Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

Welcome to a flavor-packed culinary experience with Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites! These golden nuggets of goodness are not your average chicken dish; they are a delightful fusion of crispy perfection and succulent juiciness. By coating tender chicken thighs in a special blend of starches and seasonings before air frying, we’ve elevated this dish to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What sets these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites apart is the irresistible sauce that cloaks each piece in a sticky-sweet embrace. A marriage of honey, dark soy sauce, and rice vinegar, amplified by crispy garlic, dances on your taste buds with each bite. Topped off with a sprinkle of green onions and everything bagel seasoning, these bites are a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for more.

In just 35 minutes, you can have restaurant-quality Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites on your table, bringing the convenience of home cooking to a whole new level. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe promises a delightful culinary adventure that marries health-conscious cooking with unbeatable taste and texture. Say goodbye to boring chicken dishes and hello to a new family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Quick Benefits

• Healthier alternative to classic deep-fried chicken
• Quick and easy, ready in just 35 minutes
• Restaurant-quality taste with minimal oil usage
• Versatile recipe that can be enjoyed for any meal

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe Recipe

• Creates restaurant-quality results in your kitchen
• Perfect balance of crispy exterior and juicy interior
• Takes less than 30 minutes start to finish
• Uses pantry staples for amazing flavor
• Versatile enough for any meal
• Makes excellent leftovers (if they last that long!)
• Chicken Thighs: Choose boneless, skinless for best results. More forgiving than breast meat
• Potato Starch: Creates crispier coating than flour alone
• Cornstarch: Combines with potato starch for perfect texture
• White Pepper: Provides subtle heat without dark specks
• Dark Soy Sauce: Adds color and rich umami
• Fresh Garlic: Essential for crispy garlic garnish
• Through many test batches, I’ve found that 400°F is the sweet spot for achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
• Don’t skip drying the chicken
• Watch garlic carefully while frying
• Test one piece for doneness
• Sauce thickens as it cools
• Toss with sauce just before serving
• Make extra crispy garlic
• Keep sauce warm but not hot
• Work in small batches
• Use tongs for flipping
• Have all ingredients ready before starting
• These Air Fryer Chicken Bites have become my go-to recipe for both quick family dinners and entertaining. The combination of crispy coating and flavorful sauce creates bites that disappear as fast as you can make them. Whether you’re new to air frying or a seasoned pro, these chicken bites prove that healthy cooking doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or texture.

Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

Chicken Coating

• 1 teaspoon white pepper
• Avocado oil spray
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-size cubes
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon potato starch

Sauce

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon avocado oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 5 cloves garlic, sliced
• 3 tablespoons honey (or white sugar)

Garnish

• Everything but the bagel seasoning
• Reserved crispy garlic slices
• Green onions, chopped

Pro Tips for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

To achieve the perfect crispy exterior and juicy interior with these Air Fryer Chicken Bites, ensure you thoroughly dry the chicken pieces before coating them. This step helps the starches adhere better and promotes a crispier texture. Additionally, working in small batches while air frying ensures even cooking and consistent results. Remember to use tongs for flipping the chicken bites to avoid disturbing the coating.

For the irresistible honey soy sauce, make sure to thicken it to the desired consistency by adjusting the amount of cornstarch and water in the recipe. The sauce thickens as it cools, so keep this in mind when preparing it. Toss the chicken bites with the sauce just before serving to maintain their crispiness. To elevate the dish further, consider making extra crispy garlic slices for a delicious crunchy garnish that adds a burst of flavor to each bite.

How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

Step 1: Step 01

Dice chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, mix potato starch, cornstarch, garlic powder, baking powder, and white pepper. Coat chicken pieces evenly with the dry mixture.

Step 2: Step 02

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) briefly.

Step 3: Step 03

Spray air fryer basket with avocado oil. Place coated chicken in a single layer without overcrowding. Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4: Step 04

Mix together water, cornstarch, honey, dark soy sauce, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.

Step 5: Step 05

Heat avocado oil in a wok over medium-high heat, then fry garlic slices until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 6: Step 06

In the same pan, combine the sauce ingredients and simmer until thickened.

Step 7: Step 07

Add the cooked chicken to the sauce in the pan and toss to coat. Sprinkle with crispy garlic, green onions, and everything but the bagel seasoning before serving.

Storage Tips

After preparing and enjoying these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites, you may find yourself with leftovers. To store the finished dish, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store the chicken bites in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to help restore their crispy texture. Just be cautious not to overheat them, as this can dry out the chicken.

If you want to freeze the Air Fryer Chicken Bites for longer storage, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are firm. Once frozen, transfer the chicken bites to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. The chicken bites can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat frozen chicken bites, allow them to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating them in the air fryer until heated through. This method helps maintain the crispy coating while ensuring the chicken remains juicy and flavorful.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you’re looking to make some ingredient substitutions for these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites, you can make a few adjustments based on what you have available. Instead of boneless skinless chicken thighs, you can use chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces for a leaner option. For a gluten-free version, you can replace the potato starch and cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour.

If you don’t have white pepper on hand, you can substitute it with black pepper for a similar flavor profile. As for the dark soy sauce, you can use regular soy sauce with a touch of molasses or honey to mimic the depth of flavor. If you prefer a different sweetener, such as maple syrup or agave nectar, feel free to use that instead of honey. Additionally, if you’re out of avocado oil, you can use another high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil for spraying the chicken before air frying. These substitutions will still yield delicious chicken bites with a flavorful sauce and crispy texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites as a fun and interactive appetizer by setting up a DIY Bites Bar. Arrange the crispy chicken morsels along with small bowls of extra honey soy sauce glaze, chopped green onions, and everything bagel seasoning. Guests can build their own bite combinations, mixing and matching toppings to create personalized flavor profiles.

For a hearty and satisfying meal, create a Chicken Bite Bowl. Start with a base of steamed jasmine rice or crispy lettuce for a low-carb option. Top with a generous serving of the air fryer chicken bites, drizzle with extra honey soy sauce glaze, and garnish with crispy garlic slices and a sprinkle of green onions. The diverse textures and flavors in this bowl make it a delicious and visually appealing dish that will impress both family and friends.

FAQs for Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs for this recipe?

While chicken thighs are recommended for juicier results, you can use chicken breast if preferred. Keep in mind that chicken breast tends to cook faster, so adjust cooking time accordingly to prevent drying out.

Can I substitute any ingredients in the sauce?

Feel free to customize the sauce based on your preferences. You can adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey, or substitute with white sugar. Additionally, you can tweak the flavor by experimenting with different types of vinegar or soy sauce.

What can I serve with these Air Fryer Chicken Bites?

These chicken bites pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them over steamed rice, alongside stir-fried vegetables, or on a bed of crispy salad greens. You can also enjoy them as a tasty appetizer or protein-packed snack.

Can I freeze the cooked Air Fryer Chicken Bites for later?

Absolutely! To freeze the cooked chicken bites, let them cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to enjoy, reheat them in the air fryer or oven until heated through.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a game-changer in the world of air fryer recipes. The perfect balance of crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior, combined with the irresistible honey soy glaze, will have your taste buds singing. Plus, with the convenience of air frying, you can enjoy restaurant-quality results in the comfort of your own kitchen in just under 30 minutes.

So, whether you’re looking for a quick and delicious family dinner option or a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next gathering, these Juicy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are sure to impress. With simple pantry staples and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll be whipping up these flavor-packed chicken bites in no time. Give this recipe a try and elevate your cooking game with these crispy, savory, and downright delectable bites.