Let’s talk chicken. Specifically, chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so flavorful that you’ll find yourself sneaking a few bites before it even hits the table. Meet my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites—a game-changer in the kitchen and a must-try for all chicken lovers out there. These little morsels are perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or any time you’re craving something tasty and easy to make.
The secret to these chicken bites is the air fryer. It transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary with just a fraction of the oil used in traditional frying. Think of all the crunchy goodness you love in fried chicken but without the greasy aftermath. And the best part? These bites are ready in under 20 minutes. That’s right—crispy, delicious chicken in less time than it takes to binge-watch your favorite show.
What’s even better is how versatile these chicken bites are. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer with a tangy dipping sauce, tossing them into a salad for a protein-packed lunch, or meal-prepping for the week, these chicken bites are your new go-to. Packed with flavor, easy to customize with your favorite spices, and perfectly crispy every time, they’re sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Recipe Resume in Todd Wilbur’s Style:
Crunchy, golden, and irresistibly tasty—these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are everything you love about fried chicken, minus the guilt. With just a handful of ingredients and a trusty air fryer, you can whip up these savory bites in no time. They’re perfect for dipping, topping salads, or just snacking straight from the basket.
This recipe is all about simplicity and flavor. A quick toss in a seasoned breadcrumb coating, a short stint in the air fryer, and you’ve got perfectly crispy chicken bites that everyone will love. Less oil, less mess, and all the taste—what’s not to love?
Exciting Story:
These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites have quickly become a favorite in our house, especially on movie nights. My husband loves them because they remind him of his favorite pub snack, and our kids adore them because, well, who doesn’t love bite-sized chicken? I remember the first time I made them, I was experimenting with different air fryer recipes, trying to find something that could replace our usual takeout cravings. The moment I served these, they were a hit!
One of our most memorable weekends was when we decided to have a family movie marathon. I made a huge batch of these chicken bites, paired them with a variety of dipping sauces, and set them out with popcorn and other snacks. We laughed, ate, and watched movies late into the night, and those chicken bites disappeared faster than I could imagine. It was one of those perfect evenings where everyone was happy, full, and content.
Now, whenever we plan a family night or have friends over, these chicken bites are always on the menu. They’re easy to prepare, and I love that they’re healthier than traditional fried options. Plus, they’re so fun to eat! It’s those little moments of joy—like seeing my family reach for another bite or hearing them ask for the recipe to be made again—that make cooking so rewarding.
Why These Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites?
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the crispy texture of fried chicken with less oil, making these bites a healthier option for those craving something crunchy and delicious.
- Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have these chicken bites ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute snacks.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you like your chicken spicy, herby, or cheesy, you can easily adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Plus, these bites work as appetizers, main dishes, or even a salad topping.
- Kid-Friendly: Bite-sized and fun to eat, these chicken bites are a hit with kids and adults alike, making them a great option for family meals.
Tips:
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra-crispy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets crispy.
- Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo for added flavor.
Substitutions and Variations:
- Chicken: Try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier option.
- Breadcrumbs: Swap regular breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version to accommodate dietary needs.
- Seasoning: Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning, Cajun spice, or lemon pepper for a new flavor twist.
Make a Healthier Version:
- Use whole-wheat breadcrumbs to increase fiber content.
- Substitute the egg with egg whites to reduce cholesterol.
- Opt for low-sodium seasoning to control salt intake.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results. - How do I reheat leftover chicken bites?
Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to restore their crispiness. - Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?
You can prep and bread the chicken in advance, then refrigerate. Cook when ready to serve for best results. - What dipping sauces go well with these chicken bites?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and buffalo sauce are all great choices. - Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Are these chicken bites spicy?
The spice level is mild. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your preference to make them spicier or milder. - Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs will give you a juicier result with slightly more flavor. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for best texture. - Can I add cheese to the breadcrumb mixture?
Yes, adding extra cheese like cheddar or Romano can give the chicken bites a richer flavor. - What side dishes go well with these chicken bites?
Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of sweet potato fries for a complete meal. - Is it possible to make these chicken bites gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets. - How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
Make sure to press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken firmly and avoid overhandling during cooking.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Description
Let’s talk chicken. Specifically, chicken that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and so flavorful that you’ll find yourself sneaking a few bites before it even hits the table. Meet my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites—a game-changer in the kitchen and a must-try for all chicken lovers out there.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk divided
- 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup flour (I used whole-wheat)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups crushed crackers (I used about 38 whole-wheat saltine crackers)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
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Preheat air-fryer to 390 degrees F.
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Pour 1/4 cup buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat.
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Place flour in a resealable bag. In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and remaining buttermilk.
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In another shallow bowl, combine crushed crackers, paprika, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
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Add raw chicken bites to flour and shake until coated.
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Next, dip floured chicken in egg mixture, then in cracker mixture, tossing to coat.
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Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each bite. You may need to cook in batches.
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Spray with olive oil spray. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 10
