These Air Fryer Chicken Bites are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. They’re easy to make and perfect for a quick snack or a fun meal!
Who doesn’t love chicken that’s easy to whip up? I like to serve them with a tasty dip or just munch on them straight from the air fryer—yummy and satisfying!
The best part? They’re a healthier option because they require less oil. I love how simple they are to prepare—just season, air fry, and enjoy the crunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breast: I used chicken breast for a lean and tender bite. You can also try chicken thighs for a juicier option or even substitute tofu for a vegetarian twist!
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are fantastic for extra crunch. If you don’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work too, but you could also use crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers as an alternative.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder give great flavor. Feel free to adjust these spices to your liking or add herbs like thyme or oregano for something different!
How Do You Ensure Your Chicken Bites are Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key for these chicken bites. Here’s how to do it right!
- Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly with buttermilk before dredging in breadcrumbs to help them stick better.
- When you place the chicken in the air fryer, arrange them in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. This helps the hot air circulate properly.
- Lightly spraying or brushing the chicken with olive oil not only adds flavor but also promotes crispiness. Don’t skip this step!
- Finally, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking ensures even browning on both sides.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
For the Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For Cooking:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes of prep time, plus an additional 30 minutes to 2 hours for marinating the chicken. After marinating, cooking will only take about 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Altogether, you’ll have delicious chicken bites ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
In a large bowl, combine the bite-sized chicken pieces and buttermilk. Make sure all the chicken is covered. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours. This step helps make the chicken tender and flavorful.
2. Preparing the Coating:
While the chicken is marinating, take a separate bowl and mix together the breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy). This will give your chicken a tasty crunch!
3. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken get that perfect golden color and crispiness.
4. Dredging the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out of the refrigerator and let any excess buttermilk drip off. Now, take each piece of chicken and coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, making sure it’s well-covered. This will give it a delicious crispy layer!
5. Preparing for Cooking:
Lightly spray or brush the coated chicken bites with olive oil or cooking spray. This helps them crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
6. Cooking the Chicken Bites:
Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them, as this can stop them from cooking evenly. Cook for about 10-12 minutes. Flip the chicken bites halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly.
7. Checking for Doneness:
Once the timer goes off, check if the chicken bites are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). If they need a bit more time, you can air fry them for another minute or two.
8. Serving:
Serve the hot chicken bites with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or tzatziki. If you like, garnish with fresh herbs for a nice touch. Enjoy your delicious air fryer chicken bites!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will add more flavor and juiciness to your bites. Just be sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces as breast meat so they cook evenly. The cooking time should remain the same, but you can always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
What If I Don’t Have Buttermilk?
No worries! You can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, then use it in the same way as buttermilk in the recipe.
How to Store Leftover Chicken Bites?
Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes or until warmed through and crispy again!
Can I Make These Chicken Bites Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour as an alternative. Make sure to check the labels to confirm they’re certified gluten-free, and follow the same preparation method!
