Air-Fryer Chicken Bites: Quick, Easy, And Delicious

Chicken bites are a quick, easy, and tasty meal that can be made in an air fryer in minutes. They are a healthier alternative to chicken nuggets as they are made with 100% chicken meat and can be made without breading. You can use any part of the chicken, including breasts, thighs, or tenders, and coat them in a variety of seasonings and spices to suit your taste. They can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course with a variety of dips and sides.

How to Make Chicken Bites in an Air Fryer

Seasoning the chicken

Firstly, you'll want to cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch in size. Place these into a bowl and add your chosen oil. You can use olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your choice. The oil will help the seasoning stick to the chicken and also promote a crispy texture.

Now it's time to add your seasonings. You can go with a simple option like salt and pepper, or create your own blend of spices and herbs. Some popular choices include Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried thyme, and parsley. You can also try more exotic blends like taco seasoning or a blackened spice mix. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own custom blends. For example, for a Cajun mix, you can combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper.

Once you've added your seasonings, toss the chicken pieces in the bowl until they are evenly coated. You can let the chicken rest for a few minutes to allow the flavours to absorb, or you can go ahead and place them in the air fryer right away.

If you're feeling creative, you can even try adding a light coating of cornstarch to the chicken before adding the seasonings. This will give your chicken bites a crispier texture, similar to fried chicken, but without the need for breading.

Remember, the key to successful seasoning is to be bold and experiment with different combinations. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new flavours.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature and time for chicken bites in an air fryer will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the type of air fryer being used. It's important to ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is cooked properly. Here are some general guidelines for cooking chicken bites in an air fryer:

Most recipes recommend preheating the air fryer to between 360-400°F (182-204°C). The chicken bites are then cooked for around 7-12 minutes, with the basket shaken halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken bites should be cooked until they are browned and slightly crispy on the outside, and cooked through with no pink remaining on the inside.

Some recipes suggest brushing or spraying the air fryer basket with oil before adding the chicken, and also recommend cooking the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is not large enough to cook all the chicken in a single layer, it may be necessary to cook the chicken in batches.

It is also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces. If the chicken is cut larger or smaller than 1 inch, the cooking time may need to be adjusted accordingly.

Chicken preparation

Firstly, you will need to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The ideal size is around 1-inch cubes or chunks. You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe.

Next, place the chicken pieces into a medium or large bowl. Add your chosen oil – options include olive oil, avocado oil, or another oil of your preference. Stir or toss the chicken to ensure all pieces are coated in oil.

Now it's time to add your chosen seasonings and spices. You can use a pre-made blend, or make your own. Some suggested seasonings include Italian dressing, adobo seasoning, dried herbs (such as oregano, basil, parsley, or thyme), salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. You can also add a little cornstarch to help the chicken get crispy. Toss the chicken again to ensure all pieces are coated in the seasoning.

Once your chicken is prepared, you can preheat your air fryer to around 360-400°F. While it's preheating, you can prepare the air fryer basket by spraying it with oil.

Dipping sauces

Now that you've made your chicken bites in the air fryer, it's time to decide on some dipping sauces to go with them. Here are some ideas:

Spicy and Tangy

If you like a bit of spice and tang with your chicken, try a sauce with a kick. Some options include:

• Honey mustard BBQ sauce
• Bang bang sauce
• Honey mustard
• Ranch
• Hot green chutney
• Lemon tahini
• A garlic aioli (garlic mayonnaise)
• Jalapeno ranch

Cool and Creamy

For a cool, creamy contrast to the crispy chicken, try one of these options:

• Tzatziki sauce
• Avocado-oil-based mayonnaise
• Yogurt sauce
• Blue cheese dip
• Ranch dressing

Sweet and Savory

If you're feeling like something a little sweeter, these sauces could be a good option:

• BBQ sauce
• Sweet soy sauce
• Lemon vinaigrette
• Sweet and sour sauce
• Teriyaki sauce

Savory and Herby

For a more savory, herby flavor, try one of these options:

• Chicken dipping sauce (mayonnaise, mustard, honey, BBQ sauce)
• A vinaigrette
• Pesto
• Chimichurri

Feel free to experiment with different sauces and find your favorite combinations!

Storing and reheating

Storing Chicken Bites:

• Allow the chicken bites to cool down before storing.
• Place the chicken bites in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• For longer storage, freezing is an option. Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet and freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. Frozen chicken bites can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chicken Bites:

• The air fryer is the preferred method for reheating chicken bites as it helps maintain the crispiness and moisture of the chicken.
• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to 375°F (190°C).
• Lightly coat the chicken bites with oil (optional). A light spritz or brush of oil will help enhance the texture.
• Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. You may need to reheat in batches.
• Reheat for 3-5 minutes for smaller pieces like chicken tenders or bites, and 8-10 minutes for larger pieces, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
• Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach a minimum of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it's safely cooked.
• Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer once they're heated through and crispy.
• Enjoy your freshly reheated chicken bites!

Alternative Reheating Methods:

If you don't have access to an air fryer, there are a few alternative methods for reheating your chicken bites:

• Microwave: Place the chicken bites in a microwave-safe container and reheat in short intervals until warmed through. However, microwaving may result in soggier chicken.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and follow similar steps as the air fryer method. The oven may take longer and is more suitable for larger batches.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Add the chicken bites and cook until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

Frequently asked questions