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Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are the ultimate no-fuss weeknight meal solution, delivering crispy, golden-brown chicken perfection in minutes without the mess of deep frying. This incredibly versatile recipe is your new go-to for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious dinner that the whole family will adore.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional, for extra crispiness

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Paper towels
  • Medium Bowl

Method
 

  1. Pat your chicken cubes completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving that desired crispy texture in the air fryer, as excess moisture can lead to steaming rather than browning. If you’re aiming for an extra crispy finish, lightly toss the chicken cubes with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch at this stage.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the dried chicken cubes to the bowl. Toss everything together until each piece of chicken is evenly coated with the spice mixture. Make sure there are no dry spots left.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  3. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. A preheated air fryer ensures that your chicken bites start cooking and crisping up immediately upon contact, leading to a more even and golden result.
  4. Arrange the seasoned chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket; if necessary, cook the chicken in batches to ensure proper air circulation around each piece. Overcrowding will steam the chicken and prevent it from getting crispy.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  5. Cook the chicken bites for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through at around the 6-8 minute mark. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your chicken cubes. You're looking for the chicken to be golden brown and crispy on all sides, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  6. Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer basket. Serve immediately while they are hot and at their crispiest.
    1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

Notes

Leftover chicken bites can be reheated in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for best crispiness.