Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites are a quick and easy way to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without the mess of deep frying. Coated in simple seasonings, these bite-sized pieces cook to perfection in the air fryer, offering a flavorful and satisfying snack or dinner. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or side for a complete meal the whole family will love!
These Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites are the perfect combination of crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, making them a family favorite for any occasion. With minimal prep and just a few simple ingredients, they come together quickly in the air fryer, making them an ideal choice for busy weeknights or even game day snacks.
Whether served with a dipping sauce or paired with a side of veggies, these bite-sized chicken pieces are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings!
Why you’ll ❤️ this recipe:
- 🍗 Crispy Perfection: The air fryer gives these chicken bites a golden, crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
- 😋 Juicy and Tender: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes.
- 🌶️ Customizable Flavors: You can easily adjust the seasonings to suit your taste, from spicy to savory.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly: These bite-sized pieces are perfect for kids and adults alike, making them a hit at dinner or as a snack.
Ingredients Needed
- Chicken thighs, boneless, skinless – Tender chicken thighs, boneless and skinless for easy cooking.
- Kosher salt – Kosher salt for seasoning and enhancing flavor.
- Black pepper – Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild spice.
- Garlic powder – Garlic powder for a savory, aromatic flavor boost.
- Onion powder – Onion powder adds depth and mild sweetness.
- Paprika – Paprika adds a smoky, mild heat to the dish.
- Olive oil – Olive oil for cooking and adding richness.
- BBQ sauce, optional – Sweet and tangy BBQ sauce for extra flavor.
How To Make Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites
Step One: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Step Two: In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated.
Step Three: Set the air fryer temperature to 375 degrees F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
Step Four: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Set cook time for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside. Once the chicken is cooked through, serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of veggies for a complete meal.
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites Recipe Tips
🍗 For Extra Crispiness: Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying to get an even crisp.
🔄 Shake the Basket: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time for even cooking and crispy edges.
🌶️ Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to add your favorite spices or seasonings to match your taste.
⏲️ Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
🍽️ Don’t Overcrowd: For the best results, avoid overcrowding the basket, giving the chicken enough space to cook evenly.
Storing, Freezing & Reheating
- Storing:💾 Store any leftover Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the chicken has cooled completely before sealing the container.
- Freezing: ❄️ To freeze, place the cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: 🔄 Reheat the chicken bites in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes to bring back that crispy texture. You can also reheat them in the oven or microwave, but the air fryer works best for crispiness!
What To Serve With Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites are versatile and pair well with a variety of sides. For a light and refreshing option, serve them with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus.
If you’re craving something heartier, try pairing them with crispy fries, mashed potatoes, or a creamy mac and cheese. For dipping, BBQ sauce, ranch, or a tangy honey mustard sauce all make great accompaniments to elevate the flavor. No matter what you choose, these chicken bites will be a hit!
Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites Recipe Faqs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs are juicier and tend to stay more tender in the air fryer, making them a better option for this recipe.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked? The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be safe to eat. Using a meat thermometer will ensure it’s cooked perfectly.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can prep the chicken and season it ahead of time, storing it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking.
Can I use frozen chicken? While fresh chicken is preferred for best texture, you can cook frozen chicken thighs in the air fryer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time by adding an extra 5-7 minutes.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these bites? BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy buffalo sauce work wonderfully as dipping options for these crispy chicken bites.
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Air Fryer Chicken Thigh Bites
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken thighs, boneless, skinless
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup BBQ sauce, optional
Instructions
- Cut the boneless, skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Make sure each piece is well coated.
- Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat for about 3-5 minutes.
- Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The chicken should be golden and crispy on the outside.
- Once the chicken is cooked through, serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of veggies for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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