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These garlic Parmesan air fryer chicken bites turn small pieces of chicken breast into a fast weeknight dinner with golden edges, a juicy centre and a buttery garlic-Parmesan finish. Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces, cook them in a single layer and check that the largest piece reaches 165°F (74°C). The estimated air-fryer cooking time is 8–10 minutes, but this range must be verified because appliance power and chicken-piece size vary.
Pro Tip
Cut the chicken into equally sized 1-inch pieces so every bite cooks at the same rate. Smaller or larger pieces will need less or more time — always check the largest piece with an instant-read thermometer.
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes if the appliance manufacturer recommends preheating.
Pat the chicken dry. Cut it into even 1-inch pieces so the bites cook at approximately the same rate.
Place the chicken in a bowl. Add the olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder and Italian seasoning. Toss until every piece is evenly coated.
Arrange the chicken in one layer in the air-fryer basket, leaving space around the pieces. Cook in batches if necessary rather than overcrowding the basket.
Air fry for 4 minutes, then shake the basket or turn the chicken pieces with tongs.
Continue cooking for an estimated 4–6 minutes. Check the largest pieces with an instant-read thermometer and stop cooking once they reach 165°F (74°C). The 8–10 minute total cooking range is provisional and must be tested before publication.
While the chicken finishes, melt the butter in a small microwave-safe bowl or saucepan. Stir in the minced garlic, then heat gently for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Do not brown or burn the garlic. Remove it from the heat before stirring in the Parmesan, parsley and lemon juice.
Transfer the cooked chicken bites to a clean bowl, toss immediately with the garlic-Parmesan butter and rest for 2 minutes before serving. Do not return cooked chicken to the bowl or utensils that held raw chicken.
Total time: Approximately 18–20 min · Serves: 4 · Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Learn the basics of air-fryer cooking before you start.
Whole chicken breasts cooked at 375°F — a different cut and technique from these bites.
Breaded cutlets with marinara and mozzarella — a different recipe from these unbreaded bites.
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Estimated cooking time is 8–10 minutes at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 1-inch pieces. This provisional range must be verified. Appliance power, basket loading and piece size affect timing, so check the largest piece reaches 165°F (74°C).
Yes. Use boneless, skinless thighs cut into similar-sized pieces. Cooking time may differ, so check the centre reaches 165°F (74°C).
No. This recipe is intentionally unbreaded. Olive oil and seasoning help the surface brown, while the garlic butter and Parmesan are added after cooking.
Finely grated Parmesan can scorch or stick under intense air-fryer heat. Adding it to the cooked chicken with warm garlic butter provides Parmesan flavour without burning the cheese.
Do not cook a solid mass of frozen chicken with these instructions. Thaw chicken safely in the refrigerator first so it can be cut evenly, seasoned and cooked predictably.
