- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts or thighs into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Place the all-purpose flour in another shallow bowl.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece for air circulation.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken bites in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry the Chicken Bites:
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping the chicken bites halfway through the cooking time. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or ketchup.
Conclusion: Air fryer chicken bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken bites. The air fryer ensures that they are crispy and golden brown on the outside, while remaining juicy and flavorful on the inside. This recipe is versatile and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, making it perfect for any occasion.
Pro Tips:
- Customize the seasoning to your taste by adding herbs like dried parsley, thyme, or cayenne pepper for a kick.
- For extra crispy chicken bites, lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil spray before cooking.
- Experiment with different coatings such as seasoned breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
Enjoy your air fryer chicken bites, and savor the crispy goodness with every bite!