Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer chicken bites that are perfectly golden and juicy on the inside. These bite-sized pieces are coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and cooked quickly in the air fryer for a healthier alternative to fried chicken. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish served with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
Serving
- Your favorite dipping sauce (e.g., BBQ or ranch)
Instructions
- Prepare chicken pieces: Cut chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- Mix coatings: In one bowl, whisk the eggs with salt and pepper until frothy to create the egg wash. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika for the seasoned coating.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the egg mixture, ensuring it is well-coated, then thoroughly coat it with the breadcrumb mixture for a crispy exterior.
- Preheat air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat, which helps achieve a crispy crust.
- Air fry chicken bites: Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the crispy chicken bites hot with your preferred dipping sauce such as BBQ or ranch for a delicious snack or meal.
Notes
- Cutting the chicken into similar-sized pieces ensures even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and crispiness.
- Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking yields an even golden color on all sides.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mix, such as cayenne for heat or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best texture.
