- Prepare the flour mixture. In one shallow dish, combine the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Prepare the egg wash. In a second shallow dish, whisk the eggs until fully combined.
- Prepare the breadcrumbs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. For extra flavor, you can mix in a bit of dried parsley or parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs, if desired.
- Coat the chicken. One by one, dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg wash, followed by the breadcrumbs. Press lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well. Repeat for all the chicken pieces.
Stage 3: Air Frying the Chicken Bites
- Preheat the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Arrange the chicken bites in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch to ensure they cook evenly. You may need to cook the chicken in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry the chicken bites. Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time. The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- Repeat for remaining batches. If you have more chicken, repeat the process for the remaining pieces, making sure to spray the basket with a little more oil before adding the next batch.
Stage 4: Serving the Chicken Bites
- Rest and serve. Once the chicken bites are done, allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. This helps them firm up and ensures they stay juicy.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. These crispy chicken bites are perfect with ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or buffalo sauce. They’re also great on their own as a snack!
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites:
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are key to getting an extra crispy exterior. They’re light, airy, and help create a satisfying crunch.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Give the chicken pieces enough space in the air fryer basket so they cook evenly and crisp up. If needed, cook the chicken in batches.
- Customize the seasoning: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat, or experiment with herbs like thyme or oregano.
- For even crispier chicken: Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray before air frying, which will give them an extra crispy finish.
Final Thoughts:
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites are an easy and delicious way to enjoy a healthier version of crispy chicken. The air fryer provides a golden, crunchy exterior without the need for deep frying, making it a perfect snack or meal that’s both light and flavorful. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun party appetizer, these chicken bites are sure to be a favorite. Enjoy!