Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your 5-quart air fryer to 380°F and preheat for 5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately for optimal crispiness.
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place the chicken pieces in a medium-sized bowl.
- Coat with Oil: Add the olive oil to the bowl and toss the chicken pieces until evenly coated. The oil helps the seasonings adhere and promotes browning.
- Add Seasonings: Sprinkle the cajun seasoning, sugar, salt, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), poultry seasoning, thyme, and parsley flakes over the chicken. Toss thoroughly until all pieces are evenly coated with the spice blend.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket generously with olive oil cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they're not touching or overlapping. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding—proper air circulation is key to achieving crispy results.
- Cook: Air fry at 380°F for 7-11 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping the chicken pieces with tongs every 3-4 minutes for even cooking and browning on all sides.
- Check for Doneness: The chicken bites are done when they reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the thickest piece. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chicken bites rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Spice Level: For a milder version, omit the red pepper flakes and reduce cajun seasoning by half. For extra heat, add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Sugar Purpose: The small amount of sugar doesn't make the chicken sweet. It balances the spices and creates beautiful caramelization, similar to Chick-fil-A chicken nuggets. Don't skip it!
- Chicken Options: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work beautifully and may be even more tender. Reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes if using thighs. Chicken tenderloins also work well.
- Uniform Sizing: Cut all pieces the same size (1-inch) to ensure even cooking. Smaller pieces will cook faster; larger pieces may need extra time.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding prevents proper air circulation and results in steaming rather than crisping.
- Air Fryer Variations: Different air fryer models may cook at slightly different rates. Check your chicken a minute or two early the first time you make this recipe to prevent overcooking.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Do not use the microwave as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken bites for up to 3 months. Spread on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, garlic aioli, or sweet chili sauce. Also delicious over salads, in wraps, or with rice bowls.
- Alternative Seasonings: Try BBQ seasoning, blackening seasoning, lemon pepper, taco seasoning, or Italian herb blend for variety.