The Only Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites You’ll Ever Need

There’s probably a saying somewhere about not trusting people who hate Garlic Parmesan. If there isn’t, there should be. Because really, who can resist Garlic Parmesan Chicken? Especially when it’s cut into bite-sized pieces. It’s the kind of comforting finger food that just fits, game nights, movie marathon, quick dinner and more! Find out how to make the best Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites!

Why you’ll love this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites recipe

There’s so much to love about this Garlic Parmesan chicken bites recipe. Here’s why it works, and why you should prepare it.

Best finger food: It’s tiny, so it’s the perfect finger food for everyone. These are tiny chicken bites thatyou can easily pick up into one or two bites. The best part? It’s also boneless, which only goes to say that you don’t have to worry about accidentally biting or swallowing small bones.

Healthier: Since an air fryer only needs a light spray of oil to cook Garlic Parmesan Chicken bites, expect a lower amount of fat content and calorie count. No need to drown your chicken in hot oil! Also, don’t worry about losing that crispy exterior, as crisping up the outside is what an air fryer does best.

High-protein: These chicken bites are not only packed with flavors, but they also come with high protein. So, if you’re looking for protein-rich food that’s easy to eat, this is it.

Easy to make without any mess: Compared to deepfrying it in oil, this method of cooking Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites leaves less mess. All you have to do is to prepare your marinated chicken, pop it in the air fryer, and coat it with garlic parmesan butter.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here are all the ingredients you need to make the best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites.

• Chicken breast: Purchase lean chicken breast without bones, tendons, and cartillages. That way, you won’t have to think twice before biting into the meat.
• Garlic: One of the main ingredients of the recipe is the Garlic. For this one particularly, it’s going to be a mix of garlic powder and freshly minced garlic. But feel free to use Garlic paste in a jar or roasted garlic.
• Parmesan Cheese: Much like the Garlic, it’s not Garlic Parmesan without the Parmesan Cheese. It goes into the marinade and the garlic parmesan butter. Now, instead of buying store-bought grated Parmesan cheese, try to purchase blocks if possible and grate them into fine granules yourself. Pre-grated parmesan cheese has a milder taste, and it does contain additives that could either ruin its melt and taste.
• Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley to add a minty and peppery taste to the garlic parmesan butter. Also serves as a garnish to this dish.
• Seasoning: Italian seasoning, Garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and paprika boost the overall flavor of this chicken.

How to make your Garlic Butter

This Garlic Parmesan Butter is going to be the coating for your chicken bites. Here’s how to make it and some useful tips.

Melt your butter by heating it in a pan on low heat. Cutting it into small pieces and heating it on medium power for around 15 seconds inside the microwave will also do the trick.

Then, start mincing your garlic. Separate the clove from the bulb and peel off the skin by smashing it gently with the flat side of the knife using the heel of your hand. Next, slice it into thin pieces lengthwise and crosswise ’til you end up with cubed pieces. Continue gliding the knife back and forth over the garlic until you get consistent and finely chopped garlic. Alternatively, you could use a garlic press.

In a bowl, combine melted butter, garlic, chopped parsley, and seasoning. Use a spatula or a whisk to mix them thoroughly.

How the make the best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

Now, here’s the complete step-by-step instructions that you need to follow to perfect the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites.

• Trim the excess cartilage or tendons, and cut the chicken breast in half crosswise. Pretty much like making chicken cutlets.
• Lay flat on a chopping board, and cut into strips then into cubes. Try to achieve around 1 inch to 1.5 inch. But the size all comes down to preference of course. Just make sure that each bite is almost the same size.
• Place the chicken bites inside a bowl, and drizzle with olive oil. Use a hand or spatula to mix them. The goal is to coat them with oil, so it becomes easier to coat the chicken with the dry seasonings.
• In a smaller bowl, grab the dry seasonings and combine them. Then, toss it into the chicken bites and mix again until everything is fully coated.
• Preheat the Air fryer to 200°C or 400°F for three to four minutes.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive or vegetable oil. Grab the bowl with the chicken bites coated with seasonings, then transfer them to the air fryer basket. Give it another spray and let them cook.
• Set the timer for 15 minutes. Give them a flip halfway so they cook evenly. Not all air fryers need flipping, but if yours does, don’t skip it. Also, Air fryer models cook differently, so times may vary. If the bites look a little pale, cook them for a few more minutes.
• Time to make the Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites! Toss the chicken bites into a bowl with the buttery garlic-parmesan sauce. Give it a good toss and mix until everything’s well coated!
• Finish with a touch of parsley and a generous dusting of Parmesan, then serve alongside your favorite dip!

What are the perfect dipping sauces for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites?

These Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites can easily become your instant favorite with or without dip, but if you insist on having one, consider some of these:

• Ranch dressing
• Blue Cheese dip
• Garlic Aioli
• Caesar dressing
• Honey mustard

What to serve the Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites with?

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are so versatile that they pair well with almost anything.

• The Best Air Fryer Cheesy Garlic Bread Recipe
• Quick Air Fryer Roasted Baby Potatoes Recipe
• Air Fryer Stuffed Potato Croquettes
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• Crispiest and Juiciest Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings!
• The Best Air Fryer Pepperoni Frittata
• Best Air Fryer Honey Garlic Pork Belly Bites

The Best Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites tips

• Use boneless chicken breast: Not only to avoid biting into a bone, but chicken breast is lean and high in protein. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenders as a substitute, especially if you’re looking for something juicier.
• Cut it into even-sized cubes: Between one and two inches is the sweet spot. This also ensures even cooking.

• Don’t add burnt garlic: You certainly don’t wanna learn it the hard way. Please, don’t add burnt garlic as the bitterness of it will easily overpower everything else, and end up ruining the dish.

• Check doneness: This is pretty optional, especially if you don’t have the equipment. But if you have a meat thermometer at home, check the chicken bites’ temperature after cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should be around 165°C or 75°F. Too far off and it’s either unsafe or way too dry and overcooked.

Best Way to Reheat Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites?

If you have leftovers, let the chicken bites cool to room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For longer storage, transfer the cooled bites to a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months.

To reheat, warm them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Reheat Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites

Air Fryer:
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer and heat for 3–5 minutes until hot and crispy.

Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Reheat for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.

Stovetop:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a small drizzle of oil or butter. Add the chicken bites and cook for 3–4 minutes, turning occasionally until warmed through and golden again.

Microwave:
Place chicken bites on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 20–30 second intervals until warmed. For better texture, crisp them up for a minute in the air fryer or skillet afterward.

Estimated Nutrition

Note: The nutrition details provided are based on general calculations and may not reflect exact results. Actual values can differ depending on the ingredients used, portion sizes, and how the food is prepared. Use this as a general guide, not a medical or dietary recommendation.

Thanks for giving this recipe a try! Hope it brought as much flavor to your table as it did to mine. If you enjoyed it, don’t forget to share your creation, tag me on TikTok, Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook so I can see your delicious version. While you’re at it, follow us on these platforms to stay updated on every new recipe we share.

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