Emilie Meyer
Air fryer chicken bites are a versatile, delicious, and healthy snack that can be prepared in under 20 minutes. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun family meal and can be served with a variety of sides, wraps, salads, or rice bowls. The bite-sized chicken pieces are made with boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes and seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. The cooking time for air fryer chicken bites is typically between 7 to 12 minutes, depending on the desired level of crispiness and the size of the chicken pieces.
Bite-size chicken in an air fryer:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cook time | 7-12 minutes |
| Temperature | 375F-400F |
| Internal temperature | 165F |
| Oil | Olive oil, avocado oil, melted coconut oil, vegetable oil |
| Seasoning | Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, red pepper flakes, cajun seasoning, poultry seasoning, dried parsley flakes, granulated sugar |
| Sides | Rice, beans, sweet potatoes, green salad, Brussels sprouts, green beans, tortillas, salsa, cheese, quinoa, potatoes, couscous, cauliflower rice |
| Storage | Refrigerate for up to 4 days, freeze for up to 3 months |
| Reheating | Microwave or air fryer |
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What You'll Learn
Air fryer settings and temperature
To cook bite-sized chicken in an air fryer, the temperature should be set between 375°F and 400°F. The air fryer should be preheated for around 5 minutes at 380°F. The cooking time varies depending on the temperature setting, but generally, it takes around 7 to 12 minutes to cook bite-sized chicken pieces.
It is important to ensure even cooking by arranging the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little space between them. This may require cooking the chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. During cooking, the basket should be shaken or the chicken pieces flipped halfway through the cooking process.
The chicken bites are cooked when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F in the thickest part. This can be checked using a meat thermometer. If the chicken is not yet at the required temperature, it can be cooked for a few minutes more.
For a lower temperature setting, it is recommended to cook the chicken bites at 375°F for 10 minutes. After 7 minutes, the air fryer should be paused, and the chicken pieces flipped using silicone-tipped tongs. The cooking should be resumed for the last 3 minutes.
At a higher temperature of 400°F, the cooking time is reduced to 8 to 10 minutes. This results in slightly crispy chicken bites that are cooked through.
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Chicken preparation and seasoning
Preparing chicken for the air fryer is simple and only takes a few minutes. Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces—about 1-inch cubes. If you're using chicken breasts, you can slice them into thin, flat pieces before cutting them into smaller chunks. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins.
Before seasoning, it's a good idea to pat the chicken dry with paper towels. This will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and ensure even cooking. You can also sprinkle a little cornstarch over the chicken to help it crisp up, but this is optional.
Now it's time to season your chicken! There are endless options for seasoning blends, so feel free to get creative and use what you have on hand. You can try a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, or go for something spicy with some cayenne pepper. If you're feeling adventurous, try using smoked paprika, hot paprika, Hungarian paprika, or sweet paprika. Just a pinch of paprika will add a rich, savory flavor to your chicken. Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices and blends to find your perfect combination.
In addition to spices, you can also use olive oil, avocado oil, or even butter to add flavor and moisture to your chicken. Just a small amount of oil or butter will help the seasonings stick to the chicken and prevent it from drying out. You can also try brushing your chicken with a mixture of oil, lemon juice, and spices for a zesty flavor.
Once your chicken is seasoned, give it a good stir or toss to make sure all the pieces are evenly coated. Then, spread them out in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Make sure not to overcrowd the basket—you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Give the basket a quick spray with a non-stick cooking spray, like olive oil or avocado oil, to prevent sticking.
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Cooking time and process
The cooking time for bite-sized chicken in an air fryer varies depending on the temperature and the size of the chicken pieces. Most recipes suggest cooking bite-sized chicken pieces in the air fryer for 7 to 12 minutes at temperatures ranging from 375°F to 400°F.
For example, one recipe calls for cooking the chicken at 375°F for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken with silicone-tipped tongs after 7 minutes, and then cooking for another 3 minutes. Another recipe suggests cooking the chicken at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
It is important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F to make sure it is cooked safely. This can be checked using a meat thermometer.
Before cooking, the chicken should be cut into uniform, bite-sized pieces, usually about 1-inch cubes. The chicken can be seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Olive oil or avocado oil can be used to help coat the chicken and ensure it doesn't stick to the air fryer basket. The basket should be sprayed with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil or avocado oil, before adding the chicken in a single layer.
Some recipes suggest preheating the air fryer for 5 minutes before adding the chicken. It is also recommended to shake or flip the chicken halfway through the cooking process to ensure even cooking.
Cooked chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. They can be reheated in the air fryer at a low temperature for 2 to 3 minutes or in the microwave until heated through.
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Reheating and storing
To reheat, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring there is adequate space between each piece for optimal hot air circulation. If your chicken is coated in sauce or breadcrumbs, place it on parchment paper to prevent sticking. You can lightly coat the chicken with oil to enhance crispiness, but this is optional. Preheat the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for a few minutes, and then place the basket inside and reheat for 5-6 minutes. After this initial heating, turn the chicken pieces over and continue reheating for another 5 minutes or until thoroughly warmed through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat, so use a meat thermometer to check. If you prefer your chicken crispier, increase the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for the last minute of cooking time, but be careful not to overcook it.
Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. They can also be frozen and will last for up to three months. To reheat refrigerated chicken bites, you can use the air fryer at its lowest setting for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through.
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Serving suggestions
Bite-sized chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Salads
Chicken bites can be added to a variety of salads, such as a simple house salad, Italian chopped salad, roasted artichoke and white bean salad, or a kale Caesar salad. They also go well with a pre-made salad or steamed vegetables. The chicken provides extra protein and makes the salad a more filling meal.
Wraps and Tacos
For a more casual meal, the chicken bites can be wrapped in tortillas with salsa and cheese to make tacos. Alternatively, you can add them to wraps with other ingredients such as salad or sauces.
Bowls
Chicken bites can be the star ingredient in a grain or rice bowl. Try serving them with vegetables, a fried egg, and a drizzle of Italian dressing. For a heartier bowl, you can add potatoes, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Sides
These bite-sized chicken pieces can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, such as Greek yogurt ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or a paprika dip. They also pair well with sides such as potatoes, quinoa, rice, or vegetables like air fryer baby corn and carrots.
Main Dishes
For a more substantial meal, serve the chicken bites with rice, beans, or sweet potatoes, along with a green salad or green vegetables like Brussels sprouts or green beans.
Freezing and Reheating
These chicken bites can be made in advance and frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, they can be reheated in the air fryer or microwave for a quick and convenient meal.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended that you cook bite-sized chicken in an air fryer for 7-12 minutes at 375°F-400°F.
It is recommended that you cook bite-sized chicken at 375°F-400°F in an air fryer.
Your bite-sized chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part.
Yes, you can make bite-sized chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to four days or freeze it for up to three months. To reheat, place the chicken in the air fryer at its lowest setting for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
