Air Fryer Diced Chicken: How Long To Cook?

Air fryers are a convenient way to make a quick, tasty, and healthy meal. If you're looking to cook diced chicken, you're probably wondering how long it will take. Well, the cooking time depends on the size of the chicken pieces, the temperature, and the type of air fryer you're using. On average, it takes between 8 to 12 minutes to cook diced chicken in an air fryer.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for diced chicken in an air fryer depend on the type of chicken, the size of the dice, and the desired level of crispiness. Here is a detailed guide:

The cooking time for diced chicken in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the desired level of doneness. It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety issues. Here are some general guidelines:

• For boneless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes, cook at 200°C/400°F for 8-10 minutes.
• For smaller chicken bites or nuggets (about ½-1 inch in size), cook at 390°F for 7-11 minutes.
• To achieve a crispy texture without breading, some recipes suggest adding cornstarch to the chicken before cooking. This method also recommends cooking at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.
• For chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which are usually thinner than chicken breasts, cook at 375°F for 9-10 minutes.
• It is important to note that overcrowding the air fryer basket can affect cooking time and evenness. It is recommended to arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook in batches if needed.
• Additionally, flipping the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking process can ensure even cooking and browning.
• For frozen chicken bites, increase the cooking time to 11-15 minutes at 390°F until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

In summary, the cooking time for diced chicken in an air fryer can range from 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the desired level of crispiness, and whether the chicken is fresh or frozen. It is always important to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure food safety.

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

You will need boneless chicken breasts or thighs, or chicken tenders to make the chicken bites. You can also use boneless, skinless chicken or turkey breast.

For seasoning, you can use store-bought or homemade cajun seasoning, or a combination of paprika, cayenne, garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

Additionally, you will need olive oil or avocado oil to coat the chicken.

Cutting the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes of roughly equal size, around 1-1.5 inches in length. This ensures even cooking. You can use a sharp knife, kitchen scissors, or kitchen shears for this step.

Seasoning the Chicken

Add the chicken pieces to a bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Sprinkle your chosen seasonings over the chicken, then toss or mix until the pieces are evenly coated. You can also add a little cornstarch to the chicken to help it crisp up during cooking.

Cooking the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 375-400°F (190-200°C). Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Avoid overcrowding the basket.

Cook the chicken for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the temperature of your air fryer. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These chicken bites are versatile and can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, in wraps, salads, bowls, or with rice, potatoes, or vegetables for a heartier meal.

Seasoning

The great thing about diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is that you can use whatever seasoning you like. You can also make your own spice blends to change up the flavours. Here are some ideas:

Cajun

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Thyme

Blackened

• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Basil
• Oregano
• Thyme

Taco

• Chilli powder
• Garlic powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Red pepper flakes

Italian

• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Red wine vinegar

Greek

• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Red wine vinegar

Ranch

• Chives
• Parsley
• Dill

Curry

• Curry powder
• Cumin
• Lime juice

Spicy

Red pepper flakes

Lemon pepper

• Lemon juice
• Black pepper

Fajita

Everything bagel seasoning

Chipotle

Chipotle powder

You can also experiment with different sauces to enhance the taste of your diced chicken. Some good options are garlic butter, bang bang sauce, and lemon butter sauce.

Air fryer preparation

Ingredients

You will need boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders, olive oil or avocado oil, and spices of your choice. You can also add apple cider vinegar to create a well-balanced flavor profile.

Cutting the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces or cubes of roughly 1 inch each. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the chicken. Try to make the pieces as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.

Seasoning

In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, apple cider vinegar (if using), and spices. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and stir well to ensure they are evenly coated. You can also add some cornstarch to help the chicken crisp up during cooking.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes at 390 degrees F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between them to allow for air circulation. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer.

Cook the chicken at 375-400 degrees F for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer model. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even heating.

Checking for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.

Serving

These air fryer chicken bites are versatile and can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, added to wraps or salads, or paired with side dishes such as rice, potatoes, or vegetables for a heartier meal.

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:

Main Course

You can serve the diced chicken as a main course with a variety of side dishes. Some options include:

• Rice
• Beans
• Sweet potatoes
• Green salad
• Brussels sprouts
• Green beans
• Mashed potatoes
• Vegetables such as broccoli
• Diced potatoes
• Roasted potatoes

Tacos, Burritos, and Burrito Bowls

The diced chicken can be used as a filling for tacos, burritos, or burrito bowls. Simply wrap the chicken in tortillas and top with salsa and cheese for tacos, or serve it in a bowl with rice, beans, and other desired toppings for a burrito bowl.

Salads

The cooked chicken pieces can be added to any salad to boost its protein content. Try them in a simple house salad, Italian chopped salad, roasted artichoke and white bean salad, or kale Caesar salad.

Wraps and Lettuce Wraps

Diced chicken is perfect for wraps or lettuce wraps. You can add them to a variety of fillings, such as pasta, salads, grain bowls, or other proteins.

Grain Bowls, Rice Bowls, and Quinoa Bowls

Add the diced chicken to a grain bowl with rice, quinoa, or other grains, along with vegetables and a fried egg. Drizzle with Italian dressing or your favorite sauce.

Snacks and Appetizers

The chicken bites can be served as a snack or appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce, such as:

• Ketchup
• Buffalo sauce
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard sauce
• Ranch
• Creamy cilantro lime dressing
• Spicy tahini
• Sriracha mayo
• Chimichurri
• Hummus
• Lemon herb tahini
• Marinara
• Sweet and sour sauce

Sauces

While the diced chicken is delicious on its own, you can also serve it with a variety of sauces, including:

• Hot sauce
• Buffalo sauce
• Garlic butter sauce
• Honey mustard
• Soy sauce
• Marinara sauce
• Bang bang sauce
• Ranch
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Lemon butter sauce
• Garlic butter
• Bang bang sauce
• Lemon butter sauce

Frequently asked questions