If you’re craving something crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, these air-fried chicken bites are just the thing. Coated in a light, seasoned crust and cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they come out golden-brown and crunchy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender on the inside. They’re ideal for a quick weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or even a fun appetizer for guests.
What truly elevates these bites is the sweet and sour sauce—deceptively simple to make, yet full of bold, balanced flavors. With just a few pantry staples, you can whip up a glossy, tangy, and slightly sticky sauce that clings beautifully to each piece. The contrasting flavors of sweet and sour perfectly complement the savory crunch of the chicken, making every bite irresistible.
And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option or simply want to mix things up, you can easily swap out the chicken for hearty vegetables like sweet potato cubes or chunks of aubergine (eggplant). Both alternatives hold up well in the air fryer and take on a wonderfully crispy texture, while still soaking up the flavors of the sauce just as well as chicken.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, this dish is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and endlessly customizable. Serve it over rice, wrap it in lettuce leaves, or enjoy it on its own—either way, it’s sure to become a go-to favourite in your kitchen.
Air fryer chicken bites- ingredient list!
Here’s the beautifully short and simple list of ingredients that come together in perfect harmony to create these incredibly delicious air fryer chicken bites. Each component plays an important role, working together to build layers of flavor that are savory, slightly tangy, and utterly irresistible. From the seasoned coating that crisps up perfectly in the air fryer, to the subtle spices that add warmth and depth, every ingredient has a purpose—and when combined, they transform humble chicken pieces into juicy, golden bites bursting with flavor.
The end result is a mouth watering, melt-in-your-mouth experience that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to achieve. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or serving a crowd, these ingredients prove that you don’t need a long shopping list to create something truly special.
Ingredients for the chicken bites;
Cut two chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces that are 1 cm (½ inch).
Five tablespoons of ordinary flour
One giant free-range egg and one tablespoon of whole milk were beaten.
Panko breadcrumbs, 80g/2¾oz
Spray for cooking oil
To serve, cut two spring onions.
freshly ground black pepper and salt
Ingredients for the sweet and sour sauce;
¼ pint (150 ml) of pineapple juice
Light brown sugar, 40g/1½oz
One-half cup (40ml) of apple cider vinegar
Tomato ketchup, 2 tablespoons
1 tablespoon of low-sodium soy sauce
Two tablespoons of pineapple juice and one tablespoon of cornflour were combined to form a homogeneous mixture.
Air fryer chicken bites- step by step instruction method!
Step 1
Before you begin cooking, preheat your air fryer to 190°C (375°F). This step is important because starting with a hot air fryer helps the chicken bites cook evenly and develop that deliciously crisp, golden exterior. Most air fryers take about 3–5 minutes to reach the desired temperature, so take this time to prepare the chicken or get your ingredients ready. Preheating ensures your food cooks more efficiently and achieves that perfect crunch in every bite.
Step 2
Start by setting up your breading station. First, add the plain flour to a shallow plate or dish and season it generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper—this adds the first layer of flavour to the chicken. Give it a quick mix with a fork to evenly distribute the seasoning throughout the flour. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined. This mixture acts as the binding agent that helps the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken pieces, ensuring a crisp coating.
Step 3
Finally, pour the breadcrumbs into a larger bowl or another shallow dish. This will be the last step in your breading process, giving the chicken bites their crunchy, golden finish once cooked in the air fryer. Organizing your ingredients in this way—flour plate, egg mixture, then breadcrumbs—makes the coating process smooth and efficient, and helps minimize mess while keeping each layer of the coating even and well-distributed.
Step 4
Now it’s time to coat the chicken. Working with a few pieces at a time, toss the chicken chunks into the seasoned flour, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated—this helps the egg mixture stick better in the next step. Gently shake off any excess flour, then dip the floured chicken into the egg and milk mixture. Turn the pieces so they’re evenly coated and fully moistened. Finally, transfer the chicken to the bowl of breadcrumbs.
Step 5
Press each piece lightly into the crumbs, turning to ensure they’re fully covered on all sides. The breadcrumbs should stick well, forming a nice, even coating that will crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Repeat the process until all the chicken pieces are coated and ready to cook.
Step 6
For best results, avoid overcrowding during this step—this keeps everything neat and helps maintain a consistent texture on each bite. Once all your chicken pieces are coated, it’s time to cook them in the air fryer. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding—this ensures each piece gets enough air circulation to crisp up properly. Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket or tray, making sure they aren’t overlapping or touching too closely.
Step 7
Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with a few spritzes of cooking oil. This helps the breadcrumbs turn a deep golden brown and adds extra crispiness to the exterior. You can use olive oil spray, avocado oil, or any neutral cooking spray you prefer.
Step 8
Set the air fryer to 190°C (375°F) and cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through if your air fryer requires it. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the cooking time—they should be crispy, golden, and fully cooked through, with no pink in the center and juices running clear. The internal temperature should reach at least 75°C (165°F) if you’re checking with a meat thermometer. Once done, remove the chicken bites and repeat the process with the remaining batch if needed. Let them rest for a minute or two before serving for maximum crunch.
Step 9
Make the sauce while the chicken cooks. In a saucepan, combine all the ingredients; bring to a boil, lower the heat to a simmer, and whisk continuously for two to three minutes, or until the cornflour has thickened the sauce. Serve by tossing the crispy chicken pieces in the sweet-and-sour sauce and garnishing them with spring onions.
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