Air Fryer Chicken Bites: How Long To Cook?

Chicken bites are a fast and easy meal to make in an air fryer, taking as little as 10 minutes to cook. They are a great source of protein and can be seasoned in a variety of ways to suit your taste. Chicken bites can be made with chicken breast, chicken thighs, or chicken tenders, and are cooked at temperatures between 375F and 400F. The key to getting juicy chicken bites is to cut the chicken into small, evenly sized pieces before cooking.

How to make chicken bites in the air fryer

Ingredients

You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. You can also use chicken tenders if you want to save time on cutting up the chicken. You will also need olive oil or avocado oil, and various seasonings of your choice.

Preparation

Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl and add oil to coat the chicken. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil. Stir the chicken until it is well coated.

Seasoning

You can season the chicken with salt, paprika, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, blackened seasoning, or lemon pepper. You can also get creative and experiment with different spice blends to change up the flavors.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 375-400°F. Add the chicken pieces to the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket. Cook for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken halfway through for even cooking. The chicken bites are done when they are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving

These chicken bites are versatile and can be served as a main dish with rice, beans, or sweet potatoes, or used in salads, grain bowls, wraps, or tacos. They also make a great snack with your favorite dipping sauce!

How long to air fry chicken bites

Air fryer chicken bites are a quick and easy meal to make, perfect for any occasion. The bites are tender and juicy, and can be served as a main course, in salads, grain bowls, wraps, or tacos. They can also be eaten as a snack with your favourite dipping sauce.

Ingredients

You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenders.

For the seasoning, you can use any combination of salt, paprika, dried thyme, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, dried rosemary, onion powder, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

For the oil, olive oil is a popular choice, but you can also use avocado oil or melted coconut oil.

Cooking Instructions

Start by combining the oil and seasonings in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and stir until the chicken is fully coated.

Next, add the chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Set your air fryer to 375-400°F and cook the chicken for 7-11 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking. If using an air fryer that requires preheating, preheat to 400°F for 5 minutes before adding the chicken.

The chicken bites are done when they are browned and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Serving Suggestions

Air fryer chicken bites are versatile and can be served in many ways. Here are some ideas:

• Main dish: Serve with rice, beans, sweet potatoes, or vegetables.
• Tacos: Wrap the chicken in tortillas and top with salsa and cheese.
• Bowls: Make a grain bowl with chicken, veggies, and a fried egg, drizzled with Italian dressing.
• Salads: Add the chicken to any salad for extra protein.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To reheat, cook the leftover chicken in the air fryer or microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat in a toaster oven for 4-7 minutes.

How to season chicken bites

There are many ways to season chicken bites. Here is a guide on how to make them, with some seasoning suggestions at the end.

How to Make Chicken Bites in an Air Fryer:

First, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. You can use chicken breast, chicken tenders, or chicken thighs, but make sure it is boneless and skinless. Add the chicken pieces to a bowl and sprinkle with cornstarch and salt, ensuring all the chicken is evenly coated. Next, add your chosen seasoning and toss again. Spray the air fryer basket with oil, then spread the chicken out in a single layer. Air fry at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until slightly crispy and cooked through.

Seasoning Ideas:

You can use any seasoning you like for chicken bites, but here are some suggestions:

• Cajun: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
• Blackened: Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
• Taco: Chili powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes.
• Italian: Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, and parsley.
• Greek: Italian seasoning, oregano, and use red wine vinegar in the place of apple cider vinegar.
• Ranch: Dried chives, dried parsley, and dried dill.
• Curry: Curry powder, ground cumin, and use lime juice in place of apple cider vinegar.
• Everything Bagel: Everything bagel seasoning.
• Spicy: Red pepper flakes.

How to serve chicken bites

Chicken bites are a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some ideas on how to serve them:

As a Main Course

• Serve the chicken bites as they are, plain and simple. You can dip them in your favourite sauce, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard sauce, or chimichurri.
• Create a rice bowl by serving the chicken bites over cauliflower rice or regular rice. Drizzle with pan juices and a slice of lemon for added flavour.
• Pair the chicken bites with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, zucchini noodles, or a side of green salad.
• Make a protein-packed taco by wrapping the chicken bites in tortillas and topping them with salsa and cheese.
• Create a hearty grain bowl with chicken, veggies, and a fried egg. Drizzle with Italian dressing for extra flavour.
• Toss the chicken bites into any salad to boost its protein content.

As a Side Dish

• Include the chicken bites in pasta dishes, such as mac and cheese or Mexican rice.
• Add them to wraps or lettuce wraps, along with your choice of vegetables and sauces.
• Use them as a topping for pizzas or flatbreads.
• Make chicken sliders by placing the bites between mini buns with your choice of toppings and sauces.

As a Snack or Appetizer

• Enjoy the chicken bites as a finger food, dipping them in your favourite sauces such as ketchup, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, or chimichurri.
• Serve them with toothpicks for easy snacking.
• Pair them with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive appetizer.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different sauces, spices, and serving methods to find your favourite way to enjoy chicken bites!

How to store leftover chicken bites

Leftover chicken bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days if they are stored correctly. To store them, let the chicken bites cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container and put them in the fridge. Make sure to eat them within three to four days, as even when stored in the refrigerator, bacteria can still multiply and affect the chicken's quality and safety.

If you don't think you'll eat the leftover chicken bites within four days, you can freeze them. Place the chicken bites in a zip-top freezer bag, pressing out as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen chicken bites can be stored for up to three to four months.

When you're ready to eat the leftover chicken bites, there are several ways to reheat them:

• In the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the chicken bites for three to five minutes, regularly checking the internal temperature.
• In the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken bites in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and cook until heated through.
• In a skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil or butter. Add the chicken bites, cover, and heat for five to ten minutes, stirring occasionally.
• In the microwave: Place the chicken bites in a microwave-safe container, adding a sauce or gravy to keep them moist. Cover and heat at medium power in intervals of a few minutes, checking the internal temperature after each interval.

When reheating leftover chicken bites, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure they are safe to eat.

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