These air fryer chicken bites are a fast, flavorful, and healthy option when I need a quick meal or snack. Made with just a handful of ingredients, including chicken breast, olive oil, and taco seasoning, they’re juicy, tender, and packed with spice—without the need for breading or deep frying.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe comes together in just 15 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup. The chicken turns out perfectly seasoned and crisp on the outside while staying juicy on the inside. It’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and endlessly versatile—I can eat it on its own, toss it into salads, stuff it into tacos, or pair it with a dipping sauce. Plus, it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when I want something tasty but don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb boneless chicken breast
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1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
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1–2 tablespoons taco seasoning (e.g. Siete)
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¼ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, if needed)
Directions
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I start by preheating the air fryer to 390 °F.
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Then, I cut the chicken into 1.5‑inch chunks and place them in a medium bowl.
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I toss the chicken with olive oil, taco seasoning, and optional salt until everything’s evenly coated.
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Next, I arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook them for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
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I make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F and is no longer pink inside before removing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 2–4 servings depending on appetite and how I choose to serve it.
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap out the chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs when I want a richer flavor—they take just a bit longer to cook. Instead of taco seasoning, I’ve also tried Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or even a garlic herb blend to change things up. These bites are also delicious with a dipping sauce like ranch, chipotle mayo, or guacamole.
Storage/Reheating
If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispness, but the microwave works fine if I’m in a hurry.
FAQs
What can I serve with air fryer chicken bites?
I like to serve them with a salad, over rice, in tacos, or with a dipping sauce as a snack. They’re also great in meal prep bowls.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken bites?
Yes, I freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When I want to reheat, I put them back in the air fryer until hot and crispy.
Can I use frozen chicken?
I prefer using fresh chicken for even cooking, but if I only have frozen, I make sure to fully thaw it before seasoning and cooking.
What if I don’t have taco seasoning?
No problem—I mix my own with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. It tastes just as good.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
I always check with a meat thermometer to ensure it hits 165 °F. The inside should be white and no longer pink.
Conclusion
These air fryer chicken bites have become one of my go-to meals when I need something quick, healthy, and satisfying. With just a few simple ingredients and a speedy cook time, they’re perfect for busy days or lazy nights. Whether I’m making a batch for lunch or snacking on them straight from the air fryer, they never disappoint.
Print
These flavorful air fryer chicken bites are the best quick-fix meal—simple, gluten-free, and protein-packed. Perfect for busy weeknights or healthy snacking.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2–4 servings
- Category: Air Fryer Recipes
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Quick and easy unbreaded chicken bites made with chunks of boneless, skinless chicken breast coated in olive oil and taco seasoning, air fried until golden, juicy, and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless chicken breast
- 1–2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1–2 tablespoons taco seasoning (e.g. Siete)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt (optional, if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 390 °F.
- Cut the chicken into 1.5‑inch chunks and place them in a medium bowl.
- Toss the chicken with olive oil, taco seasoning, and optional salt until evenly coated.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 °F and is no longer pink inside, then remove and serve.
Notes
- You can substitute boneless chicken thighs for the breast, though they may take slightly longer to cook.
- Use any seasoning you prefer in place of taco seasoning.
- Air fryer models vary—begin checking doneness around 8 minutes and adjust as needed.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the air fryer or microwave.
