Air fryers have become an incredibly popular kitchen appliance for their ability to make fried foods with minimal oil. One of the most common things people like to make is diced chicken. The air fryer allows you to achieve crispy, delicious chicken without the mess and unhealthiness of deep frying.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll explain everything you need to know to cook perfect diced chicken in an air fryer every time.
Benefits of Cooking Diced Chicken in an Air Fryer
There are several benefits that make an air fryer a great choice for cooking diced chicken:
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Uses little to no oil – Air frying eliminates the need for submerging food in oil, resulting in healthier, lower-fat dishes compared to deep frying.
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Quick and easy – Diced chicken cooks fast in an air fryer, usually in 10-15 minutes. Minimal prep required.
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Even cooking – The circulating hot air cooks food evenly, ensuring properly cooked chicken with no raw spots.
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Ideal texture – Air frying makes chicken crispy on the outside and moist inside. Great for getting that crunchy bite.
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Versatile – Diced chicken works in many recipes like salads, pastas, sandwiches, wraps, and more.
Tips for Cooking Diced Chicken in an Air Fryer
Follow these tips and tricks for foolproof air fried chicken every time:
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Cut uniform pieces – Cut chicken into evenly sized 1-inch cubes so pieces cook at the same rate.
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Pat chicken dry – Dry off diced chicken before cooking for maximum crispiness.
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Use a light coat of oil – A thin layer of oil helps promote browning and crisping.
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Don’t overcrowd – Cook chicken in a single layer, avoiding overlaps for even cooking.
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Flip halfway – Stir or flip chicken midway through cooking for optimum texture.
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Check temperature – Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
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Preheat if possible – Preheating leads to faster, more consistent cooking.
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Season well – Generously season chicken before and after cooking to boost flavor.
How Long to Cook Diced Chicken
The ideal cooking time for diced chicken in an air fryer is typically 10-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Factors like the size of chicken pieces, amount being cooked, and your specific model of air fryer can affect timing. Checking chicken early and monitoring internal temperature will ensure best results.
Seasoning Ideas
One of the best parts of cooking diced chicken in an air fryer is experimenting with different seasonings.
Here are some recommended seasoning blends:
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Lemon Pepper – For a bright, tangy flavor
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Italian Herbs – Oregano, basil, garlic, parsley
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Cajun – Paprika, garlic, onion, cayenne
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Jerk – Allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg
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ranch – Dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper
Pre-made seasoning packets are a quick and easy way to add lots of flavor. Marinating chicken for 30 minutes+ can also infuse it with extra taste.
Helpful Air Fryer Accessories
Using certain accessories can make cooking diced chicken easier and improve results:
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Meat thermometer – Essential for checking doneness and food safety.
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Mesh basket insert – Allows for shaking and flipping small pieces.
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Cooking tongs – Help toss and flip chicken safely.
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Oil sprayer – For evenly coating chicken with thin layer of oil.
Sample Recipes Using Diced Chicken
Diced chicken cooked in an air fryer is extremely versatile for all kinds of recipes:
Air Fryer Chicken Salad
Cook diced chicken in air fryer. Toss with mayonnaise, chopped veggies, salt, and pepper. Serve over greens or in a sandwich.
Air Fryer Chicken Tacos
Top warm tortillas with diced chicken, pico de gallo, avocado, queso fresco, and lime.
Air Fryer Chicken Fried Rice
Stir together air fried chicken, cooked rice, veggies, soy sauce, sesame oil, and eggs.
The possibilities are endless! Use your perfectly cooked chicken as the star of any meal.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Properly storing leftover diced chicken will keep it fresh for later use:
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Let chicken cool before refrigerating in a sealed container for 3-4 days.
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Freeze for longer storage (4-6 months). Use freezer bags or airtight containers.
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Reheat chicken in the air fryer at 400°F for a few minutes until heated through.
Diced chicken cooked in the air fryer emerges hot, crispy, and juicy in just minutes. Following the tips in this guide will help you achieve delicious, foolproof results every time. With so many quick and easy recipes to try, air fried chicken is sure to become a kitchen staple!
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Home / Recipe / Air Fryer Chicken Bites With Dipping Sauces
Find the Best Chicken
Color: Fresh chicken should have a pinkish color. If the flesh is gray or transparent, its most likely not fresh. Avoid cosmetic damage, such as bruising or tears in the skin, which can affect the chickens quality.
Texture: Chicken should also be plump. When you press against it, the meat should be firm but somewhat springy, resuming its shape after a few seconds.
Odor: Fresh chicken shouldn’t have an odor. If you notice any unpleasant smells, it’s likely the chicken is no longer fresh.
Use your favorite spices or spice blends to switch up the chicken bites flavor. You can also swap any of the dipping sauces with your favorite dipping sauce.
Combining these chicken bites with a variety of dipping sauces can help encourage picky eaters to explore new foods. They can choose their own portions and experiment with different flavor combinations. This family-style approach allows them to explore at their own pace, which can build confidence and gradually expand their palates.
Tender Air Fryer Chicken Bites [Easy Recipe]
FAQ
How long can you cook diced chicken in an air fryer?
Air fry for 8–10 minutes, until crispy and cooked through. While the chicken is cooking, prepare the sauce.
How to cook diced chicken in air fryer?
Place the seasoned diced chicken in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket as it may hinder the air circulation and result in uneven cooking. – Set the cooking time for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the size of the dice and desired crispiness.
Should you flip chicken if you cook it in an air fryer?
A: Flipping or shaking the diced chicken during cooking is recommended to ensure even browning. For the best results, gently shake the air fryer basket or use tongs to flip the chicken every 5 minutes. This will help to prevent any pieces from sticking together and encourage an evenly crispy exterior.
Can you cook bone in diced chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, you can cook bone-in diced chicken in an air fryer. Just ensure that the chicken reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety. 8. How can I prevent the chicken from drying out? To prevent the chicken from drying out, avoid overcooking it and make sure to follow the recommended cooking time.
How do you air Fry a fried chicken?
Pat the chicken breast dry with kitchen towels. Use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut it into 1-inch cubes and add the cubed chicken to a bowl. Add the cajun seasoning, oil, and salt. Mix till well combined. Transfer the seasoned cubed chicken to the air fryer basket. Air fry diced chicken breast for 8-10 minutes at 200C/ 400F.
How long to cook Boneless Chicken Bites in air fryer?
Air fry diced chicken breast for 8-10 minutes at 200C/ 400F. Shake the basket once during cooking. Bring out of the air fryer, and rest the chicken bites for 5 minutes. Serve and enjoy. If cut into 1-inch cubes, how long to cook boneless chicken bites is 8 minutes at 200C/ 400F. If cooked at 180C/390F, the cooking time is 10 minutes.
How long to cook chicken in air fryer?
You can also lightly spray them with avocado oil or any other neutral oil to get a perfectly crispy texture. Cook the chicken pieces in the air fryer for 10 to 15 minutes or until they are crispy and cooked through. Flip the chicken into the basket and cook it for another 5 to 8 minutes.