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If you’re looking for a quick dinner or snack that both kids and adults will devour, these Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are about to become your go-to. Think golden crust, juicy center, and the kind of crisp you usually only get from deep frying — but way healthier!
I started making these when my kids asked for chicken nuggets, and we didn’t have any in the freezer. One batch later and they were hooked. Now we make them weekly, and honestly, I sneak just as many bites as they do.
The air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without the grease. And the breadcrumb-Parmesan coating? Game changer. You can toss them in sauce, dip them, or serve them plain — they’re always a hit.
They’re ready in about 20 minutes, and you only need a few pantry staples. Let’s make these crispy little bites of goodness!
🥕 Ingredients Overview
Here’s what you’ll need for these tasty, crispy chicken bites:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into evenly sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
- Breadcrumbs: Regular or panko breadcrumbs both work. Panko gives you extra crunch.
- Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated for that salty, savory kick in every bite.
- Egg: Helps the coating stick to the chicken.
- Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances the flavor.
Optional add-ins: garlic powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning for more flavor depth.
Pro Tip: Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the breading stick and crisp up better.
🔥 Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Chicken: Cut 1 lb of chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
- Set Up Breading Station: Beat 1 egg in one bowl. In another, mix 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each cube into the egg, then coat in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mix. Press lightly.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Set to 390°F and preheat for 2-3 minutes.
- Air Fry (Part 1): Arrange chicken bites in a single layer. Air fry at 390°F for 5-6 minutes.
- Shake and Finish: Shake the basket or flip the bites, then air fry another 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer — chicken is done at 165°F internally.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the basket (they won’t crisp properly)
- Skipping the oil spray (helps with browning)
- Not patting the chicken dry before breading
- Making pieces too big or uneven
- Using pre-shredded Parmesan (it won’t coat well)
🎨 Variations & Add-Ons
- Spicy: Add cayenne to the breading mix or toss cooked bites in buffalo sauce.
- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or crushed GF crackers instead of breadcrumbs.
- Healthy: Skip the cheese and use whole wheat or flax-based breadcrumbs.
- Comfort Food: Serve with mac and cheese or ranch dip.
- Kid-Friendly: Keep seasoning mild and serve with ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Bonus ideas: Toss them in teriyaki, sweet chili, or honey garlic sauce after cooking for flavor variety.
📦 Make Ahead & Storage
These chicken bites are great for meal prep:
- Make Ahead: Bread the chicken and refrigerate on a tray until ready to air fry.
- Fridge: Store cooked bites in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze breaded (uncooked) bites on a tray, then store in a bag. Cook from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes.
- Reheat: Air fry at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
🥗 Nutrition Highlights
These chicken bites are high in protein, lower in fat than fried nuggets, and easy to adapt for gluten-free or low-carb diets.
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cube and pat dry the chicken.
- Set up bowls with beaten egg and breadcrumb-Parmesan mix.
- Dip chicken in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mix.
- Preheat air fryer to 390°F.
- Air fry for 5-6 minutes.
- Shake and air fry another 5-6 minutes until golden.
Notes
- Use meat thermometer to check for doneness.
- Spray lightly with oil for extra crisp.
- Store cooked bites in fridge or freeze raw for later.
These crispy chicken bites are a total win — easy to make, endlessly dippable, and just as good the next day. I hope they become a go-to in your house too! Drop a comment with your favorite dipping sauce, or tag me if you try a saucy variation. And if you’re looking for another crunchy air fryer protein, check out my air fryer chicken meatballs — juicy, savory, and packed with flavor!
