Air-Frying Diced Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient and healthy way to cook chicken, and diced chicken is no exception. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders to make juicy and tender chicken bites in your air fryer. The key to getting them right is to ensure the chicken pieces are evenly sized to allow for consistent cooking. You can also coat the chicken in oil and a variety of seasonings to add flavour and ensure the chicken doesn't stick to the air fryer basket.

Cooking times and temperatures

The cooking time and temperature for diced chicken in an air fryer depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the type of air fryer being used. It is important to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F/75°C.

For chicken pieces that are roughly 1-inch cubes, cooking times range from 8 to 12 minutes at temperatures between 375°F and 400°F (about 190°C to 200°C). It is recommended to shake the basket or flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.

For example, one source suggests cooking at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken with silicone-tipped tongs after 7 minutes, and cooking for a further 3 minutes. Another source recommends cooking at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

If the chicken pieces are smaller than 1-inch cubes, the cooking time may be shorter. One source suggests that chicken tenders or chicken thighs, which are often thinner than chicken breasts, may be cooked in as little as 9 minutes.

On the other hand, if the chicken pieces are larger than 1-inch cubes, the cooking time may be longer. One source suggests cooking at 390°F for 7 to 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the meat is browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

It is important to note that the cooking time and temperature may vary depending on the type of air fryer being used. Different air fryers may have different heat settings or cook at slightly different rates, so adjustments may be necessary. It is always important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to the recommended internal temperature.

Chicken preparation

Once the chicken has been cut and seasoned, it can be placed in the air fryer basket. It is important to ensure that the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping, as this will affect the cooking time and temperature. The air fryer should be preheated for about 5 minutes before adding the chicken. The cooking time and temperature will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the type of air fryer being used. On average, the chicken should be cooked at around 390-400°F for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

It is important to note that the chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to be considered safe for consumption. A meat thermometer can be used to check the internal temperature of the chicken. If the chicken has not reached the desired temperature, it can be air-fried for a few minutes longer.

Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. They can be reheated in the air fryer, microwave, or oven and can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, or salads.

Seasoning and spices

For an Italian blend, you can use Italian seasoning, dried Italian herbs, or a combination of paprika, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, and oregano. Greek seasoning typically includes Italian seasoning, oregano, and red wine vinegar. A simple ranch blend can be made with dried chives, dried parsley, and dried dill. For a taco blend, simply use taco seasoning. A basic curry blend can be made with curry powder and ground cumin, and a squeeze of lime juice.

If you want to make your own Cajun seasoning, you can combine paprika, cayenne, garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, and thyme. You can also add salt to any of these blends, as well as black pepper, to taste.

To ensure your chicken is well-coated, place it in a large bowl, drizzle with olive oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil, and add your chosen spices. Toss the chicken until it is evenly coated. You can then proceed to cook the chicken in your air fryer.

Oil and vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a popular choice, as it helps to create a well-balanced flavour profile and a dressing for the chicken when paired with olive oil. You could also use lemon juice, lime juice, white wine vinegar, balsamic vinegar, or red wine vinegar. The choice of vinegar will depend on your personal preference and the specific flavour profile you are aiming for.

When preparing the chicken, it is important to pat the diced chicken dry with paper towels to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior. You can then coat the chicken in a mixture of oil and vinegar, along with your chosen seasonings. The oil and vinegar will help the seasonings adhere to the chicken and create a crispy, flavourful exterior when cooked.

After coating the chicken, it is important to preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature, typically around 375°F to 400°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded to allow for proper air circulation and even cooking. Cook for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serving suggestions

Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

Appetizers and Snacks

Air fryer diced chicken can be served as a tasty appetizer or snack. The chicken bites can be seasoned and tossed in a variety of sauces, such as garlic butter, bang bang sauce, or lemon butter sauce. You can also coat the chicken in breadcrumbs or batter and air fry them again to make crispy, homemade chicken nuggets.

Main Course

Air fryer diced chicken also works well as a main course. It can be served with a variety of side dishes, such as roasted potatoes, broccoli, rice, or vegetables. For a simple and satisfying meal, serve the chicken over a bed of steamed rice. You can also mix it with roasted vegetables, add it to a stir-fry, or stir it into pasta.

Salads

The cooked chicken is an excellent addition to salads, providing protein and flavor. It can be tossed into your favorite salad or used as a meal prep component for healthy lunches throughout the week.

Storage and Reheating

Leftover air fryer diced chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, the chicken can be reheated in the air fryer, oven, or microwave. For the air fryer and oven, it is recommended to heat at a low temperature for 10-15 minutes. For the microwave, simply heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions