Air Fried Chicken Bites
Cooking up chicken breast has never been easier (or tastier!). These Air Fried Chicken Bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and come together fast with simple pantry spices. Whether you’re making dinner, meal prepping, or just craving nuggets without the drive-thru, this recipe truly delivers!
These air fryer chicken bites are basically my homemade answer to fast-food chicken nuggets! Think Chick-fil-A nuggets vibes, but way easier and made right at home. You probably already have everything you need to make them, which is part of what makes them so dangerous. Once you realize how good chicken bites in the air fryer can be, there’s no going back.
I’ve always been a huge chicken nugget person. They go with everything! Salads, rice bowls, wraps, dipping sauces galore, and honestly, what’s not to like? Making boneless chicken bites at home instead of hitting the drive-thru just makes sense, and these air fryer chicken breast bites turn out so crispy and flavorful that no one misses the takeout.
Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Chicken Breast Bites Recipe
- Quick and easy to make! These chicken cubes in the air fryer cook in under 10 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights or even a mid day snack!
- Crispy without deep frying. Thanks to cornstarch and high heat, you get golden, air fried chicken bites with no heavy breading or oil.
- Made with simple ingredients! No fancy ingredients here, just pantry spices, cornstarch, and chicken breasts.
- Incredibly versatile. Serve them plain, toss them in sauce, or use them in bowls, wraps, or salads.
Air Fried Chicken Bites Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Be careful not to oversalt if your cajun seasoning has a lot of salt in it!
- Cajun seasoning: Adds a little heat and depth!
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth without being overpowering.
- Paprika: Adds warmth and a bit of color.
- Dried parsley: Light herby finish!
- Thyme: Subtle earthiness that pairs well with chicken and Cajun seasoning.
- Cornstarch: The secret to crispy chicken bites in the air fryer!
Chicken Bites Variations & Substitutions
- Mild Version: These are slightly spicy because of the Cajun seasoning. But you can skip the Cajun seasoning and use more paprika for kid-friendly air fryer chicken breast bites.
- Chicken Thighs Instead: Boneless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy, though cook time may increase slightly.
- Gluten-Free Chicken Bites: This recipe is naturally gluten-free thanks to cornstarch instead of flour or breadcrumbs!
How to Make Easy Air Fried Chicken Bites
For the full list of ingredients and instructions, click here.- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them crisp up. Add the chicken to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the salt, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and thyme. Then, toss with cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the basket and serve immediately, or toss with your favorite sauce while hot.
Lauren’s Top Tips for the Best Air Fryer Chicken Bites
- Pat the chicken dry first! Removing excess moisture helps the cornstarch stick and creates crispier air fried chicken bites.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch! The cornstarch is what gives you that super light breading on the outside that makes these nice and crispy. I wouldn’t skip it!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Space allows hot air to circulate, which prevents steaming and helps the chicken brown evenly.
- Serve right away! These chicken bites are best hot and fresh, when the exterior is at its crispiest.
How to Serve Air Fried Chicken Bites
Serve these air fryer chicken bites with classic dipping sauces like ranch, green goddess dip, honey mustard, BBQ, or buffalo sauce. They’re also great over salads, tucked into wraps, added to rice bowls, or served with fries or roasted veggies for an easy dinner. I personally love them with my mashed potato bowls or chicken sweet potato bowls!
How to Meal Prep Air Fryer Chicken Breast Bites
Cooked chicken bites store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days! Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to bring back some crispiness. They’re perfect for quick lunches, protein-packed snacks, or easy dinners throughout the week.
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Bites FAQs
Most chicken bites in the air fryer cook in 8–10 minutes at 390°F, depending on their size.
Instead of a wet batter, these air fryer chicken breast bites use cornstarch and seasoning for a light, crispy coating that works perfectly in the air fryer!
Yes! Raw chicken is safe to cook in the air fryer as long as it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
More Favorites to Try
Like This Recipe?
Be sure to leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating and leave a comment below the recipe!
Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to help them crisp up. Add the chicken to a mixing bowl. Sprinkle in the salt, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, dried parsley, and thyme. Then, toss with cornstarch until every piece is evenly coated.
- Air Fry: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Spray the tops with more oil. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the basket and serve immediately, or toss with your favorite sauce while hot.
Nutrition
Notes
- Pat the chicken dry first! Removing excess moisture helps the cornstarch stick and creates crispier air fried chicken bites.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch! The cornstarch is what gives you that super light breading on the outside that makes these nice and crispy. I wouldn’t skip it!
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Space allows hot air to circulate, which prevents steaming and helps the chicken brown evenly.
- Serve right away! These chicken bites are best hot and fresh, when the exterior is at its crispiest.
