Air Fryer Butter Chicken Bites

These Air Fryer Butter Chicken Bites are juicy, tender, and coated in a rich garlic butter seasoning with a hint of paprika and herbs. Ready in under 20 minutes, they’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

Garlic Butter

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp lemon juice

Optional Garnishes

• Fresh parsley
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Red pepper flakes
• Lemon wedges

Instructions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
2. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.
3. In a large bowl, toss the chicken with the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece.
5. Air fry at 390°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
6. While the chicken cooks, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, parsley, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
7. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), transfer it to a bowl and toss with the garlic butter mixture until well coated.
8. Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips

• Chicken thighs stay especially juicy, while chicken breasts are a leaner option.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even browning.
• For a spicy version, add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce.
• Toss the chicken with the butter after cooking to keep the garlic from burning.

Serving Suggestions

• Steamed rice
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Air Fryer Roasted Potatoes
• Roasted vegetables
• Caesar salad
• Ranch, garlic aioli, or honey mustard for dipping

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes, or until warmed through.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: 20–22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: Approximately 320 calories per serving
Protein: Approximately 36 g per serving