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These air fryer chicken bites are high protein, low carb, and packed with flavor. They come together quickly with just a handful of pantry staples and make a perfect weeknight dinner, easy meal prep, or protein-packed snack.

Juicy air fryer chicken bites on a plate, ready to eat.

Why I Love This Recipe

Juicy, crispy, and seasoned to perfection, these chicken bites are ready in under 30 minutes and require minimal cleanup. Plus, they taste great hot or cold, and are great for meal prepping!

If you love high-protein, meal prep-friendly chicken recipes, make sure to bookmark these slow cooker chicken thighs and brown sugar pineapple chicken bites.

author and recipe developer jennifer gamble
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Air fried chicken bites fully cooked on a plate and surrounded by dipping sauces.

Table of contents

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Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients measured out and divided to make chicken bites.
  • Boneless chicken breasts or thighs: Cut into 1-inch cubes, about 12 oz or 350 g. Chicken thighs will be juicier, but breasts work well too.
  • Olive oil: Helps coat the chicken evenly and contributes to browning.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors.
  • Black pepper: Adds subtle heat.
  • Garlic powder: A savory base for seasoning.
  • Onion powder: Pairs perfectly with garlic and adds depth.
  • Paprika: Adds a mild sweetness and color.
  • Dried oregano or Italian seasoning: Brings a herby flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper (optional): Use if you like a little kick.
  • Potato starch or cornflour: Creates a light coating that crisps up in the air fryer.

Variations

  • Toss in buffalo sauce after air frying for a spicy version.
  • Use lemon pepper or Cajun seasoning for a flavor twist.
  • Serve over rice bowls or salad for a full meal.

How to Make Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer

Spice blend poured over chicken pieces in a bowl and mixed well.
  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Pour the spice blend over the chicken. Mix well.
Potato starch poured over marinated chicken.
  1. Let sit for at least 10 minutes. Then toss the seasoned chicken with potato starch or cornflour until lightly coated. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Fully cooked chicken bites in the basket of the air fryer.
  1. Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Chicken should be golden and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
Air fryer chicken bites on a plate with lemon wedges and dipping sauces.
  1. Let rest for 1 minute. Serve hot with dipping sauce, lemon wedges, or herbs if desired.

Tips

  • Marinate for more flavor: Even 10 minutes makes a difference, but longer is better.
  • Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed so air can circulate.
  • Shake the basket: This helps the chicken cook evenly on all sides.
  • Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.

Storage, Leftovers, and Reheating

  • Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
  • Serving ideas: Add to salads, rice bowls, wraps, or serve as a snack with dipping sauces.
Air fryer chicken bite on a stick with dipping sauce on the bite, ready to eat.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and just as easy to cook.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Avoid overcooking and always check for an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Absolutely. Bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What seasonings can I substitute?

Try lemon pepper, Cajun blend, or smoked paprika for something different.

Can I freeze air fryer chicken bites?

Yes, store cooked bites in a freezer-safe container up to 2 months. Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C).

More Air Fryer Recipes

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Overhead photo of air fryer chicken bites.
5 from 1 vote
Servings: 4

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

By JENNIFER GAMBLE
These air fryer chicken bites are juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein. Made in under 30 minutes, they’re the perfect healthy meal idea for busy weeknights or simple meal prep.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 12 minutes
Total: 27 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 2 boneless chicken breasts cut into 1" cubes, can also use boneless thighs
  • 1 Tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning, can also use dried oregano
  • 1 Tablespoon potato starch, can also use corn flour

Instructions 

  • Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using). Pour the spice blend over the chicken. Mix well.
  • Let sit for at least 10 minutes. Then toss the seasoned chicken with potato starch or cornflour until lightly coated. Preheat the Air Fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
  • Place chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Chicken should be golden and cooked to an internal temp of 165°F (75°C).
  • Let rest for 1 minute. Serve hot with dipping sauce, lemon wedges, or herbs if desired.

Notes

Marinate for more flavor: Even 10 minutes makes a difference, but longer is better.
Don’t overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed so air can circulate.
Shake the basket: This helps the chicken cook evenly on all sides.
Check doneness: Use a meat thermometer to prevent overcooking.
Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
Serving ideas: Add to salads, rice bowls, wraps, or serve as a snack with dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Trans Fat: 0.01g, Cholesterol: 72mg, Sodium: 715mg, Potassium: 470mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 286IU, Vitamin C: 2mg, Calcium: 16mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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JENNIFER GAMBLE

Hello! I’m Jennifer, but you can call me Jen. I’m a wife and mom, cook, recipe developer, nutrition coach, and food photographer.

With a formal certification in nutrition and over a decade of hands-on experience in the online food industry, I bring a well-rounded perspective to all of the recipes here on Simply Macros.

As the creator and author, I ensure that every recipe not only looks visually appealing but is also grounded in sound nutritional principles.

I hope you enjoy these recipes as much as I enjoyed creating them.

More About Me

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Recipe Rating




1 Comment

  1. JENNIFER GAMBLE says:

    5 stars
    These air fryer chicken bites are a delicious and easy lunch or snack, or dinner.

    Reply