Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
