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Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe

Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

These Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast cubes marinated in fresh lemon juice, garlic, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs, then cooked to perfection in an air fryer for a crispy, juicy finish. Perfect as a healthy snack, appetizer, or main course, this recipe combines zesty brightness with savory spices, offering a delicious and easy-to-make meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast, cut into 1-inch bite-sized cubes
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil, extra virgin recommended
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced finely
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Thyme
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked paprika can be used for deeper smoky flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground, adjust to taste

Optional Garnish

  • 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 uniform size for even cooking, then place them in a medium-sized 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.
  3. Marinate the Chicken: Pour the marinade over the chicken cubes and toss thoroughly to coat each piece. Refrigerate and marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably up to 2 hours for maximum flavor without compromising texture.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to preheat fully; this ensures quick, even cooking and a crispy exterior.
  5. Arrange Chicken in Air Fryer Basket: Place the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding to allow proper air circulation. Cook in batches if needed.
  6. Air Fry the Chicken: Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through at around 6 minutes, until the pieces are golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is cooked through; if not, continue cooking for 1-2 additional minutes while checking frequently.
  8. Rest and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for 1-2 minutes to let the juices redistribute, enhancing tenderness.
  9. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the chicken and serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra zesty flavor boost. Enjoy your delicious, crispy Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites!

Notes

  • Marinate chicken for no longer than 2 hours to avoid texture changes caused by lemon juice breaking down proteins.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are uniformly sized for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to achieve crispy results; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Use a meat thermometer to verify the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Smoked paprika can be used to increase smoky flavor if desired.
  • Fresh lemon juice is crucial for the best flavor; avoid bottled lemon juice.
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.

Nutrition

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Lemon Chicken Bites, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Quick Chicken Snack, Low Fat Chicken, Mediterranean Chicken

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