Introduction

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites deliver a zesty and flavorful twist on classic chicken pieces, cooked to perfection with a crisp outside and tender inside. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a healthy snack or a light meal any day of the week.

A white plate filled with a large pile of golden-brown fried shrimp, each piece coated in a crispy, textured batter. The shrimp have a slight glisten from oil and are sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. Scattered on top and around the shrimp are several bright yellow lemon wedges, adding a fresh contrast. The plate is set on a white marbled surface, and the background is softly blurred to highlight the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 3: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Step 4: Place the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
Step 5: Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Step 6: Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray before air frying.
Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Use chicken thighs instead of breast for a juicier result.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

How to Serve

The image shows a white ceramic lemon-shaped bowl filled with golden-brown grilled chicken pieces mixed with bright yellow lemon wedges, all sprinkled with fresh green parsley. The fried chicken looks juicy with a slightly crispy, textured surface seasoned with spices giving it a reddish tint. A woman's hand is holding a gold fork, picking up one piece of chicken from the center of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a white cloth adorned with large yellow lemons and green leaves in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken. If using frozen, thaw completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

What dipping sauces pair well with these lemon chicken bites?

They go great with ranch, garlic aioli, honey mustard, or a simple yogurt-based sauce for added creaminess.

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 128 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites marinated in zesty lemon juice and aromatic spices, perfect as a quick and healthy appetizer or snack.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 42 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper creating a flavorful base to tenderize and season the chicken.
Marinate the chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade, tossing thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
Preheat the air fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat to ensure even cooking and a crispy exterior.
Arrange chicken in air fryer: Place the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to avoid overcrowding, which allows for even crisping.
Cook the chicken bites: Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to turn the pieces for uniform browning and to verify that the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer, up to 2 hours, intensifies the lemon and spice flavors.
Ensure chicken pieces are similar in size for even cooking.
You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken; it should reach 165°F (74°C).
Serve with dipping sauces such as ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For extra crispiness, lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray before air frying.

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, lemon chicken, easy appetizer, healthy snack, air fryer recipes