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Tender Air Fryer Bites

Featured in Appetizers & Snacks.

Enjoy a lighter twist on tasty Asian-style chicken using an air fryer with less oil but all the flavor. Chicken thighs get crispy from a mix of starches and seasonings, while the mouthwatering sauce blends honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Crispy garlic, green onions, and bagel seasoning finish it off. Quick and impressive, ready in 35 minutes!
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Updated on Sat, 26 Apr 2025 16:51:09 GMT
Golden brown chicken bites made juicy and crisp in an air fryer, perfect for an easy dinner. Pin it
Golden brown chicken bites made juicy and crisp in an air fryer, perfect for an easy dinner. | tasteofmoms.com

I've transformed my dinner game with these Crunchy Air Fryer Chicken Chunks. After trying loads of air fryer dishes, I nailed these tasty bites that offer amazing crispiness plus a delicious sticky honey soy coating. The best part? They give you that deep-fried crunch using way less oil.

When I first made these for my relatives, nobody believed they came from an air fryer. The magic happens thanks to using two different starches and getting the temperature just right.

Key Ingredients and Shopping Advice

  • Chicken Thighs: Go for boneless, skinless ones. They're much more tender than breast meat
  • Potato Starch: Gives a crunchier result compared to regular flour
  • Cornstarch: Teams up with potato starch for that ideal crunch
  • White Pepper: Adds gentle warmth without visible black dots
  • Dark Soy Sauce: Brings deep color and savory punch
  • Fresh Garlic: Needed for the amazing crispy garlic topping
Crispy air fryer chicken bites bursting with flavor, perfect for snacks or dinner. Pin it
Crispy air fryer chicken bites bursting with flavor, perfect for snacks or dinner. | tasteofmoms.com

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Chicken Preparation:
Thoroughly dry chicken with paper towels. Slice into even 1-inch cubes. Make sure pieces are the same size for consistent cooking. Cut away any fatty bits or tendons. Add a bit of salt before coating.
Perfect Coating Technique:
Combine starches and spices well. Handle small amounts at once for better coverage. Tap off extra coating carefully. Wait 5 minutes for coating to stick better. Lightly mist with oil before cooking.
Air Fryer Method:
Make sure the air fryer is fully heated. Leave gaps between chicken pieces. Don't stuff too many in - cook several batches if needed. Spray the basket first. Turn pieces halfway through.
Sauce Development:
Warm the pan before adding stuff. Mix cornstarch slurry in a separate bowl. Pour liquids in slowly while mixing. Cook until it thickens nicely. Keep warm until chicken is done.
Crispy Garlic Creation:
Cut garlic into thin, matching slices. Get oil to the right heat. Fry until pale gold. Take out quickly so it won't burn. Let drain on paper towels.

We love making a huge batch on Saturdays - some for dinner and the rest for packed lunches. They taste great whether they're hot or cold!

Golden air fryer chicken bites that are juicy inside and crisp outside, ideal for any occasion. Pin it
Golden air fryer chicken bites that are juicy inside and crisp outside, ideal for any occasion. | tasteofmoms.com

These Air Fryer Chicken Bites have become my favorite for quick family meals and when friends come over. The mix of that crunchy coating and yummy sauce makes them vanish almost instantly. Whether you've just bought your air fryer or you've had one forever, these chicken chunks show you can eat healthier without giving up amazing flavor or that perfect crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I swap thighs with breasts?
Sure, but thighs give juicier results.
→ How do these bites get crispy?
A mix of corn and potato starch with baking powder gives that crunch.
→ Can I tone down the sweetness?
Of course, just reduce the honey or sugar.
→ What's the right air fryer temp?
Cook at 400°F (200°C) and flip after 10 minutes.
→ Why use two types of starch?
They work together to get that crunch outside while keeping the chicken tender inside.

Juicy Air Fryer Bites

Juicy, golden chicken snacks cooked in an air fryer, flavored with a mix of sweetness and saltiness from the Asian-style sauce, topped with garlicky goodness.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Ashley


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Asian

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Coating

01 Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (6), cut into small chunks
02 1 tsp white pepper
03 1 tbsp cornstarch
04 1 tsp baking powder
05 1 tbsp potato starch
06 2 tsp garlic powder
07 Spray avocado oil

→ Sauce

08 1 tbsp rice vinegar
09 1/2 cup water
10 3 tbsp honey (can swap for white sugar)
11 2 tbsp dark soy sauce
12 1 tbsp cornstarch
13 5 garlic cloves, sliced thin
14 1 tbsp avocado oil

→ Garnish

15 Chopped green onions
16 Crispy garlic slices (saved earlier)
17 Sprinkle of bagel seasoning

Instructions

Step 01

Cut chicken thighs into small pieces. Mix cornstarch, potato starch, garlic powder, baking powder, and white pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken chunks in the mix until they’re evenly covered.

Step 02

Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a few minutes.

Step 03

Spray a light layer of avocado oil in the air fryer basket. Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer without piling them on top of each other. Air fry at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping once, until the pieces are crispy and golden.

Step 04

In a small bowl, stir together water, cornstarch, dark soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey.

Step 05

Add avocado oil to a wok and heat over medium-high. Fry garlic slices until they’re browned and crispy. Remove and place them aside.

Step 06

Pour the sauce ingredients into the pan you just used. Cook it down until it thickens a bit.

Step 07

Add the cooked chicken to the pan with the thickened sauce and mix until each piece is coated. Top with the crispy garlic slices, diced green onions, and bagel seasoning before serving.

Notes

  1. Cut chicken pieces evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
  2. Spread out chicken in air fryer for crispy results.
  3. Honey can be swapped out for regular white sugar.
  4. Keep those fried garlic slices for topping at the end!

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Large pan or wok
  • Spoons for measuring
  • Bowls for mixing

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains soy from the soy sauce