Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Name: Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 skinless chicken breast (19oz / 540g or equivalent weight chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes); 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1/2 tsp dijon; 1/4 tsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp oregano or Italian herbs; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/3 - 1/2 tsp flaked salt to taste; 1/4 tsp black pepper

This is the simplest and most delicious way to make Air Fryer Chicken Bites. Loaded with flavor and tender to the core.

Juicy grilled chicken bites served over fresh crunchy coleslaw with lemon wedges. Perfect healthy recipe for any season

These juicy and delicious little Air Fryer Chicken Bites come together in 25 minutes with a handful of basics. Perfect to go on pasta, salad or slaw. There's SO MUCH you can do with these little bites.

Ingredients

I used lean and tender chicken breasts to make these Air Fryer Chicken Bites. You can also use boneless chicken thighs as an alternative. I find the chicken breasts crisp up really well and stay tender in the center.

I used olive oil to coat the chicken cubes, helping the seasoning cling while also giving them a juicy, golden finish.

I suggest using fresh garlic rather than powdered to give them the best flavor. This balances the herbs and tangy Dijon perfectly.

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Here are my easy steps to making these juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites:

marinade for chicken bites in bowl with whisk

Step 1: Blot the chicken cubes dry with paper towels.In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients: olive oil, garlic, Dijon, red wine vinegar, herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

chicken pieces in a bowl covered in marinade

Step 2: Add the chicken to the bowl and toss until well coated.

Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the basket with olive oil, then place the chicken bites inside. Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden.

Step 4: Finish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, fresh parsley, and an optional drizzle of olive oil before serving.

Hint: Use an air fryer basket large enough that you won't have to overcrowd it. Spread the chicken cubes in a single layer so the hot air can circulate evenly.

Substitutions

Here are a couple of ingredient swaps that work like a charm in this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Bites:

Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or swap in turkey breast.
Olive oil: Avocado oil or melted butter both work well.
Garlic: Swap with ½ teaspoon garlic powder if you don't have fresh cloves.
Smoked paprika: Try regular paprika, chili powder or even cayenne for more heat.
Dijon mustard: Substitute with wholegrain mustard or yellow mustard.
Red wine vinegar: Apple cider vinegar or lemon juice works, too.

cooked air fryer chicken bites on a plate

Variations

You can definitely take this recipe in a different flavor direction:

Make it spicy: Add cayenne pepper or extra chili flakes into the marinade.
Lemon herb: Swap the vinegar for lemon juice, double up the herbs and finish off with fresh lemon or lime zest.
BBQ style: Toss the cooked chicken bites in your favorite BBQ sauce right after air frying.
Asian vibes: Swap Dijon with soy sauce, add a little honey and ginger and finish with sesame seeds and green onions.
Parmesan crusted: Coat marinated chicken in grated Parmesan before air frying. This will give it a cheesy, golden crust.
Honey garlic: Stir a spoonful of honey into the marinade.

See this spicy version of this recipe on my website! (placeholder for in-content link)

cooked chicken bites on a bed of cabbage

Equipment

All you need is an air fryer to crisp the chicken bites to perfection, plus a mixing bowl for tossing them in the marinade.

A pair of tongs makes it easy to transfer and flip the chicken, while paper towels help dry the cubes so the seasoning sticks and browns beautifully.

Storage

Store cooked chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to bring back their crispy texture.

Make ahead (uncooked): You can marinate the chicken cubes up to 24 hours in advance and keep them covered in the fridge until ready to cook.

This allows the flavors to soak in while saving you prep time.

Freezing (cooked): Once cooled, place cooked chicken bites in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheat directly from frozen in the air fryer at 375F until warmed through.

Freezing (uncooked):

Freeze the chicken pieces in their marinade in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before air frying as directed.

Top tip

For extra-crispy chicken bites, ensure the pieces are evenly sized and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket; this allows the hot air to circulate and gives a perfect golden finish.

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken in this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen chicken cubes, thaw them completely in the fridge before marinating and air frying. Cooking from frozen may result in unevenly cooked bites and a less crispy texture.

Recipe