
In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried parsley (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
4. Coat the Chicken Pieces:
Take each piece of chicken and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to make sure it sticks well. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for that perfect crunch!
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with some cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. You might need to do this in batches depending on your air fryer size.
6. Cook the Chicken Bites:
Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, shake or turn them so they cook evenly and get golden on all sides. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let Them Rest:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Let them rest for a couple of minutes—this helps them settle and makes them even tastier.
8. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your crispy chicken bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy this delicious treat with friends and family!
Happy cooking! 🍗✨
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely first! You can do this by placing it in the fridge overnight or using a quick method by submerging it in cold water while it’s sealed in a plastic bag.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs will work as well. For an even crunchier texture, try crushed cornflakes. Just make sure to adjust the quantities if necessary, as they might bind differently.
How Do I Store Leftover Chicken Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400°F (200°C) to regain their crispiness!
Can I Add More Spices or Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the seasoning to your taste. Adding cayenne pepper for a kick, or trying out Italian seasoning for extra flavor is a great idea! Adjust based on your preferences.
