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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for crunch) - 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 large eggs, beaten - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray The main ingredients for Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites create a flavor explosion. The chicken breast serves as a tender base. I recommend cutting it into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Panko breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch. They help achieve that satisfying texture everyone loves. Everything bagel seasoning gives this dish its unique flavor. It combines garlic, onion, sesame seeds, and poppy seeds. This mix adds a savory and slightly nutty taste. I suggest using freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It enhances the overall taste and gives more depth to each bite. The eggs act as a binding agent. They help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. Seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper brings out its natural flavor. A light spray of cooking spray ensures the chicken bites cook perfectly. This way, they become golden and crispy in the air fryer. Seasoning the Chicken Start with 1 pound of chicken breast. Cut it into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, add a generous pinch of salt and some black pepper. Toss the chicken well to coat it evenly. This step sets the stage for great flavor. Allowing Flavors to Meld Let the seasoned chicken sit for a few minutes. This allows the salt and pepper to soak in, enhancing the taste. While the chicken rests, you can prepare the other ingredients for a smooth cooking process. Combining Dry Ingredients In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Stir until everything is well blended. This mixture will give the chicken an amazing crunchy and flavorful crust. Preparing the Egg Wash In another bowl, beat 2 large eggs. This egg wash will help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken. A good coating means extra crunch and flavor! Dipping in Egg Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the beaten eggs. Make sure it is completely coated. This is key for the next step. Rolling in Breadcrumb Mixture After the egg dip, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks well. Repeat this for all the chicken pieces until they are nicely covered. Preheating the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispiness. It only takes about 5 minutes, but it makes a big difference! Arranging Chicken Bites in Basket Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Place the chicken bites in a single layer. Make sure they are not overcrowded. Cooking in batches is fine if needed. Cooking Time and Temperature Cook the chicken bites for about 10 to 12 minutes. Turn them halfway through the cooking time. This helps them cook evenly. The bites should be golden brown when done. Ensuring Uniform Crispiness To check for doneness, make sure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This ensures they are safe to eat and perfectly cooked. Cooling the Chicken Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer. Let them cool slightly on a plate. This helps enhance the flavor and texture before serving. Presentation Tips Serve the chicken bites on a nice platter. Add a sprinkle of more everything bagel seasoning for flair. You can also garnish with fresh herbs like parsley. Don’t forget your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch or honey mustard, for extra flavor! Importance of Panko Breadcrumbs I always use Panko breadcrumbs for this recipe. They create a light, crispy layer. Regular breadcrumbs can make the bites soggy. Panko adds great crunch and texture. Your chicken bites will have a nice bite to them. Preheating the Air Fryer Preheating the air fryer is key for success. I recommend setting it to 380°F (193°C) for five minutes. This step ensures your chicken cooks evenly. A hot air fryer gives you a crispier finish. Don’t skip this step if you want perfect bites. Adding Different Seasonings You can mix in extra spices for more flavor. Try paprika for heat or garlic powder for a savory touch. You can also swap the everything bagel seasoning for taco seasoning. These small changes can create new flavor profiles. Using Marinades for Chicken Marinating the chicken adds depth to the flavor. Use a simple mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. Let the chicken sit for 30 minutes before breading. This makes a big difference in taste and juiciness. Avoiding Overcrowding It's crucial to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you add too many chicken bites, they won’t cook evenly. Cook in batches if needed. This way, every piece gets that golden brown look. Adjusting Cooking Time for Large Quantities When cooking larger batches, you may need to adjust the time. Check the internal temperature after 10 minutes. If they need more time, add a few minutes. Always aim for 165°F (74°C) for safe eating. {{image_4}} To spice things up, consider adding spicy seasoning. You can mix cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumb mix. This twist gives a nice kick to your chicken bites. You’ll find that the heat pairs well with the savory flavors of everything bagel seasoning. For a sweeter option, create a sweet version. Mix cinnamon and a touch of sugar into the breadcrumbs. This adds a fun twist. The sweet and savory combo will surprise your taste buds. You can easily substitute chicken with turkey. Turkey breast works just as well and offers a leaner option. The cooking time remains the same, ensuring juicy and tasty bites. For a vegan alternative, try using cauliflower. Cut cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. Coat them like you would with chicken. Air fry until golden brown. This version is flavorful and satisfying, even without meat. Pair these chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha work great. These sauces add extra flavor and fun to every bite. You can also incorporate chicken bites into salads. Toss them on top of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a tasty meal. This adds crunch and protein to your salad, making it hearty and delicious. To keep your leftover chicken bites fresh, store them right away. Place the chicken bites in an airtight container. This helps keep moisture in and prevents the bites from drying out. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. I suggest using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials seal well, keeping the chicken bites safe and tasty. Avoid using metal containers, as they can react with food and change the flavor. To enjoy your chicken bites again, reheating them is key. The best way to keep them crispy is to use the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method gives a nice crunch without drying them out. If you need a faster option, the microwave works, but it won’t keep the crispiness. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overheating. The oven is another good choice. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C) and heat for about 10 minutes. This method helps revive some of the original crunch. You can freeze both uncooked and cooked chicken bites. If you freeze them uncooked, place them on a baking sheet first. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag. For cooked bites, let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. To thaw, move your frozen chicken bites to the fridge for a few hours or overnight. This keeps them safe and tasty. If you’re in a hurry, you can use the microwave's defrost setting, but be careful not to start cooking them. Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. However, you must thaw it first. Thaw your chicken in the fridge overnight or use a microwave. After thawing, adjust your cooking time. You may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure the chicken cooks through. If you need a substitute for breadcrumbs, several options exist. You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs like crushed rice crackers. Another option is to use crushed nuts or seeds. They add a nice crunch and flavor. To check if your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Additionally, look for clear juices and no pink meat, which are signs of doneness. Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead of time. Season the chicken and coat it with breadcrumbs. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. This helps the flavors blend. You can easily make crispy chicken bites with simple steps and fresh ingredients. Start by seasoning your chicken and preparing a crunchy coating. Using Panko breadcrumbs will give you the best texture. Don't forget to experiment with different seasonings and proteins. Store any leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Following these tips will ensure tasty results every time. Enjoy your cooking journey!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites

Try these delicious Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites for a quick and tasty snack! Coated in a crunchy mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and everything bagel seasoning, these bites are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Perfect for parties or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to follow and ready in just 30 minutes. Click through to discover how to make these mouthwatering bites that everyone will love!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for an extra crunchy texture)

2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 large eggs, beaten

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Prep the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, season the chicken pieces with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Toss the chicken to ensure an even coating of seasoning. Set the seasoned chicken aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the other ingredients.

    Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate mixing bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and everything bagel seasoning. Stir these ingredients together until they are well blended, creating a flavorful coating for the chicken.

      Prepare for Breading: In another bowl, beat the eggs until fully mixed. This egg wash will serve as the adhesive for the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring the coating sticks well to each piece of chicken.

        Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken piece and dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure to coat it completely. Then, roll the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even and thorough coating. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

          Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is essential for achieving a crispy texture when cooking.

            Arrange the Bites: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain even cooking.

              Air Fry the Chicken: Cook the chicken bites in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time for uniform crispiness. The bites are ready when they are golden brown and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

                Serve: Carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly on a plate, enhancing their flavor and texture before serving.

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

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken bites on a platter, garnished with a sprinkle of additional everything bagel seasoning and fresh herbs like parsley for a pop of color. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or honey mustard, for added flavor.