These lightly crispy, juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are among my most popular recipes, made with just 8 simple ingredients and ready in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner or snack! I highly recommend using an air fryer to cook chicken breasts, as it uses minimal oil while making the chicken just as crispy as deep frying or pan frying.
These simple Air Fryer Chicken Bites are made without breading, which makes them easy to prepare. You don’t need to marinate the chicken for long. I just coat the chicken in an oil and seasoning mixture. I air fry them for dinner and save the extra batch for lunches throughout the week. My family was so impressed with the flavor that they quickly became favorites.
Why This Is The Best Air Fryer Chicken Recipe
- Fast and Easy: This air fryer chicken bite recipe is easy to prepare with no need for breading. You can quickly coat the chicken with oil and seasonings, and your prep time will take a maximum of 15 minutes. It doesn’t need much oil—just a light spritz of cooking spray to help the seasoning stick. It’s perfect for a quick dinner that the whole family will love every time you make it.
- Delicious: These chicken breast bites are full of flavor, making each bite a tasty treat. They’re seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of cayenne pepper, giving them a deep, delicious flavor and crispy texture that will impress the whole family.
- Versatile: I always keep a batch of these chicken breast bites ready to use whenever needed. They’re versatile and can enhance salads, wraps, or pasta, making them ideal for any home cook. They’re also my go-to for a quick dinner.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites Ingredients
Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, you’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, which are the main ingredient for your chicken bites. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Feel free to swap in chicken thighs if you prefer.
Olive Oil: A little olive oil helps coat the chicken, making it easy for the spices to stick. It’s a healthy choice that adds a light flavor. Feel free to substitute with your preferred oil.
Italian Seasoning: I love using Italian seasoning for the chicken because it brings a mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding a nice smell and taste. This is just how I like to make seasoning. Feel free to use any seasoning blend you prefer and have on hand—Cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a simple salt and pepper mix are all fair game!
Sazon seasoning: This spice blend makes the chicken really tasty. It includes coriander, cumin, annatto, garlic powder, oregano, and pepper, which combine to give the chicken a delicious and rich flavor. You can make this homemade sazon yourself or buy it ready-made.
Salt: I recommend using sea salt or kosher salt to season the chicken because they taste better than regular table salt.
Smoked Paprika: This optional spice gives the chicken a smoky, rich flavor, making them taste warm and earthy. I love how its bright color makes the dish look nicer.
Equipment required for this recipe
How to Make Chicken Bites in an Air Fryer
Prepare the Chicken: Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small bite-sized pieces, around 1 inch thick, to ensure they cook evenly. If you prefer smaller or larger bites, adjust the cut size as desired, but keep them consistent for balanced cooking.
Season or Marinate the chicken: Combine the chicken with Italian Seasoning, garlic powder, Sazon (if you have it), and a little salt and pepper. If you’d like more flavor, marinate the chicken for 15-20 minutes, letting the spices soak into the meat.
Arrange in Air Fryer:
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil
- Place the chicken pieces in the basket
- Leave space for air to move around, always making sure they don’t touch each other
- Shake the basket every few minutes to cook them evenly.
Cook the Chicken : Air fry for 8-10 minutes, turning them halfway for even cooking. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to confirm they’re fully cooked. For extra crispiness, air fry for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve and Enjoy: Once golden and thoroughly cooked, serve them as you wish. I served mine with a side of tangy barbecue sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Bites
Chicken bites are easy to make and go well with many different sides, making them a great choice for any meal. Here are some great options:
Main Dish: It can be the main part of your meal. Serve them with rice, beans, or mashed potatoes and steamed veggies for a full dinner. You can dip them in sauces like barbecue or mushroom gravy to add flavor.
Salads: Light salads like Caesar, mixed greens, or coleslaw can balance your meal. For something different, add a cucumber-tomato salad.
Carbs: Serve it with crispy fries, pasta, sweet potato wedges, or buttery mashed potatoes. It’s a quick and delicious meal that you and your family will love!
Tacos: Use them to make tacos! I put them in a soft tortilla and add lettuce, tomatoes, salsa, and cheese. It’s my go-to recipe when I want something quick and delicious.
Bowls: Assemble a dish with the chicken, rice or quinoa, and colorful veggies. Add sweet potatoes and corn for more flavor. Finish it with some salsa on top.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanServings
4
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
25
minutesLooking for a quick, delicious way to make crispy chicken bites? Try this Air Fryer Chicken Bites recipe! With just a few ingredients, you can have these tasty bites ready in 20 minutes. It’s perfect for a quick dinner or a snack. Follow our step-by-step instructions for tender, flavorful bites packed with savory herbs and spices.
Ingredients
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp Sazon seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powde
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 5 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, Italian seasoning, Sazon seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- Place chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve immediately for best crispiness, with optional dips or garnishes as desired.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I cook chicken bites in the air fryer for optimal crispiness?
Cooking in an air fryer usually takes about 8-10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure to flip the bites halfway through so they cook evenly to get a golden, crispy texture. Use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. Cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of your bites, so adjust as needed to avoid under or overcooking.
Can I make Air Fryer Chicken Bites using frozen chicken pieces?
Yes, you can make air fryer chicken bites with frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw the chicken fully for the most even cooking and seasoning. If you air fry directly from frozen, expect a longer cook time—typically around 10-15 minutes—and check for doneness using a meat thermometer. Thawing beforehand also helps the spices and marinades to adhere better, giving more flavor to each bite.
Is oil necessary to make chicken bites in an air fryer?
While air fryers cook with little to no oil, adding a small amount—around 1 tablespoon of olive oil—It helps give the chicken a great crispy finish and enhances flavor without the heaviness of traditional frying. This low-oil method is a healthier choice while still delivering the fried food experience. If you’re aiming for extra-crispy bites, spraying a touch of oil halfway through can help achieve that effect.
What dips pair well with air fryer chicken bites?
They’re super versatile and go great with different dips. Favorites include ranch, BBQ, honey mustard, or a refreshing yogurt dip. For a spicy option, try buffalo or sriracha mayo. Having multiple dip options can make this snack or appetizer even more enjoyable for everyone!
Can I make chicken bites in the air fryer ahead of time and reheat them?
Absolutely! it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes. This quick reheat method brings back the crispy texture, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy. This make-ahead option is perfect for meal-prepping lunches or easy dinner additions.
What seasoning options work well for air fryer chicken bites?
You can easily customize the flavor of your air fryer chicken bites with different seasonings. Italian seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Cajun spices are fantastic choices for adding bold flavors. For an herby kick, sprinkle on some parsley or thyme, or go with a simple salt, pepper, and olive oil blend for a classic taste. Adjust seasonings based on your preferences for endless flavor variations.
