Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Quick and delicious air fryer chicken bites with a crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun snack.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt) Helps tenderize the chicken
For the Coating
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko works well) Provides extra crunch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted for gluten-free flour
- Olive oil spray for spritzing Keeps bites from sticking
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large mixing bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize.
- In another bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In a separate dish, place the flour and breadcrumbs, mixing the seasonings into the breadcrumbs.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and let the excess drip off.
- Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to help adhere.
Cooking
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket and spray the tops with olive oil.
- Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Remove the chicken bites and serve hot.
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Notes
Serve with various dipping sauces like ketchup, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing. Enhance flavors with fresh herbs or lemon juice before serving. For storage, allow bites to cool and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.