Hey, busy moms! If you’re looking for a quick, crispy, and delicious meal that the whole family will love, you’ve got to try these Air Fried Chicken Bites. These Air Fryer Chicken Bites (or Air Fryer Chicken Chunks, depending on how you cut them) are the perfect combo of crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside – and they’re a lot healthier than deep-frying. Whether you’re looking for an easy snack, a fun dinner for the kids, or a tasty addition to your meal prep, these Chicken Air Fryer Bites are a total winner.
With just a few simple ingredients and your air fryer, you can make crispy chicken bites in no time. These Chicken Bites Recipes Air Fryer are perfect for busy weeknights when you want to make something that everyone will enjoy without spending hours in the kitchen. From Air Fryer Chicken Chunks to Crispy Chicken Bites Air Fryer, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home!
And don’t worry, they’re not just for the kids – these Chicken Air Fryer Recipes Boneless are perfect for grown-ups too. Whether you’re craving crispy air fryer chicken or just need something quick and easy, these best air fryer chicken bites will satisfy everyone at the table. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb chicken breast (I like to cut mine into bite-sized pieces – makes it easier for the kids to grab)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko is my go-to, it gives that extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese (adds so much flavor!)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (trust me, it gives them a little kick!)
- Salt and pepper (to taste, of course)
- 1 egg (beaten – to help the breadcrumbs stick)
- Olive oil spray (for that crispy finish)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prep the Chicken: First things first, grab your chicken breasts and cut ‘em into bite-sized pieces. I like to make them small enough for my kids to snack on easily, but not too small that they’re dry out.
Mix the Seasoning: In a big bowl, combine your breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I like to give it a little mix with my hands – feels more like I’m making a homemade masterpiece.
Egg Bath Time: Now, in another bowl, beat your egg. This will be the “glue” that holds your breadcrumbs on the chicken. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg, making sure it’s completely covered, then roll it around in the breadcrumb mixture until it’s all coated up nicely. My kids love helping with this step – they get so excited when they see the breadcrumbs sticking!
Preheat and Prep the Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket with a bit of olive oil to keep things from sticking. Don’t overdo it, just a light spray. Now, start placing your chicken pieces in a single layer. I usually try to fit as many as I can without overcrowding – it helps them cook more evenly.
Cook ‘Em Up: Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook the chicken bites for 8-10 minutes. Don’t forget to flip them halfway through so they get golden brown on both sides. Every air fryer is a little different, so check on ‘em around 8 minutes to see how they’re doing.
Serve & Dip: Once they’re crispy and golden, take them out (careful, they’ll be hot!), and serve them up with some dipping sauces. My kids love ranch, but BBQ or honey mustard work great too! You can even make a spicy mayo if you want to get fancy!
I swear, these air fried chicken bites have become a weekly staple in our house. They’re perfect for a snack, a lunch, or dinner when you’re in a pinch. And the best part? They’re not just for the kids – I snack on them too, maybe even more than I should (oops!). You can also meal prep these ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back that crispy goodness.
FAQs for Air Fried Chicken Bites
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes! You can totally use chicken thighs for this recipe. They’ll be just as juicy and flavorful, but they may take a little longer to cook depending on their size.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Make the chicken bites ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, just pop them back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes to reheat and get that crispiness back.
What dipping sauces go well with these chicken bites?
The options are endless! My kids love ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard, but you could also try spicy mayo, sweet and sour sauce, or even a tangy buffalo sauce for a little kick.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Chunks in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To keep them crispy, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a couple of minutes.
Can I freeze these chicken bites?
Yes! These Chicken Air Fryer Bites freeze really well. Just place the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze them, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to eat, pop them back in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes.
Air Fried Chicken Bites Recipe Card
Air Fried Chicken Bites Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
Prep the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces, about 1-2 inches each.
Mix the Coating:
- In a bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Dip the Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Dip each chicken piece into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb mixture.
Air Fry the Chicken:
- Preheat your air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil. Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer. Spray the chicken with a little more olive oil.
Cook:
- Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken should be golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can store leftovers in an airtight container for 2-3 days. Reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy!
- If you need a gluten-free option, swap the breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Serve with ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for dipping.
Air Fried Chicken Bites are a must-try if you’re looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy crispy, tender chicken without the mess of deep frying. Whether you call them Air Fryer Chicken Bites, Air Fryer Chicken Chunks, or Airfryer Chicken Bites, this recipe delivers the perfect texture every time. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a fun snack, these Chicken Air Fryer Bites are versatile and easy to make. You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste and even try different sauces for dipping.
Looking for more Air Fryer Chicken Meals? These Chicken Bites Recipes Air Fryer are a great starting point, and you can also experiment with Chicken Chunks in Air Fryer for a heartier option. If you’re craving the best Air Fryer Chicken, these crispy Air Fryer Chicken pieces are sure to impress. Whether you make them for a family meal or as a party appetizer, you’ll love how simple it is to get crispy chicken bites Air Fryer just right.
So grab your air fryer, try this easy recipe, and enjoy the crispy, juicy goodness of these Air Fryer Chicken Bites—a tasty treat that everyone will enjoy!