These seriously juicy and perfectly seasoned Air Fryer Chicken Bites will quickly become your new go-to protein for dinners and meal prep! Ready to eat in just 15 minutes. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce and topping on salads or grain bowls.
Table of Contents
Swap the box of frozen boneless chicken bites for these easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites instead. With no breading, they’re a quick, easy, and delicious protein to enjoy for dinner or meal prep. Plus, they’re naturally gluten-free!
These adult-approved chicken nuggets are perfect for dipping, meal prepping, or pairing with rice, salad, or veggies when you want a good-for-you meal.
Regardless of how you serve them, I highly recommend making a double batch and freezing the extras for later. After all, there is never a bad time for mouthwatering chicken bites!
Step up your snack game with more air fryer recipes, like these Air Fryer Salmon Bites and Air Fryer Pork Belly Bites.
Ingredient notes
- Chicken breasts – Chicken breasts are cut into bite-sized pieces for these boneless chicken bites. Chicken thighs also work if you prefer a richer flavor, but remember that they take slightly longer to cook.
- Olive oil – Coating the chicken in some olive oil helps the spices stick and yields a golden brown crust.
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Paprika – Smoked, sweet, or hot, depending on your spice preference. Or, try one of these substitutes for paprika.
- Oregano – If you don’t have oregano, use dried thyme, basil, Italian seasoning, or one of these substitutes.
- Black pepper
How to air fry chicken bites
Step 1
Season the chicken
- Place the bite-sized chicken breast pieces in a medium bowl and toss them with olive oil until they’re evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the seasonings over top and toss again.
Step 2
Arrange in air fryer
- Lay the seasoned chicken pieces in an even layer in the preheated air fryer basket.
- Air fry until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (an instant-read thermometer should register 165°F).
Step 3
Enjoy
- Transfer the chicken bites to a plate and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
- Enjoy!
Tips and tricks
- Cut the chicken into uniform 1 ½ inch bite-sized cubes to help each one cook evenly.
- Always preheat your air fryer to help crisp the outside of the bites while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the chicken pieces in the air fryer! If they’re piled on top of each other, cook them in two batches instead.
- Let the chicken bites rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite extra juicy and flavorful!
Variations
- Marinate the chicken – If you have extra time, marinate the chicken pieces in Italian dressing or my Greek Chicken Marinade for at least 30 minutes.
- Mix and match the seasonings – Feel free to substitute the seasonings in the recipe card for anything you like or use a premade spice blend instead, like cajun, chili, taco, or chicken seasoning.
- Toss them in a sauce – Coat the chicken bites in your favorite sauce before OR after cooking for a sticky, flavorful finish. BBQ, lemon pepper, sweet soy sauce, red pepper aioli or any of these 35+ Sauces for Chicken Wings work wonderfully.
- Make them crispy with a breading – Dip the seasoned chicken pieces in a beaten egg, then panko breadcrumbs before placing them in the preheated, lightly greased air fryer basket.
Serving suggestions
First things first, you need a great dipping sauce to take these boneless bites over the top. Anything from ranch to honey mustard to bang bang sauce will do! Check out these 20+ Dipping Sauces for Chicken Tenders if you need more dipping sauce ideas.
Air fryer chicken bites can be served as the main protein for a light dinner or meal prep. Pair them with:
Planning a party? Pair your chicken bites with other crispy, dippable air fryer snacks, such as shoestring fries, shishito peppers, zucchini fries, or toasted ravioli.
FAQs
How long does it take to cook chicken bites in the air fryer?
It takes between 7 and 10 minutes to air fry chicken bites at 380°F; however, the time can vary depending on the size of your bites and how many you’re cooking. If you’re unsure if they’re done or not, insert a meat thermometer into the chicken bites. They’re done once they reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
Are these chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes! I made these chicken bites without a breading, which makes them inherently gluten-free.
Storing
Leftover air fried chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until they’re heated through.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken bites. Once cool, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they’re solid. Transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
More air fryer chicken recipes
Did you make these chicken bites in your air fryer?
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Full Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 11/2-inch cubes)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place the chicken pieces in a medium sized bowl. Add the olive oil and toss the chicken to coat it in the oil.
- Sprinkle on the salt, oregano, paprika, pepper and garlic powder and toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the spices.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380 degrees.
- Add the chicken in an even layer and cook for 7-10 minutes, tossing occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through (it should register 165-degrees on an instant read thermometer).
- Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Cut the chicken into uniform 1 ½ inch bite-sized cubes to help each one cook evenly.
- Always preheat your air fryer to help crisp the outside of the bites while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t overcrowd the chicken pieces in the air fryer! If they’re piled on top of each other, cook them in two batches instead.
- Let the chicken bites rest for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, making each bite extra juicy and flavorful!
- Leftover air fried chicken bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes or until they’re heated through.
- You can also freeze the cooked chicken bites. Once cool, lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they’re solid. Transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 350°F until their internal temperature reaches 165°F.
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