Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a convenient way to make chicken bites, which are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or even a main course. You can use boneless chicken breasts, thighs, or tenders to make these chicken bites. The key is to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, usually about 1-inch cubes, before tossing them in oil and spices and placing them in the air fryer. The cooking time is typically around 10 minutes at 375-400°F, but it can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. You can also bread the chicken or toss it in sauce before or after air frying to add extra flavor and texture.

How to Make Boneless Chicken Bites in an Air Fryer

Choosing the right chicken

Type of Chicken:

Look for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Using boneless chicken makes it easier to cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and ensures even cooking. Skinless chicken is preferable as the skin can become soggy and less crispy in the air fryer.

Quality:

Opt for high-quality, fresh chicken from a reputable source. Look for chicken with firm flesh and avoid any packages with an unpleasant odour. Check the "best before" date to ensure you're using chicken that is within its shelf life.

Quantity:

This recipe typically calls for about 1.5 to 3 pounds of chicken, depending on the number of servings you desire. It's a good idea to have a little extra chicken on hand in case of mistakes or to accommodate different appetites.

Preparation:

Before cutting the chicken, pat the breasts dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the seasonings adhere better to the meat. Then, cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and a pleasant presentation.

Storage:

If you're not cooking all the chicken at once, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to four days or freeze it for later use. To freeze, place the raw chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen pieces to a freezer bag or container for up to three months.

Remember, the key to choosing the right chicken is selecting the appropriate type (boneless, skinless breasts or thighs), ensuring its freshness and quality, and properly preparing and storing it before cooking. By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to making mouth-watering air-fried chicken bites!

Preparing the chicken

To make boneless chicken bites in an air fryer, you'll need boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. You can also use boneless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.

Cut the chicken into pieces of roughly equal size, about 1 inch thick. This will ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Place the chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl and add your chosen oil – olive oil, avocado oil, or melted coconut oil all work well. Stir the chicken until it is coated in the oil.

Now it's time to add your chosen herbs and spices. You can use a pre-made blend like Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, or ranch seasoning, or make your own blend using herbs and spices like dried thyme, dried parsley, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Stir the chicken until it is coated in the herbs and spices.

Air frying the chicken

Preheat your air fryer to between 375°F and 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with a non-stick cooking spray, or use olive oil spray.

Place the chicken pieces into the basket in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece to allow the hot air to circulate.

Cook the chicken for 7-12 minutes, shaking the basket occasionally during the cooking process. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F.

Serve immediately.

Preparing the air fryer

Before you begin, ensure your air fryer is clean and ready to use. Check that the basket is securely in place and there are no leftover residues from previous cooking. It is important to start with a clean appliance to prevent any cross-contamination and achieve the best cooking results.

Next, preheat your air fryer. Different models may have specific instructions, but the general guideline is to preheat the appliance to 375-400°F for around 3-5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it helps ensure even cooking and gives your chicken bites a nice crispy texture.

While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken and seasoning. However, if your recipe involves marinating the chicken, it is advisable to do that ahead of time, allowing the flavours to truly soak in.

Once your chicken bites are ready to cook and your air fryer is preheated, it's time to prepare the basket. Spray the basket with a non-stick cooking spray, such as olive oil spray, to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can also use alternatives like avocado oil or melted coconut oil. This step ensures your chicken doesn't stick to the basket, making it easier to clean up afterward and helping achieve a more even cook.

Now, you are ready to place your chicken bites into the air fryer basket. Arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Leave a little space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation, which will help cook the chicken evenly.

With your chicken bites in the basket, you are almost ready to start cooking. Just remember to refer to your specific recipe for the ideal cooking time and temperature, as this may vary slightly depending on the ingredients and size of your chicken bites.

Cooking the chicken

Now that you've gathered your ingredients, it's time to cook your chicken bites! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Chicken: Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1 inch thick. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins if you prefer.
• Marinate the Chicken (Optional): In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chicken pieces with olive oil and your choice of seasonings. You can use Italian dressing, Cajun seasoning, paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, or any other spices you like. Toss the chicken until it's evenly coated. For extra flavour, you can cover and refrigerate the marinated chicken for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly.
• Spray the Air Fryer Basket: Use an olive oil or cooking spray to lightly coat the air fryer basket. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
• Cook the Chicken: Cook the chicken bites for about 10-12 minutes at the set temperature. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or flip the chicken pieces using tongs to ensure even cooking.
• Check the Internal Temperature: To ensure safe cooking, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F at the thickest point. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, continue cooking and check again in a few minutes.
• Serve Immediately: Once the chicken bites are cooked through and golden brown, serve them immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh and crispy!

Your air-fried boneless chicken bites are now ready to be devoured! You can serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces, in wraps, salads, bowls, or as a main course with your favourite sides. Enjoy!

Serving the chicken

These chicken bites are versatile and can be served in many ways. They can be served as a main dish with rice, beans, sweet potatoes, or a green salad, or in a taco with salsa and cheese. For a bowl, make a grain bowl with chicken, veggies, and a fried egg, and drizzle with Italian dressing. They can also be used as a salad topping or added to wraps or 'bowl' dinners.

If you're serving these as an appetizer, they go well with a dipping sauce—some suggestions include BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, garlic aioli, or a paprika dip.

For a heartier dinner, serve with potatoes, quinoa, or rice and veggies. They also pair well with sides like air fryer root veggies, rice, or potatoes.

If you're serving these as a snack, you can dip them in ketchup, buffalo sauce, BBQ sauce, honey mustard sauce, ranch, hummus, or sweet and sour sauce.

You can also freeze these chicken bites for another meal. Allow them to cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to four days or up to four months.

Frequently asked questions