If you want to find more ways to cook chicken using an air fryer, then you should try this recipe for Air Fryer Chicken Bites! They are packed with amazing flavor and incredibly simple to make!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I don’t like any spice, how do I adjust the seasonings?
If you prefer less spiciness, you can simply omit the red pepper flakes and reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning by about half.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Certainly! You have the option to replace the chicken breasts with boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may need some adjustment. It’s important to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F. Be cautious not to overcook the chicken as it can result in dryness.
What dipping sauces do you suggest?
You can choose from a variety of delicious condiments to accompany your dishes, such as BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a garlic aioli, which is essentially garlic-infused mayonnaise.
Why do you add sugar?
The addition of sugar in this recipe serves to harmonize the flavors of the other spices. It’s similar to how Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets achieve a balanced taste with a touch of sweetness. Furthermore, the sugar contributes to a delightful charred appearance and adds depth of flavor to the dish.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 minutes | 10 minutes | 22 minutes | 3 |
Air Fryer Chicken Breast
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning (I like Slap Ya Mama seasoning or Tony Chachere’s)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
Instructions
- Preheat a 5-quart air fryer to 380°F for 5 minutes.
- Cut 1 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and place them into a medium-sized bowl. Add 1 Tablespoon olive oil to the bowl and stir to coat the chicken in the oil.Â
- Add 1 1/2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon dried parsley flakes and stir so the chicken is coated in the spices.
- Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil nonstick spray. Add the chicken pieces to the basket in a single layer.
- Cook for 7-11 minutes, shaking the basket around every few minutes for even cooking. The chicken bites are done when an internal temperature reaches at least 165°F. Serve immediately.
Notes
The sugar in this recipe evens out the spices, just like in Chick-Fil-A chicken nuggets where the sweetness balances the overall taste. It also adds a nice charred appearance and enhances the deliciousness. If you don’t like spice, you can skip the red pepper flakes and reduce the cajun seasoning by half. Alternatively, you can use Creole seasoning (like Tony Chachere’s) instead of Cajun seasoning.
Nutrition
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 73g
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Cholesterol: 218mg
- Sodium: 986mg
- Potassium: 1319mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Vitamin A: 1254IU
- Vitamin C: 4mg
- Calcium: 31mg
- Iron: 2mg