Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a healthy, delicious, gluten free appetizer! These air fried chicken bites are perfect for any party or gathering, and they’re so easy to make. Plus, they skip the breading and deep frying, making them much healthier than traditional chicken nuggets.

Air Fryer Chicken Bites
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Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer

Making chicken bites in the air fryer is a breeze, and they turn out delicious every time. Plus, they are perfect for a quick and easy appetizer or snack! These chicken bites are coated in a simple breadless mixture and then air-fried until crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you’ll be everyone’s favorite host or hostess! 🙂

Simple air fryer chicken bites without any breading are a healthy air fryer meal or appetizer that can be adjusted to be as spicy or mild as your family prefers. Air fry chicken bites any night of the week for a quick and easy dinner or serve as an appetizer on game day — they’re versatile enough to be used for anything!

The crispiest, most flavorful chicken bites you’ll ever try are right around the corner. You can’t go wrong with our air fryer recipe for boneless chicken bites! They’re quick enough that you can enjoy them in just 20 minutes!

If you love air frying chicken, try my AIR FRYER DRUMSTICKS AND VEGETABLES, AIR FRYER CHICKEN KARAAGE, LEMON PEPPER CHICKEN TENDERS, or REAL GOOD STUFFED CHICKEN IN THE AIR FRYER.

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Why You’ll Love Cubed Chicken in the Air Fryer

  • Versatile for any meal or gathering
  • Gluten free, keto, low carb, and Weight Watchers friendly
  • Easy to modify to your tastes
  • So easy in the air fryer!

What Are Air Fryer Chicken Bites?

Do you love chicken crispy chicken nuggets? Are you looking for a healthier, bread-free version? If you answered yes to both of those questions, then you’ll love this recipe for chicken bites in the air fryer! Simply toss chicken in a mixture of herbs and seasonings, then cook in the air fryer until crispy and tender.

They’re perfect for a quick and easy snack or a light meal. Plus, they’re super tasty — you won’t be able to resist them!

Top view of ingredients needed for cubed chicken in air fryer.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Chicken Bites

If you’re looking for a dish to make in your air fryer, chicken bites are a great option. Air fried chicken bites are a kid-friendly, gluten-free, guest-favorite addition to any gathering!

For complete ingredients and quantities, keep on scrolling until you get to the bottom with a printable recipe card.

  • Chicken Breast or Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs
  • Paprika
  • Thyme
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Black Pepper
  • Salt
  • Olive Oil
  • Optional: Red Pepper Flakes

How To Air Fry Chicken Bites

Step 1: Season Chicken

Dry the chicken with a paper towel, then cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.

Place the chicken into a bowl, then add all of the other ingredients. Mix well to evenly coat the chicken.

process of making air fried chicken bites - mixing chicken with seasonings and spices.

Cover the bowl and place into the refrigerator for about 20 to 40 minutes. This allows the flavors to really seep into the meat for super flavorful bites.

Step 2: Cook Chicken

Uncooked chicken bites in air fryer.

Set the temperature to 380 degrees F on the air fryer setting, and air fry chicken bites for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process.

Check the internal temperature of the chicken before removing it. The ideal temperature is 165 degrees F.

Plate and enjoy warm, or store in the refrigerator as meal prep!

top view of cubed chicken in air fryer basket to show how to air fry chicken bites.

Pro Tips:

  • Make all your chicken bites about the same size, so they all cook up at the same time. This way you won’t have undercooked and overcooked pieces in the same batch.
  • Season well, really making sure your chicken bites are coated.
  • Play with your seasonings. You can use any of your favorite seasonings, or use just salt and black pepper.
  • Omit the red pepper flakes if you’d prefer no heat in your bites.
  • Avoid overcrowding. Air fryers work by circulating hot air around the food. If your bites are packed too tightly, they won’t be able to cook evenly. Work in batches if you have to!

Can You Cook Frozen Chicken Bites In Air Fryer?

I prefer to cook cubed chicken in the air fryer that’s already been thawed because I feel as though it takes the herbs and spices better. However, sometimes things happen! If you’re in a pinch, you can make this recipe with frozen chicken pieces.

Place them into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 400 degrees F on the air fryer setting. Cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.

How to Avoid Over- or Undercooked Chicken

The size of your bites, brand of air fryer, and other things will affect your exact cook time. For best results, use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature of your cubed chicken in the air fryer before removing it.

The chicken should reach 165 degrees F. Any hotter and you risk the meat becoming tough and chewy, but any cooler and it will not be safe to eat.

By cooking to temperature rather than following time guidelines exactly, you’ll get perfect chicken every time!

Close up of finished chicken bites in air fryer recipe

How To Serve Air Fried Chicken Bites

Air fryer chicken bites are a bit healthier than the traditional version since they are air-fried instead of deep-fried. Plus, they are a lot faster and easier to make. 

But they pair well with the same types of sides and appetizers! Serve them alongside one of these great Air Fryer Side Dishes:

How To Store Gluten Free Chicken Bites

You can store air fried chicken bites in either the refrigerator or freezer for best results.

Refrigerator: Let the chicken bites cool to room temperature, then place them into an airtight container. They will last for about 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: These are great for meal prep! Let them cool to room temperature, then place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Place the baking sheet into the freezer until the chicken bites are frozen solid. Then, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container. They will last for about 3 to 4 months.

How To Reheat

You can reheat these in the microwave or air fryer.

To Reheat Cubed Chicken In The Air Fryer: Place them into the air fryer basket and set the temperature to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting. Heat for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken bites are warmed through.

To Reheat Cubed Chicken In The Microwave: Place them on a microwave-safe plate and heat until warmed through.

Is This Recipe Gluten Free?

Yes! The seasoned coating doesn’t have flour or panko crumbs, meaning you can air fry chicken bites even if you adhere to a gluten free diet.

Serve them alongside some steamed or roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes for a fully gluten free meal!

More Air Fryer Chicken Recipes:

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

4.15 from 28 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
1 hour 40 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a healthy, delicious, gluten free appetizer! These air fried chicken bites are perfect for any party or gathering, and they're so easy to make.

Ingredients 

  • 1 pound chicken breast, boneless, skinless or boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teapoon salt
  • 1 tablsepon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes, optional

Instructions

  • Dry the chicken with a paper towel, and then cut the chicken into 1 to 1-inch pieces. Place the chicken into a bowl, add then add all of the other ingredients. Mix to coat the chicken.
  • Cover and place into the refrigerator for about 20 to 40 minutes.
  • Set the temperature to 380 degrees F, air fryer setting, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway during the cooking process. Check the internal temperature of the chicken before removing it. The ideal temperature is 165 degrees F.
  • Plate, serve, and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Meat Thermometer

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 140kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 24gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 73mgSodium: 162mgPotassium: 474mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 981IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 1mg

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