Air Fryer Chicken Bites
Crunchy on the outside, juicy inside and ready faster than delivery. A quick dip in egg and a parmesan panko coating gives these chicken bites real crunch with just a light spray of oil.
Updated
- Prep Time
- 10 mins
- Cook Time
- 12 mins
- Total Time
- 22 mins
- Servings
- 4 servings
Air Fryer Chicken Bites at a glance
To make crispy air fryer chicken bites, cut 500 g chicken breast into 2.5 cm pieces, dip in beaten egg, coat in seasoned panko and parmesan, spray lightly with oil and air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and 74°C (165°F) inside.
- Total time
- 22 mins
- Calories
- 280 per serving
- Protein
- 34 g
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Method
- Air frying
Ingredients
Equipment
Air fryer · 2 shallow bowls · Oil spray bottle
Quick Directions
- 1
Set up the coating
Beat the egg with the Dijon in one shallow bowl.
- 2
Coat the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the egg, letting the excess drip off, then roll them in the panko mixture and press so the crumbs stick.
- 3
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F).
- 4
Serve
Serve straight away with your favourite dipping sauces.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these detailed steps to make the perfect air fryer chicken bites.
- 1
Set up the coating
Beat the egg with the Dijon in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, mix the panko, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt and pepper.
- 2
Coat the chicken
Toss the chicken pieces in the egg, letting the excess drip off, then roll them in the panko mixture and press so the crumbs stick.
- 3
Air fry
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Spray the basket, add the chicken in a single layer and spray the tops with oil. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until golden and 74°C (165°F) inside. Work in batches if needed.
- 4
Serve
Serve straight away with your favourite dipping sauces.
Recipe Tips
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so every bite finishes cooking at the same time.
- A light spray of oil on top is what turns the panko golden; without it the crumbs stay pale.
- Keep cooked batches warm in a 90°C (200°F) oven while you finish the rest.
Variations
- Use chicken thighs for juicier bites; add 1-2 minutes.
- Swap the paprika for 1 tsp Italian seasoning.
- Toss the cooked bites in buffalo sauce or honey garlic sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 280 |
|---|---|
| Protein | 34 g |
| Carbs | 15 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.5 g |
| Fibre | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 640 mg |
Estimated from the listed ingredients; values vary by brand.
Related Recipes
Storing & Reheating
- Fridge
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer
- Freeze cooked bites on a tray, then bag them for up to 2 months.
- Reheat
- Reheat in the air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 4-5 minutes (8 minutes from frozen) to re-crisp.
Air Fryer Chicken Bites FAQs
How long do chicken bites take in the air fryer?
About 10-12 minutes at 200°C (400°F) for 2.5 cm pieces, shaking halfway. Always check that the largest piece reaches 74°C (165°F).
How do I keep the breading from falling off?
Let excess egg drip off before coating, press the crumbs on firmly and do not move the bites for the first 5 minutes of cooking.
Can I make chicken bites gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes labelled gluten-free, and check that your mustard and parmesan are gluten-free.
Can I cook frozen chicken bites in the air fryer?
Yes. Cook homemade frozen bites at 190°C (375°F) for 14-16 minutes, shaking halfway, until hot and 74°C (165°F) in the centre.
