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Looking to pump up the protein in your dinner? My super simple recipe for crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites is the speedy solution you seek. All you need are 8 basic ingredients and less than 20 minutes to get these juicy little nuggets on the table—perfect for adding to salads, grain bowls, pasta, and more!

Looking for more delicious chicken recipes? You have to stop by my Hot Honey Chicken Tenders next.

closeup shot of air fryer chicken bites on a white serving platter with one sliced open to reveal the juicy inside.

Why This Is The BEST Air Fryer Chicken Bites Recipe

  • Quick & Easy – Since they’re made with just chicken and a handful of spice cabinet staples, your prep will take 10 minutes max. Then, just pop the chicken bites in the air fryer and 6-8 minutes later you’ll be rewarded with deeply flavorful, deliciously crispy, golden brown nuggets of perfectly cooked protein that the whole family will love!  
  • Wholesome & Nutritious – If you’re alarmed at the number of ingredients that go into store-bought frozen chicken bites, you’re not alone. What the heck is sodium diphosphate, maltodextrin, or carageenan, anyway?? My DIY air fryer chicken breast bites are a delicious reprieve from the factory junk, made with just 8 easily pronounceable ingredients. They’re also naturally gluten-free.
  • Versatile & Customizable – I like to keep a batch of these tender chicken pieces on hand at all times. They’re excellent for meal prep, can be seasoned a gazillion different ways, and are the ideal addition to everything from wraps and pizza to lunchables and rice bowls. They’re my go-to for a quick dinner, perfect appetizer, and everything else in between!
hyper closeup shot of a few seasoned air fryer chicken bites.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Making chicken bites in the air fryer is a simple affair. Here’s what to grab:

  • Chicken Tenderloins – I love using chicken tenderloins because they’re lean while still being juicy and tender, and are very easy to cut into cubes. Feel free to swap in boneless skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
  • Olive Oil – If you have it, regular olive oil has a higher smoke point than extra virgin olive oil. That said, either will work. You can also swap in your favorite heart-healthy alternative like avocado oil. 
  • Blackened Cajun Seasoning – I absolutely LOVE Cajun-style blackened chicken, but feel free to use any seasoning blend you prefer. Taco, garlic herb, creole, adobo, Italian, Greek, pollo asado, or poultry seasoning are all fair game! If you’re on a low-sodium diet, consider using a salt-free seasoning blend like Mrs. Dash.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – I love the sweet flavor of cooked alliums, but don’t always have the time to start from scratch. These powders do the trick with zero fuss! 
  • Olive Oil Spray – I love using a pump action spray bottle filled with olive oil as my non-stick spray. Not only is it free from aerosols and reusable (yay environment!), it’s also better for your air fryer than cooking spray. 
  • Salt & Black Pepper – Basic seasonings! I prefer the taste of sea salt or kosher salt to iodized table salt. Freshly cracked black pepper has more oomph than pre-ground pepper. 

Equipment 

How To Air Fry Chicken Bites

Step 1: Cut the chicken tenderloins or chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. If using chicken tenderloins, remove the tendon beforehand.

Step 2: Season. Add the chicken bites, olive oil, blackened cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl. Toss until the chicken chicken chunks are thoroughly coated.

Step 3: Marinate. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or transfer the chicken to an airtight container. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight if possible. You can skip this step completely if you would like, but I do recommend marinating for better flavor.

Step 4: Prep. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.  Add the seasoned chicken to the basket in an even, single layer.

Step 5: Air Fry the chicken bites for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your bites.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy! 

raw pieces of chicken breast diced into bite sized pieces.
seasoned chicken bites in the air fryer basket before cooking.
air fryer chicken bites in the air fryer after cooking.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

This recipe for air fryer boneless chicken bites is just a jumping off point. There are TONS of ways for you to make them your own! Here are a few ideas to get your creative wheels turning:

  • Air Fryer Buffalo Chicken Bites – Take a page from my air fryer buffalo chicken thighs recipe and use a zesty oregano-paprika seasoning blend to marinate, then toss the air-fried bites in spicy, buttery buffalo sauce. You could even add red pepper flakes for some extra heat!
  • Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Bites – Omit the blackening seasoning in the spice mix, then toss the juicy pieces of chicken in your favorite barbecue sauce when they’re done. 
  • Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Bites – Make my ground turkey teriyaki rice bowls, but swap in air fried chicken bites tossed in the savory sauce as your protein. 
  • Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites – Use lemon pepper in place of the Cajun seasoning, then serve your citrusy chicken over my creamy lemon parmesan pasta.
  • Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Bites – Use cubed chicken instead of pounded chicken cutlets, air fry to perfection, then serve with marinara on the side for dipping. 
air fried chicken bites on a white serving platter.

Expert Tips

  • Cubing Made Easy – Freeze your chicken for about 15 minutes before cutting it. The added chill helps to firm it up and makes getting neat cubes so much easier!
  • Mix It Up – Make sure you coat the chicken very thoroughly. I usually get in there with my hands and rub the seasoning around to ensure an even coating. If that grosses you out, use a spoon instead and just keep mixing until everything looks uniform.
  • Time Makes All The Difference – The longer you let the chicken sit in the seasoning, the better the flavor absorption will be. You can also cube and season the raw chicken in advance, then freeze for up to 3 months!
  • Stay Close – Chicken breasts are notorious for drying out, so be careful not to overcook them. I recommend sticking close by and checking the bites frequently as they cook. The size of the chunks and the model of your air fryer will cause some variance in cook times, so it’ll take some trial and error to get it just right!
flat lay shot of air fryer chicken bites on a white serving platter.

