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Crispy Perfection: Air Fryer Chicken Bites Tonight

Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time12 minutes
Total Time22 minutes
Calories: 320kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound (about 450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or almond flour for a low-carb twist)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika (smoked if you’ve got it)
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus a pinch for finishing
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • Your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, honey mustard, or spicy buffalo)

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes while you prep. Yes, preheating helps things crisp up faster.
  • Toss the chicken pieces with olive oil until evenly coated.
  • In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Roll each chicken piece in the crumb mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
  • Place coated bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Don’t overcrowd—give them space to crisp.
  • Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • If you like extra crisp, cook 2–3 minutes more in small batches. Let rest a minute before diving in.