Crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
