Air Frying Diced Chicken: Is It Possible?

Air fryers are a convenient way to cook chicken, and diced chicken is no exception. You can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders to make juicy and tender chicken bites in your air fryer. The key is to cut the chicken into even-sized pieces, usually about 1-inch cubes, and season them generously. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as Cajun, Italian, lemon pepper, taco, or even curry powder. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and your air fryer, but on average, it takes about 8-10 minutes to cook diced chicken in an air fryer.

How long to cook diced chicken in an air fryer

Yes, you can cook diced chicken in an air fryer. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and your air fryer, but it should take around 8-10 minutes for the chicken to cook through.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Most recipes recommend cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes or pieces. You can use chicken breast, chicken thighs, or chicken tenders. If using chicken thighs, be sure to trim off any excess fat.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

There are many different seasoning options you can use for your diced chicken. A simple option is to use olive oil, salt, and Cajun seasoning. You can also experiment with other seasonings like lemon pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or thyme. Mix your chosen seasonings in a large bowl, then add the chicken pieces and toss until they are evenly coated.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Step 4: Cook for 8-10 Minutes

Cook the diced chicken in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You may need to pause the air fryer and flip the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. You can serve air fryer diced chicken as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with sides like rice, potatoes, or vegetables.

What temperature to cook diced chicken in an air fryer

Diced chicken is a great option for air frying, and it's super versatile, too. You can serve it as a snack, appetizer, or main course with a variety of sauces and side dishes. The key to getting juicy, tender chicken bites is to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces and ensure even cooking by not overcrowding the air fryer.

Now, onto the temperature. Most sources recommend cooking diced chicken at around 375-400°F for 8-11 minutes. Cooking at a lower temperature is not advised, as it may result in less-than-perfect chicken. However, it's important to keep in mind that different air fryers may have slightly different cook times, so it's always good to use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to the recommended internal temperature of 160-165°F.

Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

• Preheat your air fryer to the desired temperature.
• Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces, around 1 inch each.
• Pat the chicken dry with paper towels or kitchen towels.
• In a large bowl, combine the chicken with your choice of oil (olive oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil) and seasonings. Mix until the chicken is well coated.
• Transfer the seasoned chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
• Air fry for 8-11 minutes, shaking or flipping the basket once during cooking for even browning.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 160-165°F.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

And that's it! You now have perfectly cooked, juicy, and tender diced chicken ready to be enjoyed.

How to season diced chicken for an air fryer

Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is a quick, easy, and healthy meal. It can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish. Here is a guide on how to season diced chicken for an air fryer:

Preparation:

First, cut boneless chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. It is important to ensure that the chicken cubes are of similar size to allow for even cooking. Next, pat the chicken dry with a kitchen towel. Place the cubed chicken in a bowl.

Seasoning:

You can use a variety of seasonings for your diced chicken. Here are some options:

• Cajun seasoning: Mix paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, and thyme. You can also use store-bought Cajun seasoning.
• Olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, garlic powder, paprika, and dried thyme.
• Olive oil, Cajun seasoning, sugar, salt, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, poultry seasoning, thyme, and parsley.
• Olive oil, salt, cornstarch, and your choice of seasoning (e.g. Cajun, blackened, taco, Italian, Greek, ranch, curry, etc.)
• Olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.

Add your chosen seasoning to the bowl of cubed chicken and mix until the chicken is well coated. You can also add oil and/or vinegar to the bowl and stir to combine.

Cooking:

Once your chicken is seasoned, transfer it to the air fryer basket. Cook at 375-400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket once or flipping the chicken halfway through cooking. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve it as-is or toss it in your favorite sauce, such as garlic butter, bang bang sauce, or lemon butter sauce. Enjoy!

What sauces go with diced chicken cooked in an air fryer

Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. The cooking method yields tender and juicy chicken bites that can be paired with a variety of sauces to enhance their flavour. Here are some sauce options that go well with air-fried diced chicken:

Store-Bought Sauces

You can use a variety of ready-made sauces available in the market. Some popular options include:

• Kung Pao Sauce
• Orange Sauce
• Soy Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Honey Mustard
• Ranch
• Garlic Aioli

Homemade Sauces

If you prefer to make your own sauces, here are some options and ingredients you can use:

• Garlic Butter
• Lemon Butter Sauce
• Taco Sauce: Omit the dried thyme and add taco seasoning to your base sauce.
• Italian Sauce: Omit paprika and dried thyme. Add Italian seasoning to a base sauce.
• Greek Sauce: Omit paprika and dried thyme. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, and use red wine vinegar.
• Ranch Sauce: Omit paprika and thyme. Add dried chives, dried parsley, and dried dill to a base sauce.
• Cajun Sauce: Add cajun seasoning to your base sauce.
• Curry Sauce: Omit dried thyme and paprika. Add curry powder, ground cumin, and use lime juice.

These sauces can be paired with the air-fried diced chicken to add flavour and moisture to the dish. The versatility of the cooking method and the variety of sauce options allow you to create different taste profiles to suit your preferences.

What to serve with diced chicken cooked in an air fryer

Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. If you're looking for some side dish ideas to accompany your air fryer diced chicken, here are some suggestions:

• Rice bowls or dishes: Create a grain bowl with chicken, veggies, and a fried egg, drizzled with Italian dressing.
• Potatoes: Mashed potatoes are a timeless classic that pairs well with air fryer chicken. You can also serve diced or roasted potatoes as a side dish.
• Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini make a healthy and tasty side dish. You can also serve them with steamed brown rice for added nutrients.
• Salads: A quinoa salad with diced vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion is a light and nutritious option. You can also throw the chicken on any salad for extra protein.
• Dipping Sauces: Serve the chicken bites with various dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, garlic aioli, or garlic butter.
• Tortillas: Wrap the chicken in tortillas and top with salsa and cheese for a tasty taco meal.
• Sweet Potato Fries: A healthier alternative to regular fries, sweet potato fries add a touch of sweetness to your meal.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing and tangy side dish that cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Cornbread: This slightly sweet and crumbly Southern favorite pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Asian Slaw: Give your chicken an Asian twist by serving it with a vibrant slaw made with Napa cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, tossed in a soy sauce and rice vinegar dressing.
• Baked Beans: A hearty and comforting side dish that complements the crispy chicken.

Frequently asked questions