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Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

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3.8 from 10 reviews

Deliciously crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Chicken Bites made with tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts coated in a perfectly spiced seasoning blend. This quick and easy recipe offers a healthier alternative to fried chicken bites, featuring a crispy texture from the air fryer and a balanced savory and slightly spicy flavor profile. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a main dish served with your favorite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Seasoning & Oil

  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (e.g., Slap Ya Mama or Tony Chachere’s)
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces ensuring they are roughly uniform for even cooking.
  2. Mix the Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Cajun seasoning, granulated sugar, kosher salt, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, poultry seasoning, dried thyme, and dried parsley flakes. Stir well to create a homogeneous seasoning mix.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces into the bowl with the seasoning mix. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 to 5 minutes to ensure optimal crispiness.
  5. Cook the Chicken Bites: Place the seasoned chicken bites into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd for even cooking. Cook at 400°F for approximately 10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the bites halfway through to achieve an even golden crisp.
  6. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of chicken bites reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure safe consumption.
  7. Serve: Remove chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or as a protein-packed addition to salads or wraps.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes or Cajun seasoning quantity to control spice level according to preference.
  • The granulated sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity and enhances caramelization.
  • Leftover chicken bites can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is properly cooked and safe to eat.

Find it online: https://lauracooks.com/air-fryer-chicken-bites-recipe/