Air Fryer Chicken Bites (+video)

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites (No Breading, Keto)- I Heart Umami®

A Healthy Twist on Classic Chicken Bites

Are you craving a delicious and healthy snack? Look no further than these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites! With no breading, these keto-friendly bites are packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken breast, boneless, skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
2. Pat the chicken breast dry with a paper towel and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until well coated.
5. Place the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching.
6. Cook for 8-10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and nicely browned.
7. Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Prepare:

Preparing these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites is simple and quick. Just follow these easy steps:

1. Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F.
2. While the air fryer is preheating, take the boneless, skinless chicken breast and pat it dry with a paper towel. Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
3. In a separate bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
4. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are well coated. Let the chicken marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
5. When the air fryer is preheated, place the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are in a single layer and not touching. This allows for even cooking and crispiness.
6. Cook the chicken bites for 8-10 minutes until they are cooked through and have a golden brown color. You may need to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
7. Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes.

Preparation Time:

The preparation time for these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites is approximately 20 minutes, including marinating time. It’s a quick and easy recipe that can be whipped up in no time!

Servings:

This recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or snack, but it can easily be doubled or tripled to accommodate a larger crowd. These tasty chicken bites are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.

Nutrition Facts:

While these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are incredibly delicious, they are also keto-friendly and packed with protein. Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition facts per serving:

• Calories: 180
• Protein: 25g
• Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g

Tips:

For the best results, here are some tips to keep in mind while making these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites:

• Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Marinating the chicken for at least 10 minutes allows the flavors to penetrate the meat.
• Preheating the air fryer ensures that the chicken bites cook quickly and evenly.
• Shake the air fryer basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
• Let the chicken bites cool for a few minutes before serving to allow them to firm up and become extra crispy.

FAQs:

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs for chicken breast in this recipe. However, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary as thighs tend to be thicker and require additional cooking time.

2. Can I make these in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake these chicken bites in a regular oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and golden brown.

3. Can I make these chicken bites gluten-free?

Yes, these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are naturally gluten-free since they are not breaded. Just make sure to check the labels of any pre-packaged ingredients for hidden gluten.

4. Can I freeze these chicken bites?

Yes, these chicken bites can be frozen. After cooking, let them cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place the frozen bites in the air fryer at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through.

These Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a healthier alternative to traditional breaded chicken bites. They are packed with zesty lemon flavor and have a crispy exterior, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack. Whether you’re hosting a party or looking for a quick and easy dinner option, these chicken bites are sure to satisfy your cravings. Try them out in your air fryer today!