These air fryer chicken bites are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and 10x better than any fast food fare. PLUS, they are healthy!
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I admit it—I still enjoy chicken nuggets. Yes, those little chunks of fried fowl pâté are considered “kid food.” But no matter my age, I still find it hard to resist a crispy chicken nugget. What I don’t enjoy, though, are the added calories and fat that comes along with nuggies. That is why these air fryer chicken bites are perfect for kids and adults alike. They have all those things we love about nuggets—crispness and great seasoning—and none of the things we don’t—greasy oil and sugary starches. These chicken bites will please your inner child, while making your grown-up-self feel good about what you are eating.
The air fryer makes these chicken bites just as crispy as if they were fried in oil. Yet, they stay amazingly juicy on the inside. Even the pickiest eaters won’t be able to turn their noses up at these delicious pieces of perfection. These chicken bites are also easy and quick to prepare—ideal for a busy weeknight when appetites are high and the energy to cook is low. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or put these chicken bites on salad for a robust meal.
They go great with:
Are Air Fryer Chicken Bites Healthy?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is a high-protein, low calorie food—exactly what you need for a gluten-free, keto-friendly, low-carb, or Paleo diet. And by using the air fryer instead of frying the chicken bites, you also eliminate all the messy, high-fat oil. And by skipping the typical breading, you also avoid unnecessary carbohydrates and calories. What you’re left with is a fresh, wholesome, and appealing version of chicken nuggets.
It’s All About the Seasoning
The secret sauce (pun very much intended) of these air fryer chicken bites is… the seasoning! But that is also where you can put your own creative flair onto this recipe. In the mood for some spice? Coat your chicken pieces with a low-calorie hot sauce before popping them in the air fryer. Craving something sweet and savory? Drizzle some honey and jalapeño jelly on the bites. Or grab some lemon-pepper seasoning and throw that on your nuggets. One of my favorite variations is to sprinkle Adobo seasoning over the chicken bites before cooking. Common in Caribbean, Latin American, and Filipino cuisine, Adobo seasoning made up of garlic, oregano, cumin, black pepper, chili powder, and other spices. You can find Adobo seasoning in many supermarkets.
But don’t take our word for it. Find your own favorite sauce or seasoning for the chicken bites. Experiment and try different combinations of flavors and tastes. You may surprise yourself with your culinary creations—and wind up making something incredibly unique and utterly delicious.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup low-fat Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning optional, for added flavor
INSTRUCTIONS
Marinate
Combine chicken cubes with Italian dressing and seasonings.
Prep
Spray the air fryer basket with oil and preheat it.
Air Fry
Cook the chicken (in batches if necessary), turning halfway for an even golden brown finish.
Rest & Serve
Allow the chicken bites to rest briefly after cooking.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
You can make the air fryer chicken bites a day or two in advance and keep them in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay good for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to dig in, reheat the bites in the air fryer until hot and crispy again (2-3 minutes). You can also freeze these chicken bites and stick them in the air fryer when you need a last-minute appetizer.
Arrange your chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer. This will allow for even cooking. After 6 minutes, use tongs to flip the pieces and then finish cooking.
To help the seasoning stick to your chicken nuggets (and help them not stick to the air fryer), spray your favorite oil onto your chicken. We recommend either avocado or olive oil.
Air fryers are remarkable inventions for cooking healthy dishes. Rather than using vast amounts of oil like traditional fryers, the air fryer cooks food by circulating hot air. This heats the outside and seals in the moisture.
Americans eat 2.3 billion servings of chicken nuggets every year! That’s a lot of processed chicken.
Serving Suggestions
These chicken bites are perfect for young and picky eaters who subsist only on frozen nuggets. Serve with french fries for a meal that choosy kids won’t refuse! For grown-ups, place these air fryer chicken bites on a cobb salad for a filling and nutritious lunch. Impress friends and family when you bring these chicken bites and buffalo dip to the next party. They make a great appetizer.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup low-fat Italian dressing
- 1 tablespoon Adobo seasoning
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 tablespoon taco seasoning optional, for added flavor
Instructions
- In a bowl, Toss the chicken breast cubes with the low-fat Italian dressing, Adobo seasoning, dried Italian herbs, kosher salt, and, if using, the taco seasoning. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to one hour in the fridge if you have time).
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. While waiting, lightly spray the air fryer basket with a cooking spray of your choice.
- Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the chicken bites for 12 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Don't forget to turn the bites half way.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Nutrition Info:
Recipes written and produced on Food Faith Fitness are for informational purposes only.
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