Air Fryer Diced Chicken: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Air fryer diced chicken is a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for any occasion. It is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. The cooking time for air fryer diced chicken varies depending on the size of the chicken pieces, the type of air fryer, and the desired level of doneness. On average, it takes around 8 to 12 minutes to cook diced chicken in an air fryer at temperatures ranging from 375°F to 400°F. It is important to ensure even cooking by cutting the chicken into uniform pieces and arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

How to season diced chicken for the air fryer

Preparation

Pat the chicken breast dry with kitchen towels or paper towels. Place the chicken on a cutting board and cut it into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.

Seasoning

There are many ways to season your diced chicken for the air fryer. Here are some options:

• Cajun seasoning: Mix paprika, cayenne, garlic granules, onion granules, oregano, and thyme. You can make your own cajun spice mix or use a store-bought one.
• Savory seasoning: Combine olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, paprika, and dried thyme in a large bowl. You can also substitute lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar for the apple cider vinegar.
• Spicy seasoning: Add red pepper flakes to the savory seasoning blend.
• Taco seasoning: Omit the dried thyme and add taco seasoning to the savory seasoning blend.
• Italian seasoning: Omit the paprika and dried thyme. Add Italian seasoning to the savory seasoning blend, and use red wine vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar.
• Greek seasoning: Omit the paprika and dried thyme. Add Italian seasoning, oregano, and use red wine vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar.
• Ranch seasoning: Omit the paprika and thyme. Add dried chives, dried parsley, and dried dill to the savory seasoning blend.
• Curry seasoning: Omit the dried thyme and paprika. Add curry powder, ground cumin, and use lime juice in place of apple cider vinegar.
• Everything bagel seasoning: Omit the dried thyme and paprika. Add everything bagel seasoning to the savory seasoning blend.

Coating the Chicken

Add the cubed chicken to a bowl and coat it with your chosen seasoning blend. Mix well until each piece is evenly coated. You can let the chicken rest for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to absorb.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer for about 5 minutes. Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; cook in batches if necessary. Air fry the chicken for 7-12 minutes at 375°F-400°F, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Serving

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. You can serve it as an appetizer or snack with your favorite dipping sauce, such as garlic butter, bang bang sauce, lemon butter sauce, ketchup, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing. It also goes well with side dishes like diced potatoes, roasted potatoes, broccoli, or rice.

How long to cook diced chicken in the air fryer

The cooking time for diced chicken in an air fryer depends on the temperature and the size of the chicken pieces. It's important to ensure even cooking by cutting the chicken into similar-sized pieces and arranging them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Cooking time and temperature

Most sources recommend cooking diced chicken in the air fryer for around 10 minutes at 375°F (190°C). However, some sources suggest cooking for up to 12 minutes at 390°F (200°C). One source recommends cooking for 8 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Tips for optimal cooking

• Don't overcrowd the air fryer.
• Flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
• For extra flavour, marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Use silicone-tipped tongs to flip the chicken and avoid scratching the air fryer basket.

How to store and reheat diced chicken cooked in the air fryer

Diced chicken cooked in the air fryer is a quick and easy meal that can be made in large batches and stored for later. Here is a guide on how to store and reheat diced chicken cooked in an air fryer:

Storing Diced Chicken

It is important to let the diced chicken cool completely before storing it. Place the chicken in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in aluminium foil or plastic wrap. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to consume the chicken within the recommended time frame for food safety and to maintain its flavour and texture.

Reheating Diced Chicken in an Air Fryer

The air fryer is an excellent appliance for reheating diced chicken while maintaining its crispiness. Here are the steps to reheat diced chicken in an air fryer:

• Preheat the air fryer to 350°F to 375°F (some recipes suggest 190°C).
• Place the diced chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid piling the pieces on top of each other to ensure even heating and maintain crispiness. You may need to work in batches.
• Reheat the diced chicken for 3 to 10 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces. Larger pieces may take up to 8-10 minutes, while smaller pieces will take less time.
• Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the reheating process to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to consume.
• Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute before serving.

Tips for Reheating Diced Chicken:

• Avoid reheating the chicken more than once to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
• If desired, spray a small amount of oil on the chicken before reheating for extra crispiness.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
• The cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces, so adjust accordingly.

What type of chicken to use for diced chicken in the air fryer

When making diced chicken in an air fryer, it is best to use boneless, skinless chicken. You can opt for chicken breasts, which you can cut into cubes of about an inch each, or chicken thighs, which are often more tender and moist, and slightly more budget-friendly. Chicken tenders can also be used, and they are quicker to cut up into chunks.

The key is to ensure that the chicken is boneless and cut into bite-sized pieces. This is because smaller pieces of chicken will dry out faster and may become chewy. The cooking time will depend on the size of the diced chicken, with larger pieces requiring a slightly longer cooking time.

You can also cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, but it is important to ensure that the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure it is cooked through.

What to serve with diced chicken cooked in the air fryer

Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main course. It goes well with a variety of side dishes, including:

Rice

Rice is a great option to serve with diced chicken. You can choose from different types of rice, such as steamed brown rice or quinoa rice. Rice bowls or quinoa bowls with diced chicken are a tasty and nutritious option for a quick meal.

Potatoes

Mashed potatoes are a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with air-fried diced chicken. The creamy texture and buttery flavor of mashed potatoes complement the crispy chicken. You can also serve diced chicken with sweet potato fries, which offer a healthier alternative to regular French fries.

Vegetables

Roasted vegetables are a healthy and flavorful option to accompany diced chicken. Try roasting vegetables like broccoli, carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini with olive oil, garlic, and your favorite herbs. You can also serve the chicken with a quinoa salad that includes diced vegetables like cucumber, tomato, and red onion.

Breads

Cornbread, a Southern favorite, pairs well with diced chicken. You can serve it as squares or muffins, with a slab of butter on top. You can also serve diced chicken with coleslaw, which provides a refreshing and tangy contrast to the savory chicken.

Sauces and Dips

Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer can be served as an appetizer or snack with various dipping sauces. Try ketchup, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, ranch dressing, or chimichurri. These sauces add extra flavor and moisture to the chicken.

Frequently asked questions