Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Serves: 4
These juicy chicken bites come out perfectly crispy in the air fryer every time. They’re seasoned just right and make an excellent high-protein meal or snack that the whole family will love.
Key Takeaways:
- Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Uses simple ingredients you likely have at home
- Perfect for meal prep – stays crispy when reheated
- Kid-friendly and great for dipping
Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Want juicy, crispy chicken without the mess of deep frying? These air fryer chicken bites are your answer. They’re quick to make, use minimal oil, and turn out perfectly golden every time. Plus, they’re versatile – serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, add them to salads, or pack them for lunch.
Equipment Needed
- 5-quart air fryer (or similar size)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- 2 medium mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Olive oil cooking spray
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Phase (5 minutes)
- Prepare your workspace:
- Clean your counter thoroughly
- Wash your hands with soap for 20 seconds
- Set out all ingredients and tools before starting
- Place a paper towel-lined plate nearby for coated chicken
- Prepare the chicken breasts:
- Remove chicken from packaging
- Pat each breast completely dry with paper towels
- Place on a clean cutting board designated for raw meat
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces:
- First, slice each breast horizontally into 3 even strips
- Cut each strip into 1-inch pieces
- Aim for roughly equal-sized cubes (about the size of a dice)
- If pieces are uneven, larger pieces will need longer cooking time
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Plug in your air fryer and ensure basket is clean
- Press the preheat button if you have one
- Set temperature to 380°F
- Let it heat for 5 minutes
- You’ll know it’s ready when it beeps or light indicates preheated
Seasoning Phase (3 minutes)
- Prepare your seasoning mixture:
- Use a medium bowl that’s completely dry
- Measure out each seasoning carefully:
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (level, not heaping)
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Mix all seasonings together with a spoon
- Season the chicken:
- Place cubed chicken in the bowl
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Add mixed seasonings
- Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything
- Keep mixing until each piece is evenly coated
- No piece should look dry or unseasoned
Coating Phase (2 minutes)
- Prepare your coating station:
- In a separate clean, dry bowl, combine:
- 1 cup seasoned panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- Mix these together well with a fork
- Place bowl next to your seasoned chicken
- Have your paper towel-lined plate ready
- Coat the chicken pieces:
- Work with 4-5 pieces at a time
- Drop each piece into breadcrumb mixture
- Use dry hands to gently press coating on all sides
- Lift piece and shake gently to remove excess
- Place on prepared plate
- Repeat until all pieces are coated
- TIP: Keep one hand “dry” for breadcrumbs and one “wet” for chicken
Cooking Phase (10 minutes)
- Prepare air fryer basket:
- Remove preheated basket carefully – it’s hot!
- Spray bottom and sides with olive oil cooking spray
- Hold spray can 6 inches away while spraying
- Arrange chicken in basket:
- Place chicken pieces one by one
- Leave space between each piece
- They shouldn’t touch each other
- Don’t fill more than one layer
- For a 5-quart air fryer, cook in 2-3 batches
- Final preparation:
- Spray tops of chicken lightly with cooking spray
- Close basket carefully
- Set timer for 4 minutes
- First cooking phase:
- Cook at 380°F for 4 minutes
- When timer beeps, carefully remove basket
- Using tongs, gently flip each piece
- Spray newly exposed tops with cooking spray
- Return basket to air fryer
- Second cooking phase:
- Cook for another 4-6 minutes
- Check temperature with meat thermometer
- Insert into thickest piece
- Should read 165°F
- If not ready, cook in 1-minute intervals
- Chicken should be golden brown and crispy
- Finishing:
- Remove basket carefully
- Let chicken rest for 1-2 minutes
- Transfer to serving plate
- Repeat process with remaining batches
Troubleshooting Tips
- Coating falling off? Pat chicken completely dry and press coating firmly
- Not crispy enough? Spray with more cooking spray halfway through
- Burning too quickly? Lower temperature to 370°F
- Not cooking evenly? Cut pieces more uniformly and don’t overcrowd
Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko
- Low-carb: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds
- Extra spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Italian style: Use Italian seasoning instead of poultry seasoning
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Keep in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe container
- Reheating: Air fry at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until heated through
Safety Notes & Tips
- Always check internal temperature reaches 165°F
- Use separate cutting boards for raw chicken
- Wash hands thoroughly after handling raw chicken
- Never overcrowd air fryer basket
- Let air fryer heat fully before cooking
Serve these chicken bites hot with your favorite dipping sauces. They pair perfectly with steamed veggies or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
