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- 1 lb chicken breast - ½ cup breadcrumbs - ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper - 1 large egg - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Optional garnish: Fresh parsley To make these chicken bites, start with fresh chicken breast. Cut it into small pieces, so they cook evenly. Use panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. They help achieve a crisp texture that’s hard to beat. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch. The garlic powder and onion powder give it a nice flavor boost. Smoked paprika adds a mild smokiness that rounds out the taste. Season with salt and black pepper for balance. These spices bring out the chicken's natural flavor. You'll need one large egg to help the coating stick. Olive oil is key to keeping the chicken moist as it cooks. If you want a pop of color, add fresh parsley as a garnish. It makes your dish look appealing and adds a fresh flavor. Each ingredient plays a role in making your chicken bites a crispy delight. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Coating with Olive Oil Start by cutting 1 pound of chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a medium bowl. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken. Toss the pieces to coat them evenly. This helps the coating stick well. - Using Bite-Sized Pieces Make sure the pieces are small. This allows them to cook evenly and get crispy all around. Aim for about 1 to 2 inches in size for the best results. - Mixing Breadcrumbs and Seasonings In a separate bowl, mix ½ cup of panko breadcrumbs and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Stir the mixture well to combine all flavors. - Importance of Panko Breadcrumbs for Crunch Panko breadcrumbs are key for that extra crunch. They are lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs. This gives your chicken bites a delightful texture when cooked. - Beating the Egg In a small bowl, beat 1 large egg until it is smooth. This egg wash helps the coating adhere to the chicken better. - Techniques for Dipping Chicken Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg wash. Make sure to shake off any extra egg before moving to the next step. This ensures an even coating without clumps. - Preheating the Air Fryer Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to get the chicken bites crispy right away. - Arranging Chicken Bites for Even Cooking Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking. You might need to cook in batches. - Cooking Time and Tips for Best Results Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to brown both sides. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Recommended Seasonings To make your chicken bites pop, I love using a mix of seasonings. Here’s what I recommend: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper These seasonings give the chicken a rich taste. You can also add some cayenne for heat or dried herbs for a fresh twist. Substitutions for Ingredients If you don’t have something on hand, don’t worry! You can swap ingredients easily. Use any cheese you have instead of Parmesan. Try almond meal instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free option. Best Practices for Coating To get that crunchy outer layer, here’s what works best: 1. Make sure to coat the chicken in olive oil first. 2. Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. They are light and airy compared to regular breadcrumbs. 3. Don’t rush the coating process. Ensure each piece is fully covered in the breadcrumb mix. Tips for Air Fryer Settings Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheat it for 3-5 minutes. This helps the chicken cook evenly. Avoid overcrowding the basket. Space the chicken bites out for that perfect crisp. Flip them halfway through cooking, too. Pairing with Dipping Sauces These chicken bites are great with dipping sauces. Some favorites include: - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ranch dressing - Spicy mayo Each sauce adds a new flavor to the bites. Ideal Side Dishes for Chicken Bites Serve your chicken bites with sides for a full meal. Here are some ideas: - Fresh salad - Sweet potato fries - Veggie sticks with dip - Rice or quinoa These sides balance the meal and make it more filling. Enjoy your crispy delight! Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs will give your chicken bites an extra crunch, making them more enjoyable. Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer for even cooking and maximum crispiness. Check for Doneness: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs to the coating for a personalized flavor twist. {{image_2}} You can change the coating for your chicken bites to fit your needs. - Gluten-Free Alternatives: If you want a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Both give a nice crunch while keeping it gluten-free. - Using Different Cheeses: Try using different cheeses in your coating. Cheddar or mozzarella can add a rich flavor. Mix them with the breadcrumbs for a tasty twist. Mix up the flavors to keep things exciting. - Spicy Chicken Bites: To make spicy chicken bites, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the coating mix. Adjust the spice level to your taste. - Herb-Infused Options: For a fresh taste, add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb mix. This will give your chicken bites a lovely aroma. You can cook these bites in several ways. - Baking in the Oven: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken bites. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and cook for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Pan-Frying Techniques: You can also pan-fry these bites. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the chicken bites for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. These variations keep your chicken bites fun and flavorful! After cooking your chicken bites, let them cool on a plate. This helps keep them crispy. Once cooled, store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Place the container in the refrigerator. - Best Practices for Refrigeration: Always ensure the chicken bites are at room temperature before sealing them. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy. - Duration for Safe Storage: You can safely store these chicken bites in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, reheating is key. You want to keep them crisp and delicious. - How to Reheat in the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken bites in a single layer. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes. This makes them hot and crispy again. - Alternative Methods for Reheating: If you don’t have an air fryer, you can use an oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. This method also keeps them crispy. Enjoy your chicken bites fresh, even on day two! Cooking chicken bites in the air fryer takes about 10-12 minutes. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Make sure to flip them halfway. Check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) internally. This ensures juicy bites with a crispy outside. Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just remember that cooking time will increase. You should add about 5-7 more minutes to the cooking time. Also, ensure the chicken is fully cooked throughout. Thawing the chicken first will help it cook evenly and faster. Many sauces pair well with chicken bites. Some popular options include: - Honey mustard - BBQ sauce - Ranch dressing - Buffalo sauce - Sweet and sour sauce These choices add fun flavors and make every bite exciting. To make your chicken bites keto-friendly, swap out a few ingredients. - Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. - Choose low-carb cheese options, like mozzarella. - Keep the seasonings simple, focusing on salt and pepper. These swaps keep the bites tasty while staying true to the keto diet. You now have all the details to make delicious air fryer chicken bites. We covered the key ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create the perfect dish. Don’t forget the tips and variations to customize your bites. Whether you want a crispy texture or a spicy kick, there are many options. Proper storage and reheating keep them tasty for later. Enjoy experimenting with flavors, dips, and sides. This recipe is simple, healthy, and fun for any meal or snack. Happy cooking!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Deliciously crispy chicken bites made in the air fryer, perfect for a quick meal or snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred for extra crunch)
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the olive oil, ensuring they are well coated.
  • In another bowl, mix together breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  • In a separate small bowl, beat the egg until smooth.
  • Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, shaking off any excess. Then, roll the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
  • Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs.
Keyword air fryer, appetizer, chicken, crispy