Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Golden and crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside! These homemade chicken bites are incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients. Coated in panko breadcrumbs and air-fried until golden, they're perfect for picky kids and adults alike. Keep them simple or add Parmesan and Italian herbs for a little extra flavour. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce for an easy, delicious meal.
Prep time
10 min
Cook time
12–16 min
Serves
Ingredients
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Chicken Bites
- 2 largeboneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1–1½ cupspanko breadcrumbs, as needed
- ½ tsppaprika
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tspsalt, or to taste
- ¼ tspfreshly cracked black pepper
- Avocado oil cooking spray
Optional for Extra Flavour
- 2 tbspfinely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tspdried Italian seasoning
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 2 largeboneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbspolive oil
- 1–1½ cupspanko breadcrumbs, as needed
- ½ tsppaprika
- ½ tspgarlic powder
- ½ tspsalt, or to taste
- ¼ tspfreshly cracked black pepper
- Avocado oil cooking spray
Optional for Extra Flavour
- 2 tbspfinely grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tspdried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- 1
Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Cut each breast into approximately 3–4 large, evenly sized pieces, depending on their size.
- 2
Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with paprika, garlic powder, salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Toss until evenly seasoned.
- 3
Generously sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the chicken, gently pressing them into each piece until all sides are evenly coated. For additional flavour, combine the Parmesan and Italian seasoning with the breadcrumbs before coating.
- 4
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for approximately 3 minutes.
- 5
Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each piece. Lightly spray with avocado oil to help the breadcrumbs crisp up.
- 6
Cook for approximately 12–16 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- 7
Remove from the air fryer and serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce.
Melissa's Notes
Keep it simple: Paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper create a delicious, lightly seasoned coating that's perfect for kids.
Add extra flavour: Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning give these chicken bites a savoury twist.
For extra crispiness: Press the panko firmly into the chicken and lightly spray with avocado oil before cooking.
Avoid overcrowding: Arrange the chicken in a single layer and cook in batches if necessary.
Make ahead: Cook ahead and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until heated through and crispy.
Serving Suggestion: Delicious with my Chipotle Fry Dipping Sauce, honey mustard, ranch or classic ketchup.
Nutrition Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings)
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients and brands used.
Pairs perfectly with my Smoky Chipotle Fry Sauce
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