Crispy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites: A Family Favorite (Print Version)

Whip up juicy, crispy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites! This easy recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for busy weeknights.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free (if using GF cornstarch)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 tbsp cornstarch
04 - 1 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Optional Extras

08 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
09 - 1/4 tsp chili powder (for a kick)

→ Serving Suggestions

10 - Ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, grab your boneless, skinless chicken breasts. I usually use kitchen shears or a sharp knife to cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly – this is where I sometimes get a little zealous and end up with some bigger chunks, oops! Then, and this is crucial, pat them *super* dry with paper towels. Seriously, this step makes all the difference for getting those crispy Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites.
02 - Next up, toss those chicken pieces into a medium bowl. Drizzle them with the olive oil, then sprinkle in the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you're using onion or chili powder, throw those in too! Get in there with your hands (or a spoon, if you're feeling less messy) and toss everything until each piece of chicken is evenly coated. It should look like a lovely, spiced-up mess, and honestly, the smell is already starting to make my stomach rumble.
03 - Now, let's get that air fryer ready! I always preheat mine to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps ensure an even cook and that beautiful crispy exterior. While it's preheating, give your air fryer basket a quick spray with a little more olive oil or cooking spray. I forgot this once, and had a minor sticking incident, which was a bit of a disaster, so don't be like me!
04 - Time for the magic! Arrange a single layer of your seasoned chicken bites in the preheated air fryer basket. Seriously, do *not* overcrowd the basket; that's the key to crispiness. If you pile them up, they'll steam instead of crisp, and that's just a sad outcome. Depending on your air fryer, you'll probably need to cook these in two or three batches. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
05 - About halfway through, around the 4-5 minute mark, give the basket a good shake or use tongs to flip the chicken pieces. This ensures all sides get that golden-brown deliciousness. Continue cooking until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and they look beautifully crispy. They should be tender and juicy inside, with a satisfying crunch outside.
06 - Once they're done, carefully remove the Air Fryer Boneless Chicken Bites from the basket and transfer them to a plate. I like to let them rest for a minute or two; it helps the juices redistribute, keeping them extra tender. They should be golden, fragrant, and ready for dipping! The aroma alone is enough to get everyone running to the kitchen.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry before seasoning – seriously, it's a game-changer for crispiness.
02 - Never overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if you have to.
03 - For extra juicy bites, try a quick brine for 20-30 minutes before seasoning.
04 - These are fantastic with a side of creamy ranch for dipping!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Air fryer
02 - large mixing bowl
03 - tongs
04 - measuring spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 28g

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