Introduction
If you’re on the lookout for a mouthwatering appetizer or a delightful main dish that’s both crispy and packed with flavor, look no further! Our Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Twist are not only super easy to make but also guilt-free, thanks to the magic of air frying. Gone are the days of deep-frying, as this method delivers perfectly cooked chicken bites that are golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside – all while using significantly less oil.
Imagine tender chunks of chicken coated in a savory blend of garlic and parmesan, then air-fried to perfection. Whether served as a party snack, a game-day treat, or a quick weeknight dinner, these chicken bites will become a staple in your recipe repertoire. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can have a delicious dish on the table in no time. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with these tantalizing bites that offer irresistible flavor in every single piece!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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- Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add the chicken pieces and stir well to coat. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for extra flavor).
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- Prepare the Breading: In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading stations. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, combine panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. In the third dish, beat an egg (optional, for extra crispiness).
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- Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. One piece at a time, take a piece of chicken and coat it first in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg (if using), and finally, coat it well with the panko and Parmesan mixture. Place the coated chicken bites on a plate.
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- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (205°C) for about 5 minutes.
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- Air Fry the Chicken Bites: Lightly brush the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place a single layer of chicken bites in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. Spray or lightly brush the tops with olive oil. Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
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- Sauté the Garlic: While the chicken is frying, in a small pan, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, but not burnt.
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- Toss with Garlic Oil: Once the chicken bites are done, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the sautéed garlic and oil over the chicken, tossing well to coat them evenly.
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- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken bites for a pop of color and flavor. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce!
- Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 50 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for coating the chicken
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for that savory flavor
- Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon to enhance the overall taste
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon for a mild smokiness and color
- Salt: 1/2 teaspoon or to taste
- Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon or to taste
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated for a rich, cheesy coating
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon for a herby kick
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Lemon Wedges: For serving (optional)
These key ingredients come together to create irresistibly crispy chicken bites with a delightful garlic parmesan twist that are perfect for snacking or as a main dish!
Baking Process
Making Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites with a Garlic Parmesan Twist is quick and easy! Follow these steps to ensure your chicken bites turn out perfectly crispy and delicious.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Aim for uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the chicken cubes with buttermilk, minced garlic, and your preferred seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian herbs work great!). Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading
- Make the Breading Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a touch of paprika for color and flavor.
- Create a Breading Station: Set up a three-bowl system: the first for the marinated chicken, the second for the flour breading, and the third for beaten eggs (optional, for a thicker coating).
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Bites
- Wet and Dry: Remove each chicken piece from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Optionally, dip it in the beaten eggs for extra crunch. Then, dredge the chicken piece in the breading mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Press gently to help the breading stick.
- Repeat: Set each breaded piece aside on a plate or baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch to keep the coating intact.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes. A properly preheated air fryer will give your chicken bites that golden-brown crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Chicken Bites
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cooking: Air fry the chicken bites for about 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Finish and Serve
- Toss in Garlic Parmesan Sauce: For an extra flavor boost, toss the hot chicken bites in melted butter mixed with minced garlic and additional grated Parmesan cheese right after air frying.
- Garnish: Serve your crispy chicken bites with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top, alongside your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, marinara, or garlic aioli.
Enjoy your homemade Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites with a Garlic Parmesan Twist as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites with Garlic Parmesan Twist are versatile and pair beautifully with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some delicious serving suggestions to elevate your meal:
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Dipping Sauces: Serve with a medley of dipping sauces such as creamy ranch, zesty buffalo sauce, tangy honey mustard, or a cheesy marinara dip to complement the flavors of the chicken bites.
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Fresh Salad: Create a fresh side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the savory chicken bites.
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Veggie Platter: Offer a colorful array of fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and celery for crunch, along with a tasty dip for added flavor.
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Mashed Potatoes: A side of creamy garlic mashed potatoes can enhance the overall comfort of your meal and balance the crunchiness of the chicken.
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Pasta: Toss the chicken bites into a pasta dish or serve them alongside spaghetti tossed in garlic olive oil and fresh herbs for a hearty combination.
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Rice or Quinoa Bowl: Build a wholesome bowl with cooked rice or quinoa, topped with the chicken bites, sautéed veggies, and a drizzle of soy sauce or your favorite dressing.
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Slider Buns: Turn these chicken bites into sliders by placing them in mini burger buns with lettuce, tomato, and a slice of cheese for a fun twist.
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Pickles and Olives: For a flavorful snack or appetizer platter, include dill pickles and marinated olives alongside the chicken bites for a tangy addition.
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Garnish: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley, chives, or a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese before serving for a pop of color and an extra flavor boost.
These serving ideas make your Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites not only a main star but also a crowd-pleasing addition to any meal or gathering! Enjoy experimenting and finding the combinations you love the most!
Conclusion
In just a short amount of time, you can whip up these Air Fryer Crispy Chicken Bites with a delightful Garlic Parmesan twist, creating a dish that is both delicious and health-conscious. The air fryer ensures that each bite is perfectly crispy without the excess oil found in traditional frying methods. With the savory garlic and the rich, nutty flavor of Parmesan, these chicken bites are sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re serving them as a snack during game day, an appetizer for a gathering, or a quick weeknight dinner, these chicken bites are versatile enough to suit any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or dipping sauces to personalize them to your taste.
So fire up that air fryer, gather your ingredients, and enjoy a guilt-free indulgence that packs all the flavor and crunch you crave. You won’t be able to resist going back for seconds—happy cooking!
