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- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 2 large eggs - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper - Cooking spray or extra virgin olive oil Gathering these ingredients is key for great flavor. I love using fresh Parmesan cheese. It gives the chicken bites a nice taste and texture. Panko breadcrumbs are my go-to for that crunchy finish. You want to keep your chicken bites juicy inside while getting a crispy outside. Make sure to have your spices ready too. Garlic powder and onion powder add depth. Italian seasoning brings warmth to the dish. Don't forget salt and pepper; they really boost the flavors. You’ll also need cooking spray or olive oil. This helps prevent the chicken from sticking in the air fryer. Always choose good quality olive oil for added flavor. By prepping these ingredients, you set yourself up for success. Each bite will be full of flavor and texture. Happy cooking! Start by mixing the cheese and breadcrumbs. In a medium bowl, combine these two key ingredients. Use freshly grated Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch. Next, add garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. This blend will give your chicken bites a tasty crust. Now, let’s coat the chicken. Take your bite-sized cubes of chicken and dip each piece into a bowl of beaten eggs. Make sure each cube is fully coated. This step helps the breadcrumb mixture stick. After that, roll the egg-coated chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure each piece is fully covered. Repeat this process until all chicken cubes are coated. Before cooking, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This step is key for that crispy finish. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil. This prevents sticking and helps get a nice golden brown color. Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the basket. Make sure they aren't crowded. You may need to cook in batches for best results. For extra crispiness, spray the tops of the chicken bites with cooking spray again. Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking. This helps the chicken cook evenly. They are ready when golden brown and crispy, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After cooking, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy treats! To make your Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Bites super crispy, preheat your air fryer. Preheating helps lock in moisture and creates a golden crust. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for about five minutes. This step is key. Avoid overcrowding the basket. If you place too many bites at once, they will steam instead of crisp. Work in batches if needed. Each piece should have space around it. This allows hot air to circulate well, ensuring even cooking. When coating chicken, ensure full coverage with the egg. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, making sure it is fully coated. This helps the breadcrumbs stick better. If you miss a spot, the coating might fall off. If you want an egg-free option, try using buttermilk or milk. You can also use a mixture of flour and water. These alternatives work well and can still give you a nice crunch. Experiment to find what you like best! {{image_4}} You can make these chicken bites even better by adding your favorite spices or herbs. For instance, try mixing in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also add dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the breadcrumb mix. This gives the bites a new flavor twist that can impress your guests. Another fun idea is to switch up the cheese. While Parmesan is classic, you can use Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste. Cheddar or mozzarella can also work if you're aiming for a different flavor profile. Each type of cheese creates a unique taste that keeps things exciting. If you want to change the protein, you can swap chicken for ground turkey or even tofu. Turkey has a similar texture and works well with the same cooking method. Just remember to cut the cooking time slightly since turkey cooks faster than chicken. For tofu, use extra-firm blocks. Cut it into cubes and press to remove excess moisture. Adjust the cook time to about 8-10 minutes. You want the tofu to be golden and crispy. These options make this dish versatile and suitable for everyone. To store your chicken bites, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and avoids moisture. You can store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. They can last in the freezer for about two months. For the best texture, reheat your chicken bites in the air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you use a microwave, place them on a plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts, checking often. This can make them soft, but it's quick and easy. Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time. After coating the chicken, place the bites in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge. This keeps them fresh for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to cook, just pop them in the air fryer. You may need to add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken bite. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is fully cooked. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for a golden brown color and juicy texture. Several sauces go great with Parmesan chicken bites. Here are a few tasty options: - Marinara sauce - Honey mustard - Ranch dressing - Spicy aioli - Barbecue sauce These sauces add a fun twist to your meal and enhance the flavor of the chicken bites. Enjoy exploring your favorites! This blog covered how to make delicious Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Bites. You learned about the key ingredients and steps for coating and frying. I shared tips for crispiness, storage, and meal options. Try different cheeses or spices for fun flavors. Cooking is about creativity, so explore your tastes. Enjoy your crisp chicken bites and make them your own!

Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Bites

Get ready to indulge in Crispy Air Fryer Parmesan Chicken Bites that are perfect for any occasion! These golden, crunchy bites are made with simple ingredients like boneless chicken, Parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasonings. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delicious snack or appetizer that everyone will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and tips for serving these irresistible chicken bites!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for that irresistible crunch)

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Cooking spray or a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil

Instructions
 

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture is uniform in texture.

    In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.

      Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring each cube is fully coated in egg for optimal breadcrumb adherence.

        Next, transfer the egg-coated chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mixture. Press each piece gently but firmly into the crumbs, ensuring they are completely coated. Repeat this process until all chicken pieces are well-coated.

          Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step is important for achieving that crispy exterior.

            Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer within the basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded (you may need to work in batches for best results).

              For an extra crispy finish, lightly spray the tops of the chicken bites with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil once more.

                Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to promote even browning. They are done when they are golden brown and crispy, and their internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

                  After cooking, carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a couple of minutes on a wire rack or plate before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Present your crispy Parmesan chicken bites on a stylish platter accompanied by a side of vibrant marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce. For an added touch, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil to introduce a burst of color and freshness to your dish!