Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites: Crispy, Tender, and Flavorful

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and healthy way to enjoy perfectly seasoned, crispy chicken without all the extra oil. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or looking for a tasty snack, these chicken bites are sure to hit the spot!

Why Make This Recipe

Fast and Easy

In just 20 minutes, you can have a batch of delicious, crispy chicken bites ready to serve. The air fryer makes it quick, and there’s no need for deep frying, so you can enjoy a healthier version of a classic dish.

Full of Flavor

Seasoned with Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and garlic powder, these chicken bites are bursting with bold, savory flavors. A drizzle of olive oil ensures they stay juicy, while the air fryer crisps them up perfectly.

Versatile and Customizable

You can serve these chicken bites as an appetizer, snack, or as part of a larger meal. They’re also customizable—add extra spice with cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes, or even try different seasoning blends based on your preference.

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Chicken Bites:

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are lean and cook quickly in the air fryer. You can also use boneless thighs if you prefer a juicier cut of meat.
• 1/2 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds a bit of heat and smoky flavor. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you like your chicken or substitute with another seasoning blend.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Italian seasoning brings a herby, savory flavor to the chicken. You can substitute with dried oregano or basil.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Olive oil helps the seasonings stick and ensures the chicken gets crispy. You can use avocado oil or vegetable oil if preferred.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a mild, savory depth to the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder enhances the overall flavor. You can use fresh garlic for a stronger flavor.
• Salt and black pepper: These simple seasonings are essential for bringing out the flavors of the chicken. Adjust to taste.
• Fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish. You can omit it if you prefer, or substitute with fresh cilantro.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes to ensure it’s hot and ready for cooking.

2. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and transfer them to a bowl.
• Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning, and Italian seasoning. Toss or mix the chicken to ensure it’s evenly coated with the seasoning blend.

3. Cook the Chicken Bites:

• Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil to prevent sticking (this is optional, but it helps with cleanup).
• Place the seasoned chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. It’s okay if they are touching, but they shouldn’t be overlapping.
• Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking.
• The chicken bites are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) in the thickest part, or when they are no longer pink when cut open.

4. Serve:

• Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a bowl. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites

These chicken bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with dipping sauces like ranch, buffalo sauce, or a creamy dip. You can also add them to salads, tacos, or wraps for a quick and satisfying meal. For a fuller meal, serve them alongside steamed veggies, rice, or mashed potatoes.

How to Store Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites

Refrigerating: Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) to bring back the crispiness.

Tips to Make Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites

1. Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for an extra kick. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
2. Cut the chicken evenly: Ensure the chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking. Smaller pieces cook faster, while larger ones may need a bit more time.
3. Don’t overcrowd the basket: For the crispiest chicken bites, ensure there is enough space in the air fryer basket for the chicken to cook evenly. If necessary, cook in batches.

Variations

• Different seasonings: Experiment with different seasoning blends like taco seasoning, paprika, or lemon pepper to change up the flavor profile.
• Add veggies: Add small pieces of bell peppers or zucchini alongside the chicken for a complete meal in one basket.
• Make it healthier: For a lighter option, skip the oil spray and cook the chicken bites without it. You can also swap the Cajun seasoning for a milder spice mix.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Just be aware that they may take a little longer to cook compared to chicken breasts.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken bites and marinate them in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just be sure to cook them fresh to get the crispy texture.

Can I use frozen chicken?
It’s best to use fresh chicken for this recipe, but you can cook frozen chicken in the air fryer. However, you will need to adjust the cooking time and check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites are a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that can be made in just 20 minutes. With a perfect combination of seasoning and crispy texture, these bites are a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, appetizer, or part of a meal, they’re sure to be a hit!

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