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Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

5.3 from 10 reviews

These Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring tender, juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs, then perfectly crisped in the air fryer for a delightful meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes

Marinade

  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced finely
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

For Garnish (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley, chopped
  • Lemon Wedges, for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized cubes, ensuring even size for consistent cooking. Place pieces in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. 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 well combined and emulsified to infuse the chicken with bright, zesty flavor.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and toss to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor but avoid marinating longer to prevent texture changes.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully for even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  5. Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer Basket: Place marinated chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket without overcrowding to promote air circulation and crispiness. Cook in batches if necessary.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through around 6 minutes, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
  7. Check for Doneness: Verify the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. If not done, continue cooking in 1-2 minute intervals until fully cooked.
  8. Rest and Serve: Transfer chicken to a serving plate and let rest for 1-2 minutes to redistribute juices and enhance tenderness.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an optional burst of extra lemon flavor. Enjoy hot and crispy.

Notes

  • Marinating longer than 2 hours can cause the chicken to become mushy due to the acidity of lemon juice.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size to guarantee even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness.
  • Use a meat thermometer to accurately check doneness and food safety.
  • Substitute dried herbs with fresh if preferred, but adjust quantity to about 3 times less as fresh herbs are more potent.
  • Smoked paprika adds deeper smoky flavor; regular paprika works well if smoked is unavailable.
  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete low-calorie meal.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air fryer chicken, lemon chicken bites, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken appetizer, Mediterranean chicken

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