Introduction

These Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick and delicious way to enjoy flavorful, tender chicken with a perfect crunchy coating. Marinated in lemon and herbs, then air-fried to golden perfection, they’re ideal for a satisfying snack or meal.

Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
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 to coat evenly and let the chicken marinate for 15 to 30 minutes.
Step 2: In a separate shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Optionally, add extra spices or grated Parmesan cheese for more flavor.
Step 3: Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Roll each piece in the panko breadcrumbs until thoroughly coated.
Step 4: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure a crispy finish.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, mix grated Parmesan or smoked paprika into the panko breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
Use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary in the marinade for a different aromatic twist.
If you prefer spicier bites, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Storage

Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will result in a juicier, slightly more flavorful bite. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C) internally.

Do I need to marinate the chicken for a long time?

While 15-30 minutes is sufficient to impart good flavor, you can marinate for longer, up to a few hours or overnight, for a more intense lemon and herb taste.

Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 96 reviews

Enjoy these crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites—a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to fried chicken. Marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and Italian seasoning, then coated with crunchy panko breadcrumbs and air-fried to perfection for a juicy interior and golden crust. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or a light meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Coating

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Optional: 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
Optional: Additional spices such as paprika or dried herbs (as preferred)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to coat all the chicken pieces evenly. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 15 to 30 minutes to absorb the flavors deeply.
Prepare the Breadcrumb Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the optional grated Parmesan cheese and any additional spices of your choice to boost flavor and crispiness.
Coat the Chicken Bites: Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the bowl, allowing excess marinade to drip off. Roll each piece thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated on all sides.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This preheating step ensures the chicken achieves an optimal crispy finish.
Air Fry the Chicken: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow proper air circulation, cooking in batches if necessary. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through cooking. Chicken is done when golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Serve: Carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm with a wedge of lemon and garnish with fresh parsley if desired for a fresh, bright touch.

Notes

For extra flavor, add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs before coating the chicken.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to keep the chicken crispy and evenly cooked.
If you prefer spicier bites, sprinkle some paprika or chili powder into the breadcrumb mix.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best tangy flavor.
Leftovers can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain crispiness.

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, lemon chicken, crispy chicken, healthy chicken snacks, quick chicken recipe, panko coated chicken