Air Fryer Chicken Bites

This boneless Air Fryer Chicken Bites recipe is easy to make and ready in just 20 minutes. Well seasoned with herbs and spices, they are also crispy even though there is no breading. Serve as an appetizer or as part of a healthy and tasty dinner.

Hands up if you love small bites! I love to order steak bites from restaurants. So much so, that I learned the perfect recipe to make them at home.

If you have’t made my Air Fryer Steak Bites recipe yet, you really need to try it.

Yet why should beef get all the attention? This chicken version is a huge hit with the whole family all year long.

Why You Need To Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

We all know about the mad-love for chicken nuggets. It’s not only the children that have a soft spot for bite sized chicken.

Well, consider this recipe the modern version of a classic.

Unlike chicken nuggets, these have no panko breadcrumbs and no breading. Trust me, there’s a lot left to love when you take away the coating.

It’s a healthy air fryer chicken recipe that is aromatic, flavorful, and results in the most delicious chicken. When making this I don’t even miss the breading.

The pieces of chicken in this recipe are marinated in a blend of herbs, spices, ketchup and brown sugar. Thanks to air frying you can make these in under 20 minutes.

That’s right, the ideal weeknight dinner that is also a healthy meal!

If you love this recipe and want to kick it up another notch, try our Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Chicken Bites. They’re the bomb!

The best part aside from the taste, is the versatility. They made the perfect appetizer to pop in the mouth just like homemade chicken nuggets.

Also just like chicken tenders, they are a great protein option for main dishes, salads and wraps.

Ingredients To Make This Recipe

You’ll need the following simple ingredients to make this recipe. the full detailed instructions are below in the printable recipe card.

• chicken thighs, cubed
• ketchup
• brown sugar
• onion powder
• garlic powder
• cayenne pepper
• salt
• black pepper
• olive oil cooking spray
• dipping sauces, optional

How To Make Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer

In a small bowl combine the ingredients except the chicken and cooking spray. Mix until combined.

Place the pieces of chicken into a medium bowl or a large ziplock bag. Add in the seasoning mixture and toss to coat.

Allow to marinade for at least 15 minutes for up to a couple of hours.

Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray and place the chicken pieces in a single layer into the basket. Do not crowd or overlap any piece of chicken.

Air frying is when air circulates around the food to cook, so ensure that is possible, for success and for food safety.

So you’ll have to make a second batch after the first, and repeat until all the chicken is cooked.

Be careful not to snack to much during the process, they are addicting!

How Long To Cook Chicken Bites in Air Fryer

These little heavenly bites of chicken cook QUICK! It takes 9-11 minutes of cooking time for chicken bites to cook to perfection in your air fryer.

I suggest cooking at 380 degrees. To know for sure, chicken is cooked when the internal temperature of the chicken reads at least 165F when a meat thermometer is inserted into the thickest part.

Exact cook time will vary on your brand of air fryer and the size of the chicken chunks. I recommend checking your pieces at the 9 minute mark.

I experimented with the cooking temperatures with this recipe. This is the happy medium for fast cooking without charring the marinade too much.

It’s important to point out that the chicken ends do not burn, resulting in a charred texture and taste. The crispiness of these chicken bites is the cooked sugars. Magic!

What to Serve with Air Fryer Chicken Bites

AS AN APPETIZER: Serve with forks or toothpicks alongside your favorite dipping sauce or two. We love ours with marinara sauce and sweet chili sauce.

Keep in mind, they are great on their own without sauce as well. Just like Air Fryer Steak Bites, there’s dipping sauce as an option yet it’s great without.

PART OF A MAIN DISH: There are countless options yet here are a few suggestions. Make a chicken bowl with mashed potatoes and corn.

You can also top this chicken on a salad, like on our BBQ Chicken Salad. Serve with Classic Potato Salad or BLT Pasta Salad. Other options include french fries or sweet potato fries.

FOR LEFTOVERS: Chicken bites make the best leftovers whether you are enjoying them cold or reheated.

Simply snack on them, take them for lunches or use them for dinner the next day. They are great to have on hand for a busy weeknight.

How To Store

To Store in the fridge: Put the chicken into an air-tight container or ziploc bag and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To Freeze: Put the cooked chicken into a freezer ziploc bag or into an airtight container. These will keep well for up to 4-6 months.

How to Reheat

To reheat, use the microwave, oven, or the air fryer. Whichever is your preferred method, you’ll just have to reheat until just warmed through.

Making This Recipe Keto Friendly, or Low Carb

Chicken Bites can be an excellent option for those wanting a Keto or low carb recipe. You can use a low calorie or sugar free ketchup and swap your sugar.

Alternatively, try this recipe using just the blend of herbs and spices. You won’t get the crispy texture, yet the flavor will still be excellent.

More Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Fried Chicken
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Churro Bites in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Steak Bites
• Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings
• Air Fryer Meatloaf
• Crispy Parmesan Air Fryer Green Beans
• Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
• Air Fryer Potato Chips