Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites
These air fryer chicken nuggets are incredibly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and ready in under 30 minutes.
- Prep10 min
- Cook14 min
- Total24 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
These air fryer chicken bites are the perfect quick and easy appetizer or main course. The secret to their incredible crispiness is the double coating in seasoned flour and milk mixture, followed by homemade breadcrumbs made right in the air fryer.
You only need a few basic ingredients and the air fryer does all the work, giving you perfectly golden, crunchy nuggets without deep frying. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
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Method
- Make the breadcrumbs: If using homemade, take about 4 slices of bread. Place them in the air fryer basket and air fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway, until very crisp. Then process in a food processor until fine crumbs form (4 slices yield about 1 cup breadcrumbs).
- Brush half of the olive oil onto the air fryer basket to prevent sticking.
- Set out 3 shallow bowls. In the first bowl, put ½ cup flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the remaining ½ cup flour, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each piece of chicken first into the plain flour, shaking off excess.
- Then transfer the chicken to the milk-flour mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Finally, coat each piece in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they stick. Place the coated nuggets in the oiled air fryer basket in a single layer without overlapping. Work in batches if needed.
- Brush the nuggets with the remaining olive oil.
- Set the air fryer to 380°F and cook for 7 minutes. Flip the nuggets carefully, then cook for another 7 minutes. For extra crispiness, add 1 more minute per side.
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
💡 Tips
- For even crispier nuggets, let the coated chicken rest for 5 minutes before air frying.
- You can use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- Serve with ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dip.
Inspired by a recipe from The Cookie Rookie