Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites – Crispy & Juicy Recipe
Deliciously crispy and juicy Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites, perfectly seasoned with lemon juice, zest, and aromatic spices. This quick and easy recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and makes a flavorful weeknight dinner or appetizer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika (smoked or regular)
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional):
- Fresh lemon wedges (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and toss well until fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes to maximize flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This preheating ensures even cooking and crispiness.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even browning. The chicken should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh lemon wedges and chopped parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to achieve the crispiest results.
- For a deeper lemon flavor, you can add extra lemon zest to the marinade.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature for perfectly cooked chicken.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe is easily adjustable with different spices according to your preference.
Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken, Lemon Chicken Bites, Quick Dinner, Crispy Chicken, Healthy Chicken Recipe, Zesty Chicken, Easy Air Fryer Recipe
