Description
Air Fryer Chicken Bites: Crispy, Juicy Perfection in Every Bite! These bite-sized pieces of chicken are marinated in flavorful spices, then air-fried to golden, crispy perfection. A healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken without sacrificing crunch! Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or panko (for extra crispiness)
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the yogurt, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Add the chicken pieces and mix well, ensuring each piece is coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
- For extra crispiness, toss the marinated chicken pieces in breadcrumbs or panko until evenly coated. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don’t overlap. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the air fryer chicken bites from the basket and let them rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket – Cook in batches if needed for even crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer – Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for safety.
- Experiment with spices – Add cumin, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for different flavors.
- For extra crunch – Double-coat the chicken in breadcrumbs or add a little cornstarch to the marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 220 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, crispy chicken bites, healthy chicken recipe, air fryer recipes, quick chicken snacks, high-protein snacks, gluten-free chicken bites