Air Fryer Chicken Bites: Timing For Perfect Results

Chicken bites are a great option for a quick, high-protein meal, and an air fryer is a convenient way to cook them. The cooking time will depend on the type of air fryer you have, the temperature you set it to, and how big your chicken pieces are. In general, you can expect them to take around 7 to 12 minutes to cook at temperatures between 380 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. It's important to ensure the chicken is cooked through, so aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

How long chicken bites in the air fryer?

How to season chicken bites

Preparing chicken bites in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to cook chicken, and the best part is that you can season them however you like! Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken bites for your air fryer:

Step 1: Cut the Chicken

First, you will need to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Aim for pieces that are around 1 inch in size. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Place the cut chicken into a large bowl. At this stage, you can add a light coating of cornstarch and salt to the chicken pieces and mix well. The cornstarch will help the chicken to crisp up during cooking, creating a crispy texture without the need for breading.

Step 3: Choose Your Seasonings

This is where you can get creative! You can use any combination of dried herbs and spices that you like. Some popular options include Italian, lemon pepper, Cajun, or taco seasoning. You can also make your own seasoning blend by combining spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried herbs, and cayenne pepper.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings to the Chicken

Add your chosen seasoning blend to the bowl of chicken and toss until all the pieces are evenly coated. You can also add other ingredients like olive oil or Italian dressing to add extra flavour and moisture to the chicken.

Step 5: Prepare the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it's heating up, spread the chicken pieces out in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray. Spray the basket or tray with a light coating of avocado oil or another cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook the Chicken Bites

Place the chicken bites in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-12 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken pieces. Be sure to shake the basket or flip the pieces halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. The chicken bites are done when they are slightly crispy and cooked through, with an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

And that's it! You now have delicious, seasoned chicken bites that are perfect for a quick and easy meal or snack. Enjoy them as-is or serve them with your favourite dips and sauces.

How to cook frozen chicken bites

Frozen chicken bites can be cooked in an air fryer without thawing first. This is a quick and easy way to get your chicken bites cooked in around 11-15 minutes. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cook frozen chicken bites in an air fryer.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Bites

Pat dry the chicken breast with a paper towel. Place the chicken on a cutting board and cut the breast into strips, then cut each strip into bite-sized pieces. Place the bites into a medium-sized bowl.

Step 2: Add Oil and Seasoning

Pour oil into the bowl with the chicken bites and toss to coat the chicken well. You can use olive oil or avocado oil. Add your chosen seasonings and toss again to coat the chicken. You can use any of your favourite chicken seasonings, homemade or store-bought. Some popular options include Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Chipotle powder.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 380-400°F for about 5 minutes. You may need to adjust the temperature and timing depending on your air fryer model.

Step 4: Arrange the Chicken Bites

Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not stack or double layer the chicken bites, as they will not cook evenly. Spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil spray.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken Bites

Cook the chicken bites at 380-400°F for 10-15 minutes, depending on your air fryer model. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. The chicken bites are done when they are browned and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.

Step 6: Serve

Serve the chicken bites as is, or with your favourite dipping sauce, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or garlic yogurt sauce. They can also be served with rice, noodles, roasted vegetables, or added to salads.

Tips:

• You can coat the chicken bites in corn starch, panko breadcrumbs, or grated Parmesan cheese before cooking for extra crispiness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer. Cook the chicken bites in batches if needed.
• Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

How to reheat chicken bites

Air fryers are a great way to reheat chicken bites as they revitalise the food, giving it a crispy exterior and succulent insides. The air fryer's circulation ensures even reheating, with no cold centres or overheated edges. It's also a quick and hassle-free method, perfect for snacks.

Preparing Chicken Bites for Reheating

Before reheating, allow the chicken bites to reach room temperature for 15-20 minutes. This will ensure even warming. Check for excess moisture and pat dry with a paper towel. You can also lightly season the bites before reheating, but avoid heavy sauces.

The Reheating Process

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F/175°C.
• Lightly coat the chicken bites with a touch of oil.
• Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding.
• Reheat for around 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken bites.
• Midway through, shake the basket to ensure even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken bites with a meat thermometer. They are ready when they reach 165°F/74°C.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months. When reheating, avoid using the air fryer as this can dry out the chicken. Instead, place the chicken in a sealed foil packet with a splash of water or chicken stock and warm in the oven. Alternatively, heat the chicken bites in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

How to serve chicken bites

Chicken bites are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

Salads

Chicken bites can be added to any salad to make it a main course salad. They go well with a honey mustard vinaigrette or a simple house salad. You can also add them to an Italian Chopped Salad, Roasted Artichoke & White Bean Salad, or a Kale Caesar Salad.

Wraps

Chicken bites can be wrapped in tortillas with salsa and cheese or with shredded lettuce, guacamole or sliced avocado, and salsa or pico de gallo.

Pasta

Chicken bites pair well with pasta. You can add them to a One Pan Creamy Gnocchi, One Pan Baked Tomato and Feta Pasta, or mac and cheese. They can also be served with cauliflower rice, regular rice, or zucchini noodles.

Sides

Chicken bites can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, fried rice, everyday roasted potatoes, Gochujang roasted sweet potatoes, or a side of sauce/dip like jalapeno ranch, lemon tahini, hot green chutney, or smoked paprika Greek yogurt dip.

Bowls

You can make a grain bowl with chicken bites, veggies, and a fried egg, drizzled with Italian dressing.

Tacos

Chicken bites can be wrapped in tortillas and topped with salsa and cheese to make delicious tacos.

Main Dish

Chicken bites can be served as a main dish with rice, beans, or sweet potatoes and a green salad, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.

How to store chicken bites

Chicken bites are a great make-ahead option for a quick and easy meal during the week. They can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer and are perfect for adding to wraps, salads, or bowls. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store your chicken bites to ensure they stay fresh and tasty:

Refrigerating Chicken Bites:

• Allow the cooked chicken bites to cool to room temperature.
• Place the chicken bites in an airtight container or covered container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• To reheat, avoid using the air fryer as it may dry out the chicken. Instead, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken stock, in the oven, or in the microwave.

Freezing Chicken Bites:

• Allow the cooked chicken bites to cool completely.
• Place the chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them.
• Once frozen, transfer the chicken bites to a freezer-safe container or bag.
• Label the container with the date and store for up to 2-3 months.
• To thaw, place the frozen chicken bites in the refrigerator overnight. Alternatively, you can reheat them directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes.

By following these simple storage instructions, you can enjoy delicious and juicy chicken bites throughout the week and even in the months to come!

Frequently asked questions