
Cooking cubed chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a tasty meal. You can use boneless chicken thighs, chicken tenders or chicken breast, and cut them into cubes of around 1 inch. The chicken can be seasoned with olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper, and then cooked in the air fryer for around 10 minutes at 375F-400F.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Temperature | 375F/390F/400F |
Cooking time | 10-12 minutes |
Chicken preparation | Cut into 1-1.5 inch cubes |
Chicken coating | Olive oil, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cornstarch |
Air fryer preparation | Spray basket with olive oil |
Cooking method | Place chicken in basket in an even layer, shake halfway through cooking |
What You'll Learn
How to cut chicken into cubes
To cook cubed chicken in an air fryer, first cut the chicken into cubes. You can do this by cutting the chicken into strips first, then cutting the strips into cubes. The size of the cubes will depend on what you're using the chicken for, but 1-1.5 inch cubes are recommended for kebabs, while smaller cubes are better for chicken salad.
Next, add the chicken to a bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until the chicken is coated in the seasoning. Then add cornstarch and stir again until all the chicken pieces are coated.
Brush or spray oil onto the air fryer basket. Place the chicken cubes in a single layer with a little space between them. Air fry for 8-12 minutes at 375F-400F, shaking the basket halfway through. Use tongs to flip the chicken cubes and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches an internal temperature of 165F.
To cut chicken into cubes, start by patting the chicken dry with a paper towel to absorb any juices. Place the chicken on a plastic cutting board and hold it in place with one hand. With a sharp knife, slice the chicken against the grain into 1/4-inch thick slices. Then, turn the knife and slice each slice into smaller, cubed pieces. You can also cut the chicken into strips first, then cut the strips into cubes. It's best to use a large, sturdy cutting board and a sharp knife.
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How to season chicken cubes for the air fryer
To season chicken cubes for the air fryer, start by cutting the chicken into 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken cubes into a bowl and add olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder and salt. Stir the chicken well until it is fully coated in the spice mixture. You can also add cornstarch to the chicken cubes and stir until they are coated.
Once the chicken is seasoned, spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Place the chicken cubes into the basket in an even layer, leaving a little space between them. This will allow the air to circulate and ensure even cooking.
You can also sprinkle Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt and black pepper over the chicken cubes before placing them in the air fryer. This will add extra flavour to the chicken.
Air fry the chicken cubes for 10-12 minutes at 390F/200C, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165F. If it hasn't, continue air frying for a few more minutes.
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How long to cook chicken cubes in the air fryer
Cooking chicken cubes in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to prepare a tasty meal. The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken cubes and the temperature of your air fryer.
Firstly, cut your chicken into cubes of roughly equal size. It's important to do this so that the chicken cooks evenly. Aim for cubes of around 1-1.5 inches.
Next, you'll want to season your chicken. Place your cubed chicken into a bowl and add olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir the chicken until it is fully coated in the seasoning. You can also add cornstarch to help the seasoning stick and give the chicken a crispy texture.
Now you're ready to cook your chicken. Preheat your air fryer to between 375F and 400F. Spray the air fryer basket with oil and place the chicken cubes inside in a single layer, leaving a little space between each cube to allow the hot air to circulate.
Cook the chicken cubes for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If your chicken cubes are on the smaller side, they may be done in 8-9 minutes, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165F. If it hasn't, continue cooking and check again after a couple of minutes.
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How to tell if chicken cubes are cooked in the air fryer
Cooking cubed chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy process. The chicken should be cut into cubes of equal size, so that they cook evenly. The cubes should be coated in olive oil and spices, such as Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. The air fryer basket should also be sprayed with olive oil, and the chicken cubes should be placed in an even layer, with a little space between them. The chicken is then cooked for around 10 minutes at a temperature of 375F-400F.
To tell if the chicken cubes are cooked, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165F. If the chicken hasn't reached this temperature, it should be cooked for longer.
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What to serve with air-fried chicken cubes
Air fryer chicken cubes are a quick and easy meal to make, and they can be served with a variety of side dishes.
You can serve them with a side of veggies, such as roasted green beans with carrots, or a carrot salad with raisins. You could also serve them with rice, sweet potato fries, or pasta.
If you want to keep it simple, you can serve the chicken cubes with a salad and your favourite dipping sauce, such as buffalo, BBQ, or ranch dressing.
For a more filling meal, you can add the chicken cubes to a grain bowl, wrap, or taco.
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Frequently asked questions
Cook cubed chicken in an air fryer for 10-12 minutes at 375F-400F.
Cook cubed chicken in an air fryer at 375F-400F.
Cut the chicken into 1-1.5 inch cubes. Add olive oil, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir until chicken is coated in seasonings. Add cornstarch. Stir until all chicken pieces are coated in cornstarch.
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil. Place the chicken cubes in an even layer with a little room between them to allow for the air to circulate.