Air Fryer Chicken Bites: How Long Until They're Done?

Air fryer chicken bites are a quick and tasty meal that can be made in under 20 minutes. They are perfect for a high-protein, low-calorie meal and can be served with a variety of sides, such as rice, beans, sweet potatoes, or a green salad. The bites can also be frozen and stored for up to three months, making them a convenient option for those who like to meal prep.

How to season chicken bites

To make delicious chicken bites in an air fryer, you can use a wide variety of seasonings. The best part is that you can truly use whatever seasoning you love. Here are some ideas:

Italian Dressing and Herbs

Combine the chicken with Italian dressing, adobo seasoning, dried Italian herbs, salt, and sazon (optional). You can buy your favourite brand of Italian dressing or make it at home. Adobo is a Latin spice blend consisting of onion and garlic powders, salt, pepper, and other spices. If you don't have Italian seasoning, you can substitute it with dried herbs like oregano, basil, and parsley.

Cajun

Use 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper. You can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your taste preference.

Blackened

Use 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon each of cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme.

Taco

Use 1 teaspoon of chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon each of ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Alternatively, you can use a similar house seasoning.

BBQ, Blackening, or Lemon Pepper

These seasonings are great alternatives if you're looking for something different. Lemon pepper, in particular, is a good option if you want a tangy and peppery flavour.

How long to cook chicken bites

Chicken bites are a great, healthy snack or meal, and cooking them in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare them. The length of time it takes to cook chicken bites in an air fryer depends on the temperature of the air fryer, the size of the chicken pieces, and the number of batches.

Preparation

Before cooking, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can also season the chicken with a variety of spices and herbs, such as Italian dressing, dried herbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or Chipotle powder. You can also coat the chicken in corn starch or panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

Cooking Time and Temperature

Air fry the chicken bites at a temperature between 380°F and 400°F for 7 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even cooking. If you are cooking in batches, you may need to adjust the timing slightly.

Serving Suggestions

Chicken bites can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as tzatziki, hummus, or garlic yogurt sauce, or added to a salad or wrap. They can also be paired with side dishes such as rice, potatoes, quinoa, or vegetables for a heartier meal.

How to store and reheat chicken bites

How to Store Chicken Bites

Chicken bites should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days or frozen for up to three months.

How to Reheat Chicken Bites

There are several ways to reheat chicken bites:

• In an air fryer at 350°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
• In the oven at 400°F for 15 minutes.
• On the stove over medium heat with 1/4 cup of water or chicken broth.
• In the microwave for 15-second increments.

Before reheating, it is recommended to let the chicken bites reach room temperature for 15-20 minutes and to pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

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 can be drizzled with honey mustard vinaigrette or ranch dressing. Some specific salad suggestions include a house salad, Italian chopped salad, roasted artichoke and white bean salad, or kale Caesar salad.

Wraps

Chicken bites can be thrown into wraps, perhaps with shredded lettuce, guacamole or sliced avocado, and salsa or pico de gallo.

Pasta

Chicken bites go well with pasta. They can be added to a one-pan creamy gnocchi, one-pan baked tomato and feta pasta, or mac and cheese.

Rice

Chicken bites can be served with rice, such as Mexican rice or cauliflower rice. They can also be added to beans and rice.

Sides

Chicken bites can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted potatoes, fried rice, or sautéed or steamed vegetables like asparagus, carrots, broccoli, squash, zucchini, or green beans.

Tacos

Chicken bites can be wrapped in tortillas and topped with salsa and cheese.

Bowls

Chicken bites can be added to grain bowls with veggies and a fried egg, drizzled with Italian dressing.

Reheating

Chicken bites can be reheated in the air fryer or microwave for quick meals during the week. They can also be reheated in a hot skillet, with a little bit of oil, to get them crispy again.

Chicken bites vs chicken nuggets

Chicken bites and chicken nuggets are both breaded and fried chicken products, but there are some key differences between the two. Here is a detailed comparison:

Chicken Bites vs. Chicken Nuggets: A Detailed Comparison

Definition:

Chicken bites are typically smaller, bite-sized pieces of chicken that are seasoned and cooked in an air fryer or oven. They are often made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders and can be seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs. Chicken bites are usually not breaded and have a juicier texture.

On the other hand, chicken nuggets are also small, bite-sized pieces of chicken but are primarily made from ground and processed chicken meat, including breast and thigh meat. Nuggets are formed into various shapes, such as nuggets, dino nuggets, or rings, and are often breaded before frying.

Preparation and Cooking:

Chicken bites are typically seasoned with a variety of spices and herbs to add flavor. They are then cooked in an air fryer or oven at temperatures ranging from 380°F to 400°F for 7-11 minutes, or 12 minutes, depending on the recipe. Some recipes also include a step of coating the chicken bites in cornstarch to give them a crispy texture without breading.

Chicken nuggets, on the other hand, usually involve a breading process where the chicken pieces are coated in a batter and then breaded with breadcrumbs or a similar coating. They are then typically deep-fried, although they can also be baked or air-fried.

Texture and Taste:

Chicken bites have a juicier texture due to the absence of breading, and they can be seasoned with a wide range of flavors, making them versatile for different taste preferences. The cooking method of air frying or baking also contributes to their juicy texture.

Chicken nuggets, especially when deep-fried, tend to have a crispier coating. The breading adds a crunchy texture, and the nuggets are often seasoned with a combination of salt, spices, and sometimes MSG to enhance their flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Chicken bites are very versatile and can be served in wraps, salads, pastas, or simply dipped in sauces. They are perfect for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later use.

Chicken nuggets are typically served as a snack or fast food, often accompanied by dipping sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or garlic aioli. They are also commonly served as a side dish or appetizer.

Nutritional Value:

Both chicken bites and chicken nuggets can be a good source of protein, depending on the type of chicken and preparation method used. Chicken bites made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts tend to be lower in fat and higher in protein, making them a healthier option. Chicken nuggets, especially when deep-fried and heavily processed, may have a higher fat content and lower protein value.

In summary, while both chicken bites and chicken nuggets offer the convenience of bite-sized chicken pieces, they differ in their preparation, texture, taste, and nutritional value. Chicken bites are typically juicier, more versatile in terms of seasoning, and can be a healthier option, while chicken nuggets offer a crispier, breaded texture and are often served as a snack or fast food item.

Frequently asked questions