Crusty Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Bites. YES! Forget boring meals. I’m talking about golden, CRUNCHY pieces of chicken that are ready in NO TIME, perfect for a quick bite or game-day snacking. My own kids ask me to make these AT LEAST three times a week! Let’s see how simple it is.

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Why You Will ADORE These Chicken Bites in Air Fryer

These are not just chicken bites, people. First, using an air fryer makes them HEALTHIER because it uses very little oil and gives us super crispness. SECOND, they cook SUPER fast – like, less than 20 MINUTES to prep and cook! THIRD, the recipe is SO SIMPLE that anyone can make it. It’s also PERFECT for those BUSY days when you need food pronto and can get on your kid’s lunch box in a JIFFY, and everyone seems to love them, including my picky husband. Oh, and you can totally customize them with YOUR FAVORITE flavors. Did I hear “YES”?! I certainly did!

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What you’ll need

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko works great)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, beaten

These basic things should get you rolling. REMEMBER: this can always be modified and if you wanna use Italian seasoning? GO FOR IT. Want to add chipotle for a KICK? By all means, BE BOLD! This recipe is only a canvas for you to become a culinary painter and BAM! The party starts.

If you love this kind of flavor you might find some amazing ones just like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta, it is such an incredible main dish.

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How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Prep the chicken: Cut your chicken breasts into even 1-inch pieces. You want them uniform so they cook evenly. My mom always says, “If things are not cut the same way, there is a high chance that everything will not be cooked at the same rate.” So remember that tidbit from Mom.

Mix dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix that WELL. We don’t want pockets of pure garlic powder because THAT could be wild.

Set up your dipping station: You’ll want two bowls. One is for beaten eggs, and the other is for the breadcrumbs mix.

Dip, Dip: Take a piece of chicken. Dip in egg, and THEN put in the bowl with breadcrumbs and coat completely. Do this with every single chicken piece. I think its SO FUN and it keeps my hands active, who needs the gym right? My sister-in-law helps me a lot, and we use it as “bonding” time while making something so amazing.

Arrange in the air fryer: Carefully place the chicken pieces in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd, or things won’t turn out as nice. If you need, you can cook in batches for that delicious outcome!

Air fry: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). My son takes care of this since he LOVES all that cooking stuff and says it is a “scientific thing to be so amazing.” I just adore him and support it. You can see also an option to cook amazing Airfryer Salmon Bites which gives you so many possibilities too.

Serve Immediately: I mean, NOW is the best time! Serve while it’s hot and crispy for THE ultimate food joy. My daughter likes them as “finger foods” with dips, sauces, and everything she finds. My favorite dip is honey mustard. SO DELISH

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Variations that Will Rock Your World

• Spicy Chicken Bites: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the breadcrumb mix. That way your palate has an extra punch.
• Italian Herb Chicken Bites: Use Italian seasoned breadcrumbs or add 1 teaspoon of Italian herbs to the mix. Think basil, oregano, and thyme to bring your dish some Mediterranean flavor.
• BBQ Chicken Bites: Brush with BBQ sauce in the last two minutes of air frying. BAM!
• Garlic Parmesan: Add some EXTRA parmesan. That way, my mom always said, “MORE is better.”
• Lemon Herb: Include some dried lemon peel or zest on top or add one tbs of lemon juice to the beaten egg bowl. It always creates something unexpected. Just be creative! If you enjoy something crunchy try also my family’s version of Homemade Pretzel Sticks! It would certainly work with any movie night you want to have with your loved ones.

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Tips for PERFECT Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Don’t crowd: Do not be like me, someone who always wants to add “just another one.” Cook in batches to get even cooking and maximum crispness. Remember every air fryer works in different ways and there may be some differences between the cooking time or the power of your unit. Just get to know it slowly and you will become masters of your OWN creation.

Preheat: Yes, always a step ahead if you preheat your air fryer a bit. You’ll get better results every time! Think about this in anything you bake, too. The cooking rate would change considerably, so it could be less precise.

Oil is optional: While this is a low oil recipe, feel free to add a bit of cooking spray if your heart says YES. But remember that usually, it isn’t required for a fantastic outcome.

Internal Temp: This is my MUST. ALWAYS, please, remember to use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken is fully cooked at 165°F (74°C). We love health and happiness for ALL. You can consult the USDA Safe Temperature Chart to ensure you’re meeting all safety standards. If you’d like an entire recipe for another crowd pleaser try Million Dollar Chicken Casserole I am very confident it brings much happiness to anyone.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve these chicken bites as a simple lunch or dinner. They also do the trick if it’s just a light snack or even the star of any party! My husband is the master of events at our house. If there’s one? He prepares something new using these. It is our family’s favorite. They’re SUPER with your favorite dipping sauces or ranch dressing. My preference is some classic mayo! You can also throw them in salads or in wraps to give an EXTRA protein power punch to your daily life! My children make funny combinations! You will just ADORE their innovative mindsets!

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Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-ahead: The bites are awesome when prepped, dredged, and waiting in the fridge for a quick cook-up later on. I have some ready when my little brother comes over here with the basketball team for some practice on Saturdays. You are always welcome when the bites are ready in a matter of minutes.
• Storage: These are GREAT to have around. Just put the leftover ones in an airtight container and keep it in your refrigerator up to three days, maximum. Reheat them back on the air fryer so you won’t be dealing with the soggy outcome that a microwave might give to you.
• Freezing: Cool completely and store the fried chicken in freezer bags. Always do a complete separation. Make sure there is no moisture on your frozen food, as it may cause freezer burn!

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A Final Word From Me

Air Fryer Chicken Bites are PERFECT, for families and for those of us who like cooking made easy. This is an easy recipe that’s quick and a definite crowd pleaser with variations. Don’t forget to add YOUR touch and play with ingredients. My kitchen is always like a “playground.” Enjoy the ride, it is so much fun. It gets messy though LOL!

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Nutritional Info

Note: nutritional values may vary depending on the exact ingredient amounts used and the brand of each item. This serves as a guide only

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (1 serving = approximately 4-5 bites)

• Calories: Approximately 250-300
• Protein: 20-25 grams
• Fat: 12-15 grams
• Saturated Fat: 4-6 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-120 mg
• Sodium: 400-450 mg
• Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
• Fiber: 1-2 grams

These nutritional values are estimated based on general recipe components, and servings are approximate. Consider these points if you are under a strict or regulated diet by your specialist or doctor.

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FAQs About Air Fryer Chicken Bites

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I’m PUMPED for you to make these. Get creative with it and always add love while you are doing the thing. Now go ahead, you got this!

Let me know if there’s anything else you need. This was awesome to do! I had a blast and would LOVE to continue. Just shout when you are ready for another recipe!

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