If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and protein-packed snack or meal, these Air Fryer Chicken Bites are a must-try! They come together with just a handful of ingredients and take less than 15 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for meal prep, a post-workout snack, or a low-carb meal, these bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor.
This recipe uses canned chicken, which might sound unusual if you’ve never tried it before, but trust me—it works! The texture blends beautifully with the cheese and egg, making these bites perfectly crispy without needing breadcrumbs or flour.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔️ Quick & Easy – Just mix, shape, and air fry!
✔️ High in Protein – Packed with lean protein from chicken and egg.
✔️ Low Carb & Gluten-Free – No breadcrumbs or fillers needed.
✔️ Perfectly Crispy – The air fryer gives them a crunchy texture without deep frying.
✔️ Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and store them for snacks or quick meals.
Ingredients
For a small batch (makes about 6-8 bites), you’ll need:
- 1 can (10-12 oz) chicken, drained and shredded
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan for extra crispiness
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky depth of flavor
- A pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
- Drain the canned chicken well to remove excess moisture. Press it with a paper towel to make sure it’s as dry as possible. This helps the bites hold their shape and crisp up better.
- Transfer the chicken to a mixing bowl and use a fork to break it apart into smaller pieces.
- Add the beaten egg, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. If using optional ingredients like Parmesan or paprika, add them now.
Step 2: Shape the Bites
- Using clean hands, scoop a small amount of the mixture (about 1-2 tablespoons) and form it into small patties or nugget shapes.
- If the mixture feels too wet, let it sit for a minute so the cheese can help bind it together.
Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 2 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Bites
- Arrange the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching to allow for even cooking.
- Air fry at 400°F for 7 minutes, then carefully flip each bite using tongs or a spatula.
- Continue air frying for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Let the bites cool for a minute before serving.
- Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, sugar-free BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or a simple homemade garlic yogurt dip.
Storage & Reheating Tips
💡 To Store:
- Keep leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
💡 To Reheat:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until crispy again.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: You can microwave them for 30-45 seconds, but they may lose some crispiness.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer chicken bites are incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- As a snack: Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
- For a meal: Pair with roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or cauliflower rice.
- In a wrap: Stuff them into a low-carb tortilla with lettuce, avocado, and a drizzle of sauce.
- As sliders: Sandwich them between mini buns with some lettuce and tomato.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes! You can use cooked and shredded chicken breast instead. Make sure it’s finely shredded to help it bind well with the other ingredients.
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar gives a sharp, savory flavor, while mozzarella creates a gooey texture. You can also try pepper jack for a spicy kick or Parmesan for extra crispiness.
Can I make them dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the cheese or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or plant-based shredded cheese.
