Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites: Quick, Easy, Delicious

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy chicken bites with minimal oil. The key to achieving crispiness is to ensure that there is no excess moisture on the chicken. This can be done by patting the chicken dry and adding salt just before air frying to minimise moisture release. You can also coat the chicken in a slurry of water, flour and salt, or a batter of eggs and flour, followed by breadcrumbs. The chicken can then be air-fried for 8-12 minutes at 400°F, with the basket shaken halfway through to ensure even cooking. For extra crispiness, you can also brush or spray a small amount of oil onto the chicken and air fry for an additional few minutes.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in achieving the perfect crispy chicken bites. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

• First, check your air fryer model. Some air fryers require preheating, while others don't have this feature. If your air fryer has a preheat setting, make sure to use it.
• Set the temperature to 380°F to 400°F. This temperature range is ideal for cooking chicken bites and achieving a crispy texture.
• Allow the air fryer to preheat for about 5 minutes. This duration should be sufficient for the air fryer to reach the desired temperature.
• While the air fryer is preheating, you can prepare your chicken bites. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, usually about 1-inch cubes. Place them into a medium-sized bowl.
• Add your chosen oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to the bowl of chicken pieces. Stir well to ensure all the chicken pieces are coated evenly with oil.
• At this point, you can also add your preferred seasonings and spices to the chicken. This step is optional but can enhance the flavour of your chicken bites. Some popular choices include Cajun seasoning, Italian herbs, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
• Once the preheating is complete, it's time to arrange the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap or crowd the basket. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate effectively, promoting even cooking and crispiness.
• If needed, you can spray or brush the air fryer basket with a little more oil before adding the chicken pieces. This extra step can help prevent sticking and enhance the crispiness of your chicken bites.
• Now, you're ready to start cooking your chicken bites! Depending on the size of your chicken pieces and your air fryer, the cooking time may vary. Set the timer for 7 to 12 minutes for most air fryers. However, keep an eye on your chicken bites and adjust the timing as needed.
• During the cooking process, remember to shake or flip the basket periodically to ensure even cooking and browning. This step is crucial for achieving crispy chicken bites on all sides.

By following these steps, you'll be able to create delicious, crispy chicken bites in your air fryer every time!

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces

To make crispy chicken bites in an air fryer, you'll need to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. This step is crucial, as it ensures the chicken cooks evenly and quickly in the air fryer. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

First, gather your chicken breasts or tenders. You'll want to use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer dark meat, but make sure to remove the bones and skin beforehand. Place the chicken on a clean cutting board, and use a sharp knife to trim away any excess fat or connective tissue.

Next, you'll want to cut the chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces. Aim for a cube shape with a side length of around 1 inch. This size will ensure the chicken cooks through evenly without drying out. You can also cut the chicken into slightly smaller or larger pieces, but keep in mind that this will affect the cooking time. If you're making a large batch, it's helpful to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate.

As you cut, it's a good idea to place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or on a tray. This will give you a dedicated space to work and make it easier to transfer the chicken to the next step of the recipe.

When cutting the chicken, be mindful of food safety practices. Wash your hands before and after handling raw chicken, and make sure to sanitise your cutting board and knife after you're done. It's also a good idea to use a separate cutting board for raw meats to avoid cross-contamination.

Once you've cut all your chicken into bite-sized pieces, you're ready to move on to the next step of your crispy chicken bites recipe. Remember to handle the raw chicken safely and follow the rest of your recipe instructions carefully for delicious, crispy results!

Season the chicken

Seasoning the chicken is a crucial step in achieving the desired flavour and texture for your crispy chicken bites. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to guide you through the seasoning process:

Choose Your Seasonings:

Firstly, decide on the type of seasonings you want to use. You can opt for a specific blend such as Italian, Cajun, or taco seasoning. Alternatively, you can create your own blend by combining various dried herbs and spices. Common options include paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, basil, and parsley. You can also include salt in your blend or add it separately.

Prepare the Chicken:

Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, around 1-inch cubes. Place the chicken pieces into a medium-sized bowl. Add a small amount of oil, such as olive oil or avocado oil, to the bowl and toss the chicken until each piece is coated in the oil. You can also add cornstarch at this stage, which will help create a crispier texture.

Add the Seasonings:

Now it's time to add your chosen seasonings to the chicken. Sprinkle the seasonings over the chicken and toss or stir the mixture until all the pieces are evenly coated. You can also get creative and experiment with different combinations of seasonings to find your favourite flavour profile.

Customise Your Chicken Bites:

If you want to add a little extra crunch to your chicken bites, consider coating them in a breading mixture. You can do this by dipping the seasoned chicken pieces in a batter made from egg and flour, and then dredging them in breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. This step is optional but will give your chicken bites a crispier texture.

Finalise the Seasoning:

Once your chicken pieces are seasoned and coated (if desired), give them a final toss to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed. You can also add a bit more oil or spray the pieces with oil to help the seasonings stick and promote crispiness.

Your seasoned chicken bites are now ready to be cooked in your air fryer! Remember to preheat your air fryer and cook the chicken in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Enjoy experimenting with different seasoning blends to find your perfect crispy chicken bite flavour!

Bread the chicken

To make crispy chicken bites in an air fryer, you'll need to bread the chicken. This can be done in a few different ways, but the basic steps are to coat the chicken in a dry mixture, then a wet mixture, and then the dry mixture again. This will give the chicken a crispy texture.

One way to bread chicken is to use a flour and egg mixture. First, coat the chicken in a thin batter of flour and water, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally, dredge it in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs. This method creates a crispy and crunchy texture. For an extra crunchy bite, you can double dredge the chicken by repeating the process.

Another option is to use a cornstarch and egg mixture. Toss the chicken in cornstarch until evenly coated, then dip it in beaten eggs, and finally, coat it in breadcrumbs or a flour mixture. This method will give your chicken a light texture, similar to Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets.

When breading the chicken, it's important to let the coating rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating to adhere better and creates a crispier texture. Additionally, make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket when cooking, as this will ensure even cooking and crispiness.

You can also add different seasonings to your breading for extra flavor. For example, you can try using Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, dried parsley, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning. Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor!

Cook the chicken

Now that you've cut up your chicken, coated it in your chosen seasonings and/or cornstarch, and sprayed your air fryer basket with oil, it's time to cook the chicken!

First, make sure you've preheated your air fryer. The ideal temperature is around 400°F, and you should preheat for about 5 minutes. If your air fryer doesn't require preheating, simply set the temperature to 400°F.

Next, add the chicken pieces to the basket in a single layer. It's important not to overcrowd the basket, so you may need to cook the chicken in batches. Spray the chicken with a light coating of oil, such as avocado or olive oil.

Now, you're ready to start air frying! The chicken bites will take about 8-12 minutes to cook, depending on the size of your chicken pieces. For larger pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time. Be sure to shake the basket every few minutes to ensure even cooking. You can also flip the chicken bites with tongs if you prefer.

Your chicken bites are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. Once they're done, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy chicken bites!

Frequently asked questions