Delicious Chicken Bites Serving Suggestions

Whether you’re doing the dinner dance on a hectic weeknight or just prepping for the week ahead, these bites are your new kitchen MVP. Here’s a few ideas for how you can serve them up:

  • Quick Weeknight Dinner: Pair these crispy chicken bites with a side of fluffy rice, al dente pasta, or some savory garlic parmesan potatoes. Add a splash of color with steamed or roasted broccoli, carrots, sauteed sweet potatoes, or a fresh green salad, and you’ve got a meal that’s both balanced and beautiful in no time!
  • Protein-Packed Meal Prep: These chicken bites are perfect for leveling up your meal prep routine. Make a stellar grain bowl using quinoa, rice, or farro, and a mix of your favorite roasted or raw veggies. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette or your favorite dipping sauce, and you’re set for a week of hassle-free, wholesome lunches.
  • Wraps Galore: Who doesn’t love a good snack wrap? Tuck these golden nuggets into a soft tortilla with some crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a dollop of creamy Caesar, McDonald’s style special sauce, ranch dressing, or spicy bbq sauce. These bites make it easy to wrap and roll any day of the week!
  • Pizza Night: Roll out your favorite pizza dough, spread on your favorite sauce (like marinara sauce, salsa, cottage cheese alfredo, or BBQ), scatter on some chicken bites and a sprinkle of cheese, then add colorful additions like some onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms, then bake to perfection. 
  • Mix & Match Magic: Honestly, these chicken air fryer bites are the little black dress of your fridge; they go with literally everything! Toss them into your breakfast burritos, add them to your savory oat bowls, or even sprinkle over a fresh summer salad. They’re perfect for whenever you need a protein boost with minimal fuss.
closeup shot of an air fryer chicken bite that was halved to show the juicy inside.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Here’s how to store leftover chicken bites and reheat them to maintain that perfect crispness and flavor:

  • Cool Down: Allow your chicken bites to cool to room temperature before storing.
  • Refrigerate: Place the chicken bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze for Longer Storage: For longer storage, freeze the chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll last for up to 3 months. This method helps keep them separate, so you can grab as many as you need for a quick meal or snack.
  • Reheat to Perfection: To keep them crispy, reheat your chicken bites in the air fryer at 360°F for about 4 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again. You can also bake them on a sheet pan at 375ºF for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
  • If you’re in a rush, you can microwave them for 1-2 minutes on high. For best results, place a damp paper towel over them to keep the chicken moist. This method won’t retain the crispiness but will quickly warm them up.
overhead shot of air fried chicken bites on a white serving platter.

Air Fryer Chicken Bites FAQs

Can I put raw chicken in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer will cook the chicken to perfection. 

How do you cook chicken in an air fryer without breading or battering it first?

This recipe for air fryer chicken breasts has no breading and it’s awesome! Simply follow the recipe card below.

What is the best air fryer chicken recipe?

Oh man, that’s tough! I love these air fried chicken bites, but I also love my air fryer chicken tenderloins, air fryer chicken sausage, air fryer buffalo chicken thighs, and air fryer chicken burgers. 

What temp to air fry chicken bites?

If you’re cooking them from raw, I recommend starting at 400ºF. If you’re reheating cooked chicken bites, 350-360ºF should do the trick. 

How long to cook chicken breast bites in the air fryer?

It’ll depend on how big the chicken breast pieces are, what model of air fryer you have, how cold the chicken is, and what temp you use. If you follow my method of air frying at 400ºF and are using approximately 1-inch chunks, they should take about 6-8 minutes total. 

closeup shot of air fried chicken bites in a white pasta bowl.

Related Recipes

More Chicken Recipes

More Air Fryer Recipes

Connect With Me!

If you make this chicken bite air fryer recipe or any of my other recipes, I would absolutely love to know! Tag me @wellnessbykay on Instagram so I can see and share your recreations.

halved air fried chicken bite on a plate with whole chicken bites.

Love this recipe? Leave a comment and a rating! I love to see and it helps me continue to develop delicious recipes for this blog.

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hyper closeup shot of a few seasoned air fryer chicken bites.

Air Fryer Chicken Bites

  • Author: Kayla Berman
  • Prep Time: 10 Minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 Minutes
  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 Servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Air Fryer
Print Recipe

Description

Looking to pump up the protein in your dinner? My super simple recipe for crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites is the speedy solution you seek. All you need are 8 basic ingredients and less than 20 minutes to get these juicy little nuggets on the table—perfect for adding to salads, grain bowls, pasta, and more!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins, or chicken breast
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp blackened Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • Olive oil spray or cooking spray
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken tenderloins or chicken breast into bite sized cubes. If using chicken tenderloins, remove the tendon beforehand.
  2. Add the chicken bites, olive oil, blackened cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Toss until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
  3. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, or transfer the chicken to an airtight container. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate for at least 15 minutes and up to overnight if possible. You can skip this step completely if you would like, but I do recommend marinating for better flavor.
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or cooking spray.  Add the seasoned chicken to the basket in an even, single layer.
  5. Cook the chicken bites for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through. The exact cooking time will depend on the size of your bites.
  6. Serve and enjoy! 

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, chicken bites in air fryer, cubed chicken in air fryer, chicken chunks in air fryer, air fryer chicken chunks