Description
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a quick and easy gluten-free main dish, perfect for a healthy dinner or tasty snack. Tender, juicy chicken breast cubes are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and cooked to perfection in your air fryer, resulting in crispy edges without the need for frying in oil. Ready in just 20 minutes, they make a delicious and nutritious option for the whole family.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: ½ teaspoon chili powder or cayenne for extra spice
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a crispy exterior.
- Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the cubed chicken breast pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and chili powder or cayenne if using. Mix thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly with the seasoning.
- Arrange Chicken in Basket: Place the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are spread out to allow hot air to circulate freely for even cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken bites at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to promote even browning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Garnish: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute for juicy bites. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken bites, lightly spray the chicken pieces with oil before placing them in the air fryer basket.
- You can substitute chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a juicier and more flavorful option.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for added flavor.
