If you’re on the hunt for Air Fryer Recipes Chicken that are easy, crispy, and packed with flavor, these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are going to steal the show! Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight meal, need a fun Dinner for Party, or simply want a snack-worthy Chicken Recipes with Parmesan Cheese, this one’s got you covered.
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are perfectly golden, thanks to a Panko Parmesan Crusted Chicken Air Fryer coating. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness. They fit right into your favorite Chicken Dinner Recipes or Chicken Snacks Recipes Appetizers lineup. Plus, the air fryer makes them a healthier twist on classic fried Parm Chicken.
If you love easy Air Fry Dinner Recipes like these, you’ll adore how versatile these bites are. Use them as a main dish for a casual family dinner, toss them on a salad, or serve them as part of a Chicken Dishes Recipes spread. Whatever the occasion, this recipe will be a hit with anyone who loves Chicken Parm or crispy Parmesan Crusted Chicken!
There’s something magical about crispy chicken bites, isn’t there? They’re just so comforting, and these garlic parmesan ones are no exception. I’ve been making these for my family for a while now, and honestly, I don’t know who loves them more—me or the kids. They’re quick, easy, and don’t leave a greasy mess like frying does. Oh, and did I mention they’re made in the air fryer? That thing has become my kitchen MVP.
These chicken bites are loaded with garlicky, cheesy goodness, plus a crispy coating that’s just chef’s kiss. Whether you’re whipping them up for a snack, dinner, or even a party, they’ll disappear faster than you think.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 1 pound chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (because herbs make everything better)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (totally optional but adds a nice color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the coating:
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Optional garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Extra parmesan for sprinkling
Step-by-Step Instruction
Prep the chicken.
Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. I like to use chicken breast, but thighs work great too. Pat them dry with a paper towel so the coating sticks better. Season with a little salt and pepper.
Set up your breading station.
Grab three shallow bowls or plates:
In the first, put the flour.
In the second, whisk up the eggs.
In the third, mix together the breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Coat the chicken pieces.
Take a piece of chicken and roll it in the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then dip it into the egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture. Give it a little pat to make sure the coating sticks really well.
Preheat your air fryer.
Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for a couple of minutes. Spray the basket lightly with oil so nothing sticks.
Cook the chicken bites.
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd it—if you cram them in, they won’t get crispy. Spray the tops lightly with oil (this helps with that golden crust). Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be crispy and golden, with an internal temp of 165°F.
Finish and serve.
Once they’re done, transfer them to a plate. Sprinkle on some fresh parsley and a little extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch, marinara, or even a garlic butter sauce would be amazing.
Tips to Make Them Even Better
- Don’t skip spraying the tops with oil—this is the secret to getting them extra crispy in the air fryer.
- Work in batches if needed. Overcrowding the air fryer basket will make the bites steam instead of crisp.
- If you want even more garlic flavor, sprinkle a little garlic powder on the chicken before coating.
I hope you and your family enjoy these chicken bites as much as mine does. They’re such a hit around here—perfect for game nights, quick dinners, or just when you’re craving something crispy and flavorful.
FAQs for Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re slightly juicier than chicken breast, so they’re a wonderful option if you prefer a richer flavor.
2. What dipping sauces go best with these chicken bites?
These bites are super versatile when it comes to dips. Some favorites include ranch, marinara, honey mustard, garlic aioli, or even a simple sriracha mayo for a spicy kick.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken bites and store them in the fridge for up to 12 hours before air frying. If you want to reheat leftovers, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 375°F to restore their crispiness.
4. Can I freeze these chicken bites?
Definitely! Once cooked, let the bites cool completely and freeze them in an airtight container. Reheat straight from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes.
5. What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?
No worries! Regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers can be used instead. Panko gives the crispiest texture, but any substitute will still taste great.
6. Do I have to use parmesan cheese?
Parmesan adds a wonderful salty, cheesy flavor, but you can swap it with Romano or even a blend of grated hard cheeses. For a non-cheese option, you can skip it and add more seasoning to the breadcrumb mix.
7. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and a gluten-free flour substitute, and you’re good to go. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
8. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to pat the chicken pieces dry before coating and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece. Also, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can knock off the breading.
9. How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check for accuracy.
10. What can I serve these chicken bites with?
These are perfect on their own, but they also pair well with sides like fries, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad. For a heartier meal, serve them with pasta and a drizzle of marinara sauce.
These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are a must-try for anyone who loves quick, flavorful Air Fry Recipes. Whether you’re craving crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites for a snack, looking for creative Air Fryer Dinner Recipes, or planning a delicious Dinner for Party, this recipe checks all the boxes. With their golden Panko Parmesan Crusted Chicken Air Fryer coating and cheesy garlic flavor, these bites are perfect for everything from Chicken Snacks Recipes Appetizers to hearty Chicken Dinner Recipes.
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites Recipe Card
Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
For the chicken bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
For coating:
- 2 large eggs beaten
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
Optional garnish:
- Chopped parsley
- Extra grated parmesan
Instructions
Prep Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry and cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
Set Up Breading Station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: Mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
Bread the Chicken:
- Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
Preheat Air Fryer:
- Set air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray the basket with oil.
Cook the Chicken:
- Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
Serve:
- Transfer to a plate, garnish with parsley and extra parmesan, and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
If you’re a fan of Chicken Parm or classic Parmesan Crusted Chicken, you’ll love this fun twist. They’re easy to make, healthier than traditional fried versions, and so versatile. Serve them as part of your favorite Chicken Dishes Recipes, pair them with sides for a complete meal, or enjoy them as finger food for your next gathering.
Whether you’re new to Air Fryer Recipes Chicken or a seasoned pro, these Chicken Recipes with Parmesan Cheese are a guaranteed hit. So, grab your air fryer, whip up these crispy bites, and let the compliments roll in. Trust me, once you try these Parmesan Chicken Bites, they’ll become a staple in your kitchen!
