Description

These Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful appetizer or snack made with tender chicken breast pieces marinated in zesty lemon juice and aromatic spices. Cooked to perfection in the air fryer, they are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfect for a healthy, delicious bite-sized treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish and Serving

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated. Refrigerate for 15 to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to fully infuse the chicken.
Preheat Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 380°F (193°C) and preheat for about 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
Arrange Chicken in Basket: Place the marinated chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd. If needed, cook in batches for even cooking.
Cook the Chicken: Air fry the chicken bites at 380°F (193°C) for 10 to 12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crispiness and doneness.
Rest and Garnish: Remove the cooked chicken bites and let them rest for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Marinating the chicken for longer enhances flavor and tenderness, but 15 minutes is the minimum required.
Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket for crispy and even cooking; cook in batches if necessary.
Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best vibrant lemon flavor.
These chicken bites pair well with a dipping sauce like garlic aioli or tzatziki.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 100g)
Calories: 180
Sugar: 1.2g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0.3g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, lemon chicken, quick chicken recipes, healthy chicken snack, easy air fryer recipes