Air Fryer Chicken Cubes: How Long To Fry?

Chicken cubes in an air fryer are a quick and easy meal to make. The cooking time depends on the type of air fryer, the temperature, and the size of the chicken pieces. In general, chicken cubes take around 7-12 minutes to cook in an air fryer, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. It's important not to overcrowd the air fryer and to flip the chicken halfway through for even cooking.

How to season chicken cubes for the air fryer

Air fryer chicken cubes are a fast and easy meal option that can be seasoned in a variety of ways. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to season chicken cubes for the air fryer:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breast dry with a paper towel. Then, use a sharp knife, kitchen shears, or scissors to cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, around 1-1.5 inches in size. Try to make the pieces as uniform as possible for even cooking. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, chicken thighs, or chicken tenders, depending on your preference.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with your choice of oil, spices, and seasonings. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil. For spices and seasonings, you can experiment with different combinations such as salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, taco seasoning, Greek seasoning, or curry powder. Mix well until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the marinade.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken (Optional)

You can choose to let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for a more intense flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature, or for longer in the fridge. For example, you can leave it overnight if you want to prepare the chicken ahead of time.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Place the chicken cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook at 375-400°F for about 7-12 minutes, depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken cubes. Pause the air fryer and flip the chicken cubes with silicone-tipped tongs about halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The chicken is ready when it is browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 5: Serve

Air fryer chicken cubes are versatile and can be served in many ways. You can serve them as a main dish with sides like rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, or vegetables. They also work great in grain bowls, wraps, tacos, or salads. For a snack or appetizer, dip them in your favorite sauce, such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, ranch, or honey mustard.

How long to cook chicken cubes in the air fryer

The length of time it takes to cook chicken cubes in an air fryer depends on several factors, including the type of air fryer, the size of the chicken cubes, and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes around 7 to 12 minutes to cook chicken cubes in an air fryer, but the timing can vary depending on the specific circumstances.

Factors Affecting Cooking Time

• Air Fryer Type and Temperature: Different air fryer models may have varying cooking times due to differences in design and functionality. The cooking temperature also plays a role, with higher temperatures generally resulting in shorter cooking times. Some recipes recommend cooking chicken cubes at 375°F for 10 minutes, while others suggest 400°F for 8-10 minutes, or 390°F for 7-11 minutes.
• Size of Chicken Cubes: Smaller chicken cubes will cook faster than larger ones. It is recommended to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces, typically around 1 to 1.5 inches in size, to ensure even cooking.
• Number of Chicken Cubes: Cooking a larger batch of chicken cubes may require a longer cooking time. It is important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket and to cook in batches if necessary.
• Desired Level of Doneness: The cooking time will depend on whether you prefer your chicken cubes to be slightly crispy or just cooked through. Cooking to a higher temperature or for a longer period can result in drier chicken cubes.

Tips for Cooking Chicken Cubes in an Air Fryer

• Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating the air fryer for a few minutes before adding the chicken cubes can help ensure more even cooking.
• Single Layer: Arrange the chicken cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for better air circulation and more even cooking.
• Flip Midway: To ensure even cooking on both sides, it is recommended to flip the chicken cubes halfway through the cooking process. Using tongs with silicone tips can help prevent scratching the air fryer basket.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and affect the texture of the chicken cubes.
• Experiment with Seasonings: Chicken cubes can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences. Popular options include Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
• Check Internal Temperature: To ensure the chicken cubes are fully cooked, it is recommended to use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 165°F.

How to store and reheat chicken cubes

Storing chicken cubes

Once your chicken cubes are cooked and cooled, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or freeze them for up to three months.

Reheating chicken cubes in the air fryer

If you're reheating chicken cubes in an air fryer, it's best to use a single layer of chicken in the basket. Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Reheating chicken cubes in the oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken cubes in a baking dish and add a small amount of chicken stock or water. Cover the dish with aluminium foil and place it in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Reheating chicken cubes on the stove

Add a small amount of water to a skillet and place over medium heat. When the water is simmering, add the chicken cubes and stir/flip until heated through to 165°F.

Reheating chicken cubes in the microwave

Place the chicken cubes on a microwave-safe plate, with smaller pieces in the centre and larger pieces around the edge. Sprinkle with a few teaspoons of water and a drizzle of olive oil, then cover with a microwave-safe bowl or damp paper towel. Microwave in 30-second intervals until the chicken reaches 165°F.

How to get crispy chicken cubes without breading

Chicken cubes are a great, versatile meal option that can be used in a variety of dishes, from salads to tacos. Cooking chicken cubes in an air fryer is a fast and easy way to make chicken for any meal. Here is a detailed guide on how to get crispy chicken cubes without breading using an air fryer.

Ingredients and Preparation

For this recipe, you will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can also use chicken tenders if you prefer. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You can also use kitchen shears to cut the chicken into pieces. Place the chicken pieces into a medium bowl.

For seasoning, you can use a variety of options such as Italian dressing, dried herbs, and spices. You can also experiment with different seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and Chipotle powder. Add your chosen seasonings to the bowl with the chicken and mix well until each piece is coated evenly. You can let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavours to absorb.

Cooking Instructions

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Arrange the chicken cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer, and cook in batches if necessary. Set the air fryer to 390 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for about 7 to 11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. The chicken is cooked when it is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Tips and Variations

• You can coat the chicken cubes in cornstarch or rice flour to make them extra crispy.
• For a complete meal, serve the chicken bites with a side of sweet potato fries, roasted vegetables, or rice.
• Dip the chicken cubes in your favourite sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
• Store leftover chicken cubes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days or freeze them for up to 3 months.
• To reheat, place the cold chicken bites in the air fryer basket and cook at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 to 5 minutes or until heated through.

What to serve with chicken cubes

Chicken cubes cooked in an air fryer are a quick, easy, and versatile dish. They can be served as a main course, in a salad, wrap, or taco, or as a snack with your favourite dipping sauce. Here are some ideas for what to serve with chicken cubes:

Main Course

Chicken cubes can be served as a main dish with a variety of sides. Some options include:

• Rice
• Quinoa
• Mashed potatoes
• Sweet potatoes
• Green salad
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Vegetables
• Fries

Tacos, Burritos, and Bowls

Chicken cubes are also great in tacos, burritos, or bowls. Try:

• Wrapping the chicken in tortillas and topping with salsa and cheese
• Making a grain bowl with chicken, veggies, and a fried egg, drizzled with Italian dressing
• Adding the chicken to a burrito bowl with rice, beans, or other toppings

Salads

Chicken cubes can be added to any salad for extra protein.

Snacks and Appetizers

Chicken cubes can be served as a snack or appetizer with a dipping sauce such as:

• Ketchup
• Buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Spicy tahini
• Chimichurri
• Hummus
• Marinara
• Sweet and sour sauce

Frequently asked questions