Air fryers have become a must-have kitchen appliance for many people, and it’s not hard to see why. They allow you to enjoy crispy, flavorful foods without the guilt of deep frying. One dish that you absolutely have to try in your air fryer is chicken bites. Whether you’re following a keto diet or simply looking for a delicious, easy-to-make snack, these air fryer chicken bites are sure to become a favorite.
Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites
These lemon chicken bites are perfect for those following a keto diet or looking for a low-carb option. The best part is that they don’t require any breading, making them a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken bites. Here’s how you can make them yourself.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 lemons, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken bites to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly in the marinade. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the marinated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
These lemon chicken bites are incredibly flavorful and have a crispy exterior that is sure to satisfy your cravings. They’re perfect for serving as an appetizer at a party or as a quick and easy weeknight dinner. You can enjoy them on their own or serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Prepare:
Preparing these air fryer lemon chicken bites is incredibly simple and requires just a few steps. Start by cutting boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a bowl, combine lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade. Add the chicken bites to the bowl and toss them to coat them evenly. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Then, preheat your air fryer and place the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and cooked through. Finally, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.
Preparation Time:
The preparation time for these air fryer lemon chicken bites is relatively short. It will take about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. The chicken bites then need to marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. The actual cooking time in the air fryer is approximately 10-12 minutes. Overall, you can expect to have these delicious chicken bites ready to enjoy in about 50 minutes.
Servings:
This recipe for air fryer lemon chicken bites yields approximately 4 servings. However, the number of servings may vary depending on your appetite and the portion sizes you prefer. If you’re serving these as an appetizer, you may want to plan for more servings as guests tend to enjoy smaller portions. Feel free to adjust the quantities accordingly to suit your needs and preferences.
Nutrition Facts:
The following nutrition information is based on a serving size of approximately 1/4 of the recipe:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 598mg
These air fryer lemon chicken bites are not only delicious but also relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. They are a great option for those following a keto or low-carb diet. The high protein content makes them a satisfying choice that will keep you feeling full and nourished.
Tips:
Here are a few tips to ensure your air fryer lemon chicken bites turn out perfectly:
- Make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to maximize the flavor.
- Preheat your air fryer before adding the chicken to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Flip the chicken bites halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
- Let the cooked chicken bites cool for a few minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth.
Following these tips will help you achieve crispy, flavorful chicken bites every time you use your air fryer.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken bites?
A: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken bites. Allow them to 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 them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Q: What dipping sauces go well with these chicken bites?
A: These lemon chicken bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces. Some popular options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavors!
Q: Can I make these chicken bites in a traditional oven instead of an air fryer?
A: Yes, you can still enjoy these delicious chicken bites even if you don’t have an air fryer. Simply preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake them for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden and cooked through. You may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the size of your chicken bites.
These air fryer lemon chicken bites are a delicious and healthy option that the whole family will love. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any occasion. Give them a try and discover just how tasty air-fried chicken can be!
