Go Back
For these crispy air fryer chicken bites, gather the following items: - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized chunks - ½ cup breadcrumbs (panko is best for crispiness) - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish The quality of your ingredients matters. For chicken, use fresh, high-quality breast meat. Organic or free-range chicken often tastes better. Choose panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. Fresh Parmesan cheese adds great flavor. Always use fresh spices for a vibrant taste. Olive oil should be extra virgin for the best flavor and health benefits. You can swap a few ingredients if needed: - Chicken: Use chicken thighs if you prefer darker meat. - Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but they won’t be as crispy. - Cheese: Try mozzarella or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. - Spices: If you want heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder. - Olive oil: Canola or vegetable oil works in a pinch. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by taking 1 pound of chicken breast. Dice it into bite-sized chunks. Place the chicken in a medium bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. Toss it well to make sure every piece gets coated. This step helps the coating stick and adds flavor. In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of breadcrumbs, preferably panko, for extra crunch. Add ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy touch. Then, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir this mixture until everything is well combined. Set it aside for later use. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step ensures your chicken bites come out crispy. Now, take each piece of chicken. First, dip it into the egg wash you made by beating 1 large egg in a small bowl. Let any extra egg drip off. Next, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to ensure a good coating. Repeat this for all chicken pieces. Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you may need to cook in batches. Cook for 10-12 minutes. Flip the bites halfway through for even cooking. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, carefully take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy your crispy chicken bites! To get chicken bites that are super crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They add a light crunch that standard breadcrumbs can't match. Make sure you coat the chicken well with the egg wash before rolling it in the breadcrumb mix. This helps the coating stick. Always preheat your air fryer. This step is key for a golden brown crust. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer. If you crowd the basket, they might steam instead of crisp. One big mistake is skipping the oil. A little olive oil helps the coating crisp up nicely. Avoid using wet chicken. Make sure it’s dry after rinsing. Another mistake is not flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. Flipping ensures even cooking. Lastly, don’t forget to check the temperature. Your chicken needs to reach 165°F to be safe and tasty. Pair these bites with delicious sauces. Here are some great ideas: - Honey Mustard: Mix honey with mustard for a sweet and tangy flavor. - Ranch Dressing: Creamy ranch is a classic choice. - Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy kick, go with buffalo sauce. - BBQ Sauce: Sweet and smoky, BBQ sauce fits well with chicken. - Garlic Aioli: A flavorful garlic mayo adds a gourmet touch. Try these tips, and you’ll have crispy chicken bites that everyone loves! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cooking in batches will ensure that the chicken bites get evenly crispy and cooked through. Check Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix by adding your favorite spices for a unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can easily change the taste of your chicken bites. To make them spicy, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix. A little goes a long way. For an herb-infused flavor, try adding dried basil or oregano. Fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary work well, too. Just chop them finely and mix them in. This lets you create a flavor that suits your taste buds. If you don't have an air fryer, you can still enjoy these chicken bites. Baking in the oven works great. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. If you prefer frying, heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken bites for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This gives them a golden, crispy finish. These chicken bites are perfect for various dishes. Toss them in a salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing. This adds crunch and protein to your meal. You can also wrap them up in tortillas with fresh veggies and sauce. This makes for a fun and tasty lunch or dinner. Adding a side of your favorite dipping sauce can elevate the flavor even more. To keep your chicken bites fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is cool before you seal it. Store them in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. Avoid leaving them out at room temperature for too long. Bacteria can grow quickly in warm spots. To reheat chicken bites, I recommend using the air fryer. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken bites in the basket in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This will make them crispy again. If you use a microwave, they may become soggy. You can freeze chicken bites if you want to save them. Let them cool completely before freezing. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They will keep well for up to three months. To cook from frozen, just add a few extra minutes to the air frying time. Cook chicken bites in the air fryer for 10 to 12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. This helps them cook evenly and get crispy all around. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. However, it is best to thaw the chicken first. Thawing helps the coating stick better and ensures even cooking. If you choose to cook them from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Serve air fryer chicken bites with various dips and sides. Here are some great options: - Dipping sauces: BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard. - Salads: A fresh garden salad or a Caesar salad. - Wraps: Place them in a tortilla with veggies and sauce for a tasty wrap. - Vegetable sticks: Carrots and celery with dip make a nice crunchy side. These pairings enhance the meal and make it even more enjoyable! This blog post covered everything you need for making amazing air fryer chicken bites. I shared the ingredients you must have, plus tips for quality and swaps. The step-by-step guide makes cooking easy. I also offered tips for crispiness and common mistakes to avoid. You can try fun flavor twists and different serving ideas too. Don't forget storage tips to keep your bites fresh. Now, you can enjoy tasty chicken bites at home anytime!

Ingredient Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Discover the best air fryer chicken bites with this easy crispy chicken recipe! Perfectly tender and coated with panko for extra crunch, these healthy chicken appetizers are a hit for any gathering. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up delicious panko chicken bites in no time. Save this recipe for effortless entertaining and impress your friends and family! #AirFryerChickenBites #CrispyChickenRecipe #EasyAirFryerRecipes #HealthyChickenAppetizers
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized chunks

½ cup breadcrumbs (panko is recommended for an extra crispy texture)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a medium mixing bowl, add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated.

    Make the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture until well combined and set aside.

      Prepare the Egg Wash: In a small bowl, crack the egg and beat it with a fork or whisk until smooth and uniform in color.

        Coat the Chicken: Take each piece of chicken and first dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Then roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good coating. Repeat this process until all chicken pieces are coated.

          Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough for proper cooking.

            Cook the Chicken Bites: Arrange the breaded chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be cautious not to overcrowd the basket; you may need to cook them in batches for optimal crispiness. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.

              Garnish and Serve: When the chicken bites are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes. For a vibrant touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley right before serving.

                - Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4