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–+ servings
image of boneless skinless chicken breasts olive oil garlic powder onion powder smoked paprika salt pepper cornstarch parmesan cheese worcestershire sauce oregano red pepper flakes white marble kitchen counter clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden kitchen sets soft diffuse daylight top down mise en place
katya bou

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

These little nuggets, golden and perfectly seasoned, satisfy that takeout craving while being ready in essentially 10 minutes. Honestly, these are better than any restaurant version, offering a perfect marriage of convenience and flavor.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 9 minutes
Total Time 19 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 338
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Coating
  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces, or chicken thighs for richer flavor
  • 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil vegetable or avocado oil work too
  • 1/4 cup All-Purpose Flour or cornstarch for lighter crisp
  • 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • 1 Teaspoon Onion Powder
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Smoked Paprika for warmth and smoky note
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt
  • 1/4 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Optional Dips
  • Ranch or BBQ sauce, Honey Mustard, Honey Sriracha

Equipment

  • Air Fryer,
  • Mixing bowl
  • paper towels.

Method
 

  1. Pat the chicken pieces completely dry using paper towels to ensure crispiness. Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into uniform, 1-inch cubes.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour (or cornstarch), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken with the olive oil first, then toss to coat thoroughly. Next, add the dry flour/spice mix. Toss until every piece is lightly but evenly coated.
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for at least 5 minutes.
  4. Arrange the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
  5. Cook for 6 minutes.
  6. Open the basket and give it a good, vigorous shake to flip the pieces. Cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the exterior is deep golden and crisp.
  7. Transfer the piping-hot crispy chicken bites to a platter and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Calories: 338kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 44gFat: 12g

Notes

For extra crispiness, use cornstarch instead of flour. Pat the chicken dry thoroughly. Preheat the air fryer properly. Variations: Add garlic parmesan topping after cooking, or toss in buffalo sauce. Store leftovers in fridge up to 3 days, reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispness. Serve with fries, in bowls, or as appetizers.
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