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Crispy, juicy chicken bites marinated in a bright lemon, garlic, and herb marinade, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 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 freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Cut chicken into 1-inch cubes and place in a medium bowl.
  3. Whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to make the marinade.
  4. Pour the marinade over the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours.
  5. Preheat the air fryer to 4008F (2008C).
  6. Spread the marinated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry the chicken for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway (about 6 minutes), until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 1658F (748C).
  8. If chicken hasnft reached 1658F, return to the air fryer and cook in 1 to 2 minute increments until done.
  9. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for a couple of minutes.
  10. Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness; cook in batches if necessary., Pat chicken dry before marinating for better browning and flavor adherence., Marinate between 30 minutes to 2 hours; avoid overnight marinating to prevent mushy texture., Always use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor., A meat thermometer is recommended to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 1658F (748C)., Air fryer preheating is important for crispy, tender bites., Customize seasoning with additions like red pepper flakes, cayenne, or honey/maple syrup for sweetness., For a crispier coating, toss marinated chicken in panko or parmesan before cooking., Storage: Refrigerate cooked bites in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days; freeze cooked bites for 2-3 months., Reheat in air fryer at 3508F (1758C) for 5-7 minutes for best texture., Recipe can be doubled or tripled; cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mamapantry.com/air-fryer-lemon-chicken-bites/