These delicious and juicy chicken bites are seasoned to perfection and cooked in the air fryer for a quick, healthy, and protein-packed meal. Ready in under 20 minutes, they make a great main dish, salad topper, or snack!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthy & High-Protein – A great low-carb, gluten-free meal option.
- Perfectly Seasoned – A blend of garlic, paprika, and onion powder for bold flavor.
- Crispy & Juicy – The air fryer ensures a golden exterior with a tender inside.
- Versatile – Serve with dips, in wraps, over salads, or in rice bowls.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Season the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, combine avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for at least 3 minutes.
Cook the Chicken
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not touching.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
- The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown on the outside.
Serve & Enjoy
- Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, over a salad, in a wrap, or with rice and veggies.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 181 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Chicken Bites: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.
- Crispy Coating: Toss in panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Lemon Garlic: Add 1 teaspoon lemon juice and zest for a citrusy twist.
- BBQ-Style: Mix in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika and a drizzle of BBQ sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Toss with soy sauce and sesame seeds after cooking.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating in Air Fryer: Heat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, but note they may lose crispiness.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
2. How do I make sure the chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overcook—check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
3. Can I cook these in the oven?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. What dipping sauces go well with these?
Try ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, garlic aioli, or buffalo sauce.
5. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
6. What oil works best?
Avocado oil, olive oil, or coconut oil all work well.
7. Can I marinate the chicken?
Yes! Let it marinate for 30 minutes to overnight for deeper flavor.
8. How do I get a crispier texture?
Spray with a light coat of cooking spray before air frying.
9. Are these keto-friendly?
Yes! They are low-carb and perfect for keto diets.
10. Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but thaw completely before cooking for even results.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are an easy, flavorful, and healthy meal that’s ready in minutes. Whether served as a snack, main dish, or meal prep option, they’re juicy, crispy, and endlessly versatile. Try them today and enjoy a hassle-free, delicious meal!
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Air Fryer Chicken Bites
These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Perfectly seasoned with garlic, paprika, and onion powder, they cook in under 20 minutes for a crispy yet tender bite. A healthy, low-carb, high-protein option that works great as a main dish, salad topper, or snack.
- Total Time: 18-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- 1 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil)
- ¾ tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp garlic powder
- ¾ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, mix avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add chicken pieces and toss until fully coated.
2. Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (204°C) and preheat for at least 3 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overcrowding).
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for doneness.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
- Serve with your favorite dip, in wraps, over salads, or alongside veggies!
Notes
- Spicy: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
- Crispy: Toss in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Lemon Garlic: Mix in 1 tsp lemon juice and zest.
- BBQ-Style: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika + BBQ sauce.
- Asian-Inspired: Toss with soy sauce & sesame seeds post-cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
