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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - Freshly grated lemon zest - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 teaspoon kosher salt - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Fresh parsley, finely chopped - Additional lemon wedges The key to making tasty Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites is using fresh ingredients. You start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into small cubes for easy cooking and eating. Next, grab your olive oil. You will need two tablespoons. This helps keep the chicken moist and adds flavor. Now, the best part: lemon zest! Grate some fresh lemon zest to add brightness to the dish. The zest will make your chicken pop with flavor. For the seasonings, you want to add one tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This gives a tangy taste. Then, add garlic powder and onion powder for depth. Don’t forget the black pepper and kosher salt to enhance the taste. Finally, add smoked paprika for a little warmth and color. You can also make your dish look pretty! Use fresh parsley as a garnish. It adds a nice touch and a burst of color. You can also add extra lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze right before eating. This simple mix of ingredients will turn into juicy, tasty chicken bites in your air fryer! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by whisking together the olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. This mix will create a bright, zesty flavor. Next, add in garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika. This blend of spices brings depth to your chicken bites. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. A good marinade is the key to juicy chicken. Now, take your bite-sized chicken pieces and coat them in the marinade. Make sure each piece gets fully covered. For the best flavor, I recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes. If you have time, let it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for even cooking. Once preheated, carefully arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding; this helps them crisp up nicely. Cook the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through for even browning. To check if it’s done, the internal temperature should read 165°F (75°C). When ready, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes. This resting time keeps it juicy. Finally, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your tasty chicken bites! Marinating chicken is key for great flavor. I recommend marinating for at least 15 minutes. However, for the best results, let it sit for up to 2 hours in the fridge. This helps the chicken absorb all the tasty lemon and spices. After cooking, let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes. This step keeps the juices inside, making each bite tender and juicy. To get that perfect crisp on your chicken bites, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. This allows hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring even cooking. When you cook in batches, each bite turns out golden and crispy. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking. This simple tip helps brown the chicken evenly and prevents sticking. Checking doneness is easy with a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If your air fryer model runs hot or cold, you may need to adjust cooking times. Start with 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C) and check for doneness. Each air fryer can vary a bit, so trust your thermometer for the best results. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for More Flavor: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator. This allows the spices and lemon to penetrate the chicken thoroughly. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer and avoid overcrowding to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy. Use a Meat Thermometer: Always check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption and optimal juiciness. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the spices by adding your favorite herbs or spices, like thyme or cayenne pepper, to create a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} Want to give your chicken a kick? Add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce. Just a little can turn up the heat. Mix it into the marinade with the other spices. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste. This spicy version pairs well with cooling dips like yogurt or ranch. Fresh herbs can add great flavor. Try adding thyme or rosemary to the marinade. Chop the herbs finely and mix them in with the other ingredients. They add a nice aroma and taste. You can even switch up the herbs based on what you have. Basil or oregano also work well. Don’t have chicken? Use shrimp or tofu instead. Shrimp cooks quickly and will soak up the lemon flavor. Just adjust the cooking time to about 6-8 minutes. Tofu is a great choice for a plant-based meal. Press it to remove excess water, then marinate it the same way. Both options are tasty and fun to try! To keep your air fryer lemon pepper chicken bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They will stay good for up to three days. Make sure the container is sealed tightly. This helps prevent drying out and keeps flavors intact. To reheat the chicken bites, use your air fryer again. Set it to 350°F (175°C). Heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy and juicy. You can also use a microwave, but the texture may suffer. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds to avoid overheating. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great choice. Allow the chicken bites to cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, leave them in the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the air fryer for the best results. The best air fryer temperature for chicken is 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly. It also gives the chicken a nice golden color. Preheat your air fryer for about five minutes at this temperature before adding your chicken bites. Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but you need to make changes. First, you should thaw the chicken completely before marinating. Try to plan ahead and let it sit in the fridge overnight. If you do not have time to thaw, you can cook it from frozen. Just increase the cooking time by 5-7 minutes. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it’s safe to eat. To know when chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) in the thickest part. Using a meat thermometer is the best way to check. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and remains juicy. If the chicken is not done, air fry it for a few more minutes. This blog post covered how to make flavorful air fryer chicken. We explored the ingredients, marinating process, and key steps for cooking. I shared tips for juicy, crispy results and even variations for spice lovers. Proper storage and reheating methods are crucial for enjoying leftovers. Remember, using the air fryer makes this dish quick and easy. Enjoy experimenting with flavors to find your favorite twist on this recipe. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Bites

Deliciously marinated chicken bites cooked to perfection in an air fryer, bursting with lemon and pepper flavors.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, grated lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and smoked paprika until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.
  • Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl, ensuring they are fully submerged in the marinade. Gently toss the chicken to coat every piece thoroughly. For optimal flavor, allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes; however, marinating up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will yield even better results.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure the chicken cooks evenly.
  • Carefully arrange the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single, even layer. Avoid overcrowding to facilitate even cooking and crisping.
  • Air fry the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. The chicken is ready when it is golden brown and the internal temperature registers 165°F (75°C) using a meat thermometer.
  • Once done, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to rest for 2-3 minutes to maintain juiciness and flavor.
  • Just before serving, sprinkle the chicken bites generously with finely chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword air fryer, chicken, easy recipe, lemon pepper