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

Chicken bites are a great, easy meal to make in an air fryer. They are versatile, quick to cook, and can be seasoned in a variety of ways. You can make them with or without breadcrumbs, and they can be served as a snack, in a salad, with pasta, or as a main dish with rice, beans, or sweet potatoes.

Characteristics of Air Fryer Breaded Chicken Bites

Chicken preparation

Ingredients

You will need boneless chicken, either chicken breast or chicken thighs. You can also use chicken tenders or chicken strips.

Cutting the Chicken

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes.

Seasoning

Add your choice of seasoning to the chicken pieces. This could include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, or dried herbs like oregano, basil, or parsley. You can also add a little cornstarch to help the chicken crisp up.

Coating

For a simple recipe, toss the chicken pieces in a thin batter of beaten egg, salt, and pepper. Then, dredge the chicken in seasoned breadcrumbs. For a lighter, crispier texture, use Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs. You can also add Parmesan cheese to the breading for a nutty, umami flavor.

Frying

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the basket. Spray the chicken with a light coating of oil or cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F for 8-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is slightly crispy and cooked through.

Breading

To make the breading, you will need three separate bowls for the dry mix, wet mix, and bread crumbs.

For the dry mix, combine the flour with any dried herbs and spices of your choice. For a simple option, use salt and pepper. For a spicier option, add cayenne pepper, paprika, or red pepper flakes. You could also try dried oregano, basil, or parsley for a savoury flavour.

For the wet mix, whisk together two eggs. You could also add a little oil to this mixture.

For the bread crumbs, use either traditional or panko-style. Panko breadcrumbs will give a lighter, crispier texture. If you like, you can toast the breadcrumbs in the oven first for an extra crunchy coating. Simply spread them out on a baking tray, spray with a little oil, and bake at 400°F for around 5 minutes, or until golden brown. Allow the breadcrumbs to cool before coating the chicken.

Once you have prepared your three mixes, it's time to bread the chicken! First, toss the chicken pieces in the dry mix until they are lightly coated. Then, dip them into the wet mix, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken pieces in the bread crumbs. Use your fingers to gently press the crumbs into the chicken and ensure an even coating.

Place the breaded chicken bites in the air fryer in a single layer and spray with a little oil. Air fry at 400°F for around 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

Air fryer settings

Preheating:

Start by preheating your air fryer. Some recipes suggest preheating for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, while others recommend 380 degrees Fahrenheit for the same duration. The preheating step ensures that your air fryer is ready to cook the chicken bites evenly.

Temperature and Cooking Time:

Set your air fryer to a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit for cooking the chicken bites. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through without drying out and achieves a crispy, golden texture. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer. Aim for 8 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken pieces halfway through for even cooking.

Single Layer Arrangement:

When placing the chicken bites in the air fryer basket, arrange them in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding to ensure proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken bites in multiple batches.

Don't Overcook:

It is essential to monitor the cooking time to prevent overcooking. The chicken bites are ready when their internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness, as overcooking will result in dry and tough chicken bites.

Reheating Instructions:

To reheat cooked chicken bites, preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the chicken bites in the air fryer and heat for 6 to 7 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry out the chicken and make it less juicy.

Air Fryer Model Variations:

Keep in mind that different brands and models of air fryers may require slight adjustments to temperature and cooking time. The size of your air fryer basket may also determine the number of batches needed to cook all your chicken bites. Always refer to your air fryer's user manual for specific instructions and guidelines.

Cooking time

The cooking time for breaded chicken bites in an air fryer varies depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific air fryer model. On average, the cooking time ranges from 8 to 12 minutes at a temperature setting of 400°F.

For example, one recipe suggests cooking chicken bites at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket after 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Another recipe with similar cooking instructions recommends an internal temperature of 165°F as an indicator of doneness.

It is important to note that the cooking time may need to be adjusted if the chicken pieces are larger or smaller than the recommended size of 1-inch cubes. Additionally, different air fryer brands and models may require slight adjustments to the cooking time, so it is always a good idea to keep an eye on the chicken bites during the cooking process to prevent overcooking or drying out the meat.

For frozen chicken bites, the cooking time will be longer. One recipe suggests cooking frozen chicken bites at 400°F for 8 minutes, flipping them over, and then cooking for an additional 2 to 4 minutes, depending on the quantity.

When reheating chicken bites, it is recommended to use a lower temperature setting of around 350°F to 380°F and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the breading is crispy.

It is worth noting that the cooking time may vary slightly between different air fryer brands and models, so adjustments may be necessary.

Serving suggestions

There are many ways to serve air-fried chicken bites. Here are some suggestions:

As a Main Dish

Serve the chicken bites with rice, beans, or sweet potatoes, and a side of salad, Brussels sprouts, or green beans.

Tacos

Wrap the chicken bites in tortillas and top with salsa and cheese.

Bowls

Create a grain bowl by adding chicken bites, veggies, and a fried egg. Drizzle with Italian dressing.

Salads

Add protein to your salad by throwing in some chicken bites.

With Dipping Sauces

Serve the chicken bites with a variety of dipping sauces such as honey mustard BBQ sauce, preserved lemon vinaigrette, ranch dressing, marinara sauce, garlic parmesan sauce, ketchup, or your favourite barbecue sauce.

Sides

Pair the chicken bites with air fryer potato wedges, air fryer gnocchi, or jalapeno poppers.

In Wraps, Salads, Pastas, etc.

Throw the chicken bites into wraps, salads, pastas, or any of your favourite meals!

Frequently asked questions