Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites

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Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe that will be a hit with the whole family? Look no further! These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites are perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty snack. With simple ingredients and a short cook time, you can have a flavorful main dish ready in no time.

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Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan Bites

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
• Zest of one lemon
• 2 tbsp avocado oil
• Juice from half a lemon (or 1 tbsp)
• 2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp parsley
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Black pepper to taste

Supplies Needed for Parmesan Chicken Bites

• Air fryer
• Airtight container or Ziplock bag
• Nonstick spray
• Meat thermometer (optional but recommended)

Detailed Instructions for Easy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites

Prepare the Ingredients

Cube the Chicken

Start by cutting 1.5 lbs of boneless skinless chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform size to ensure even cooking.

Zest and Juice the Lemon

Zest one lemon to get the fragrant outer peel and juice half the lemon (about 1 tbsp) for a fresh citrus kick.

Marinate the Chicken

Combine Ingredients

Place the cubed chicken thighs into an airtight container or a large Ziplock bag. Add the lemon zest, 2 tbsp of avocado oil, lemon juice, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp parsley, 1 tbsp minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and black pepper to taste.

Mix Well

Seal the container or bag and shake well to ensure all the chicken pieces are evenly coated with the seasoning mix. This step is crucial for infusing the chicken with flavor.

Marinate

Place the marinated chicken in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and penetrate the chicken.

Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400°F and let it preheat. Preheating ensures that the chicken starts cooking immediately upon being placed in the air fryer, leading to a better texture.

Prepare the Air Fryer Basket

Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with nonstick spray or cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. This also helps in achieving a crispy exterior.

Cook the Chicken

Arrange Chicken in Single Layer

Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket as it can prevent even cooking and crisping.

Cook

Cook the chicken at 400°F for 10-15 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.

Check for Doneness

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. If the pieces are not yet done, continue cooking for a few more minutes, checking frequently.

Serve

Remove and Serve

Once the chicken is cooked through and golden brown, remove it from the air fryer.

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with your favorite sides such as a light salad, roasted vegetables, or as a snack with dipping sauces like light mayo mixed with hot sauce. These bites are versatile and can be paired with many different accompaniments. We love slathering them in our Homemade Lemon Garlic Aioli sauce.

Tips for Best Results

Making the perfect Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites is easy with a few helpful tips. Here are some detailed suggestions to ensure your bites turn out crispy, flavorful, and delicious every time.

Use Fresh Ingredients

Fresh Cheese and Garlic

Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese and freshly minced garlic will provide the best flavor. Pre-packaged options often lack the same intensity and freshness.

Fresh Lemon

Freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest add a bright, vibrant flavor that bottled juice can’t match.

Uniform Chicken Pieces

Even Cooking

Cut the chicken thighs into uniform bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly in the air fryer, preventing some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked.

Marinating Time

Flavor Infusion

Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial for letting the flavors penetrate the chicken, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

Preheat Your Air Fryer

Optimal Cooking Temperature

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F before adding the chicken. Preheating helps the chicken cook more evenly and quickly, achieving a crispy exterior.

Single Layer Cooking

Crispy Texture

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy chicken. If needed, cook in batches.

Shaking or Turning

Even Crisping

Halfway through the cooking time, shake the air fryer basket or use tongs to turn the chicken pieces. This ensures all sides get crispy and cooked evenly.

Check Internal Temperature

Safety and Quality

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.

Adjusting Cooking Time

Size and Air Fryer Variability

Cooking times can vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and the specific air fryer model. Start checking for doneness at the 10-minute mark and adjust as necessary.

Serve Immediately

Best Texture

Serve the chicken bites immediately after cooking for the best texture and flavor. If you need to keep them warm, place them in a low oven until ready to serve.

Experiment with Dips and Sides

Enhance Flavor

Pair your chicken bites with various dipping sauces like garlic aioli, ranch, or spicy mayo. Serve with sides such as roasted vegetables, salads, or even fries for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites are not only easy to make but also healthier than traditional fried chicken. The air fryer uses less oil, making this dish a great low-carb option. The combination of lemon, garlic, and Parmesan adds a delicious zest that enhances the natural flavor of the chicken. It’s a fantastic recipe for game day, family dinners, or even as a quick snack.

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