These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are crispy and flavorful little pieces of joy! Using just chicken and a few simple spices, they’re a quick hit for any meal or snack time.
I love that they cook so fast in the air fryer—no mess, no fuss. Plus, you can dip them in your favorite sauce for an extra tasty treat. Perfect for a busy weeknight!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for this recipe due to their tenderness. If you’re looking for a more flavorful option, thighs work well too! You can also use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for a quick fix.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives a crispy coating. If you’re gluten-free, try using almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. It won’t be exactly the same, but still delicious!
Spices: Garlic powder and smoked paprika add depth of flavor. Feel free to adjust these! You can use Cajun seasoning for a bit of heat or swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder taste.
Eggs: The eggs help the coating stick. If you’re vegan or egg-free, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) as a substitute for binding.
How Do I Get My Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that delightful crunch while keeping your chicken tender is all about the breading and the cooking technique. Here’s how to achieve that perfect crispy texture:
- Make sure to preheat your air fryer! This helps to start the cooking process as soon as the chicken bites go in.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! A light spray on the breaded chicken will help them crisp up nicely.
- Cook in batches if necessary. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure hot air circulates around each piece, giving you a nice golden crust.
- Flipping the chicken bites halfway through cooking ensures even browning on all sides.
With these tips, you’ll be enjoying perfectly crispy chicken bites every time! Happy cooking!
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon water
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
- Fresh parsley or dried parsley for garnish (optional)
- Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., ketchup, ranch, BBQ sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook. In no time, you’ll have crispy chicken bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. Preheating is key to getting that nice crispy texture!
2. Prepare the Breading:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano. This mixture will give your chicken bites amazing flavor!
3. Mix the Egg Wash:
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and water until they’re well blended. This egg wash will help the flour stick to the chicken.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Take each chicken bite and dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour so they’re not too thickly coated.
5. Prepare for Cooking:
Once all the chicken pieces are coated, place them on a plate or tray. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to help them crisp up while cooking.
6. Air Fry the Chicken Bites:
Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd them—you might need to cook in batches. Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that they’ve reached an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a plate. Feel free to garnish with fresh or dried parsley for a nice touch. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch, or BBQ sauce!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, as frozen chicken may release excess moisture and prevent them from getting crispy. If you must use frozen chicken, be sure to completely thaw and pat it dry before starting the recipe.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! You can adjust the spices based on what you have. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a bit of cayenne for heat can work too. Feel free to experiment with any favorite seasonings you enjoy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to get them crispy again, or pop them in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites Spicy?
Absolutely! You can add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for an extra kick. For a different approach, toss the cooked chicken bites in a spicy sauce like buffalo or sriracha for that added heat!
