Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious snack or meal option. These tender, flavorful chicken pieces get a perfect golden crust from the panko breadcrumbs and a bright kick from fresh lemon and garlic. Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a great easy recipe for busy weeknights.

Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix well so all pieces are coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Optionally, mix in spices or grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Roll each piece in the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a crispy texture.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Remove from the air fryer and let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes. Serve with a lemon wedge and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan to the panko breadcrumbs before coating.
Try swapping Italian seasoning with smoked paprika or Cajun seasoning for a different twist.
Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier bites.
Serve with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or ranch for added indulgence.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep them from becoming soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken breast so it marinates evenly and cooks properly in the air fryer.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken bites should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). They should be golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside.

Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe

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4.8 from 77 reviews

These Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious snack or appetizer. Marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, they are air-fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, they make a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken bites.

Author: Daniel
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
3 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Coating

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Optional: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for extra flavor)
Optional: Additional spices such as paprika or dried herbs (to taste)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover and allow to marinate for 15-30 minutes to infuse the chicken with bright, savory flavors.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: In a shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. If desired, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and any extra spices to enhance the flavor and add a cheesy, crispy crust.
Coat the Chicken Bites: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Roll each piece evenly in the panko breadcrumb mixture until fully coated, ensuring a crunchy texture after cooking.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This helps achieve a crispy exterior when cooking.
Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding for even cooking. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through the cooking time, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy inside.
Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, garnished with a wedge of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired, for a fresh, tangy finish.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes enhances flavor but can be done for as little as 15 minutes if short on time.
Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and optimal crispiness.
You can add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb coating for a spicy kick.
For a gluten-free version, substitute panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal.
Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
Leftover chicken bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for best crispiness.

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, lemon chicken bites, crispy chicken bites, quick appetizers, easy chicken recipe, panko chicken, healthy fried chicken