These air fryer chicken bites are juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned, with lightly golden edges. They’re quick to make with just a few ingredients, and you can serve them with practically anything for an easy dinner.
Air Fryer Chicken Pieces My Kids Can’t Get Enough Of
My kids have been obsessed with Cane’s chicken strips and Chick-fil-A nuggets, so I recreated and shared the recipes because they’re much more budget-friendly than eating out all the time. For years, I also made chicken pieces in a pan that were similar, but not quite the same as the grilled chicken bites everyone loves.
Then one day, I decided to cook seasoned chicken breast chunks in the air fryer, and the result was juicy, tender chicken bites that my daughter declared just as good, if not better! That’s a pretty big compliment coming from her, so I’ll take it as a win, especially when I can skip the drive-thru and make a batch in about 15 minutes at a fraction of the cost.
Seasoning Options
In this recipe, I season the cubed chicken in a bowl with oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt before cooking them. I recommend not skipping the oil since it helps the seasoning stick to the meat and gives these bites a golden, crispy texture. You can also use taco seasoning, Italian seasoning with a little onion powder, garlic powder, and salt, or, for more heat, blackened seasoning.
Cutting Chicken Pieces
For cutting chicken breasts into bites, you’ll need a sharp knife and a plastic cutting board. Cut the meat into strips, then cut each strip into bite-sized 1-inch cubes. If you use a wooden board, clean it well afterward.
How to Air Fryer Chicken Pieces
- Place the seasoned chicken bites in the preheated air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them so air can circulate.
- Cook them at 390F for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
What to Serve with Air Fried Chicken Bites
Think of these chicken bites as the main protein for any dinner, paired with some rice and your favorite healthy veggie sides, tossed with pasta, or turned into quick chicken tacos.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites (15-Minute Recipe)
Watch how it’s made:
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breasts, about 2 large
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the air fryer with the tray inside for 5 minutes at 390F (200C).
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel. Slice each breast into vertical strips, then into small, 1-inch cubes.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil and seasonings. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss to coat them with the seasoning.
Cook:
- Place the chicken pieces in the preheated air fryer in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece to allow the hot air to flow.
- Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stopping halfway through to give the basket a good shake and flip the pieces over. They're done when the internal temperature of the thickest piece has reached 165F (74C). Remove the cooked chicken bites from the basket and serve.
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Sherry says
Came out so Gud
I Send it for my sons lunch at school ❤
Thx ..
Elizabeth F says
Those chicken bites are deliciously moist and inviting. It’s impressive what an air fryer can do!
Clarice says
I’m running out of lunch ideas, so I’m always on the lookout for healthier options for the kids. This looks like something they’d really enjoy! I can’t wait to try your recipe and hopefully swap out the store-bought nuggets for a homemade version of these chicken bites. Thanks so much for sharing!
Sonia Seivwright says
My air fryer gets a lot of use when I need dinner on the table quickly, so these chicken bites fit right into our routine. The kids enjoyed them as they are, while I added mine to a salad and a rice bowl. The different seasoning ideas are great.