These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are irresistibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, thanks to a golden Parmesan crust kissed with garlic. They come together in under 20 minutes, making them one of the easiest air fryer recipes for busy weeknights or game-day snacking.
Simple, everyday ingredients and clear, step-by-step instructions — every recipe made in Dorothy’s kitchen before it reaches yours. Jump to the full recipe card below.
PrintAir Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Crispy golden chicken bites coated in a garlicky Parmesan crust, air-fried until juicy and delicious in just 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the chicken cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- In a separate shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, and minced garlic.
- Dredge each piece of seasoned chicken in the Parmesan-panko mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spacing them apart so air can circulate. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the bites halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the air fryer, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in batches if needed. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crunch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best temperature for air fryer recipes like this one?
Most air fryer recipes for chicken bites work best between 375°F and 390°F. This range crisps the Parmesan coating quickly while keeping the chicken juicy without drying it out.
Can I make this recipe without breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can skip the panko and use just Parmesan cheese for a lower-carb version. The bites will still get crispy, though slightly less crunchy than with breadcrumbs added.
How do I keep chicken bites from sticking in the air fryer basket?
Lightly spray both the basket and the chicken with cooking spray before air frying, and avoid overcrowding the basket so each piece has room to crisp evenly.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great in this recipe and stay extra juicy, though they may need an extra minute or two of cook time.
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