Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe
These Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and packed with vibrant lemon and herb flavors. Quick and easy to prepare, they make a perfect healthy snack or main dish with a crispy exterior and zesty, aromatic marinade.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
Marinade
- 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced finely
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground
Optional Garnish
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
- Lemon Wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized cubes, ensuring even size for consistent cooking. Place the chicken pieces in a medium mixing bowl.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined and emulsified to create a flavorful base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, up to a maximum of 2 hours to avoid texture breakdown.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat according to your model’s instructions to ensure quick and even cooking.
- Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer Basket: Place the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. If needed, cook in batches to maintain crispiness.
- Air Fry the Chicken: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through around the 6-minute mark. Verify doneness with a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Check for Doneness: If the chicken is not fully cooked and golden brown after 12 minutes, continue air frying in 1-2 minute increments until done.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to let juices redistribute for optimal tenderness.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with optional lemon wedges for an extra burst of zingy lemon flavor.
Notes
- Marinate for no longer than 2 hours to prevent the lemon juice from breaking down the chicken texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- Smoked paprika can be used instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Serve with lemon wedges for an adjustable level of citrus brightness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 6 ounces (170g)
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Air Fryer, Lemon Chicken Bites, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Snack, Mediterranean Chicken, Easy Air Fryer Recipe
Find it online: https://leofoster.com/air-fryer-lemon-chicken-bites-recipe/
