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Air Fry Chicken Bites
Anna Warden

Air Fry Chicken Bites

Air Fry Chicken Bites are an absolute delight. They're crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor, making them a perfect addition to any meal. After years of perfecting this recipe, I can assure you that these bites are a healthier take on classic fried chicken. The air fryer gives you that satisfying crunch without the excess calories or oil. Plus, the marinade of spices ensures that every bite is packed with flavor.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

  • - Chicken: 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin slices
  • - Spices:
  • - 1 teaspoon paprika
  • - 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • - 3/4 teaspoon salt I recommend Morton table salt for even coating
  • - 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • - 1 1/2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • - 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • - Other:
  • - 2 teaspoons avocado oil
  • Feel free to play around with these spices. You might like a bit of heat so consider adding some cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes. A small handful of fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also elevate the flavor, and they add a nice pop of color!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • mixing bowl
  • tongs
  • cutting board
  • knife

Method
 

Step 1: Prep the Chicken
  1. Start by cutting the chicken breasts into thin, flat pieces. Aim for something resembling a thin chicken breast rather than bite-sized chunks. If you're working with a one-pound package, you’ll typically slice each breast into about three to four thin pieces. The key is keeping them thin so they cook evenly and quickly. If your chicken has excess moisture, pat it dry with paper towels to ensure a great sear.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken with Spices
  1. Combine the spices in a mixing bowl. Make sure they are well mixed. Sprinkle this heavenly mixture over your chicken pieces in the bowl. Next, drizzle the avocado oil on top. It’s best to use your hands to toss everything together, but if you’re not a fan of getting messy, tongs will do the trick! Ensure every piece of chicken is well coated with those delicious spices. You can let it sit for a few minutes for an extra flavor boost, but I often toss it straight to the air fryer.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Bites
  1. Before you start frying, preheat your air fryer to 415°F (around 210°C). This step is essential for achieving that perfect crunch. Place your seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space for air to circulate. Air fry for 10 minutes. If your pieces are a bit thicker, you might want to bump up the cooking time to about 13 minutes—just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
Step 4: Enjoy Your Culinary Creation
  1. Once the timer goes off, what you should see is golden-brown, crispy chicken bites that look absolutely mouthwatering. Let them rest for a couple of minutes. Slice into them to reveal their juicy insides, and you might find yourself munching on half of them straight off the cutting board (don’t worry; I won't tell!). Personally, I’ve been enjoying them dipped in a homemade gochujang sauce; it’s a match made in heaven.

Notes

- Thickness Matters: Thin chicken pieces are crucial for even cooking. Don’t skip this step!
- Resting Time: Allowing the chicken to rest briefly after cooking lets juices redistribute.
- Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking larger quantities, do it in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Sauces Galore: Experiment with different dips! Ranch, barbecue, or even a spicy sriracha mayo work wonderfully.
- Reheating: If you have leftovers, reheating in the air fryer for crispiness is a fantastic option.

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