These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are juicy, crispy, and oh-so-easy to make! Coated in your favorite seasonings, they cook up in no time and are perfect for snacks or meals.
Who doesn’t love crispy chicken without the guilt? I like to dip them in barbecue sauce or ranch. It’s a win-win for everyone at the table! Plus, cleanup is a breeze!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using turkey bites instead.
Olive Oil: This helps to crisp up the chicken. You can swap it with avocado oil or melted coconut oil if you prefer a different flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well for coating. For a gluten-free option, almond flour is a great choice and adds a nice nuttiness. I’ve found that using gluten-free breadcrumbs also gives a lovely crunch!
Seasonings: The garlic and onion powder mix adds great flavor. Feel free to add some cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat, or use Italian seasoning for a different twist.
How Do You Achieve Crispy Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer?
Getting that perfect crispy texture can be tricky, but it’s all about the preparation and cooking process. Here’s how to achieve those delicious bites:
- Ensure chicken pieces are dry before coating; pat them with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Coat the chicken evenly with olive oil; this helps the flour stick and crisps up the outside in the air fryer.
- Keep the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate properly.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking helps achieve an even crunch on all sides.
Don’t forget, checking the internal temperature is key for perfectly cooked chicken—aim for 165°F (74°C).
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 5 minutes to prep and around 12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. With a total time of about 20 minutes, you’ll have crispy, delicious chicken bites ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps to ensure that the chicken will cook evenly and get that nice crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so that the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. This will help the coating stick better.
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil, making sure to toss the pieces to coat them evenly.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
5. Air Fry the Chicken Bites:
Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Remember not to overcrowd the basket; if necessary, cook in batches for the best results.
Air fry the chicken at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes. Be sure to shake the basket or flip the chicken halfway through to achieve even cooking and crispiness.
6. Check for Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, or honey mustard.
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites! They’re perfect for snacking or as part of a meal!
Can I Use Chicken with Bone in This Recipe?
It’s best to use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe, as it cooks more evenly and quickly in the air fryer. If you prefer bone-in chicken, you may need to adjust the cooking time, as it will take longer to reach the safe internal temperature.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, feel free to use avocado oil or melted coconut oil. Both alternatives will work well to help crisp up the chicken and add flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the air fryer again, setting it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to regain that crispy texture.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference!