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Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites

Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites - featured image
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These Healthy Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites are crispy, cheesy, and packed with classic Italian flavor—perfect for a guilt-free snack, party appetizer, or protein-packed meal. Made with simple ingredients and cooked in the air fryer for a golden crunch without the oil.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (thighs work too)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or equal parts dried basil and oregano)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature, beaten
  • 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
  • 2/3 cup whole wheat breadcrumbs (or regular Panko)
  • 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
  • Marinara sauce (for serving, optional)
  • Extra grated Parmesan or fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and cut into even 1-inch cubes.
  2. Toss chicken cubes in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let sit for about 5 minutes.
  3. In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg with milk. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley. Mix well.
  4. Dip chicken pieces into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides. Place breaded bites on a plate or baking sheet.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. Lightly mist the basket with oil spray.
  6. Arrange chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
  7. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Check for doneness; juices should run clear. Add 1-2 more minutes if needed for extra browning.
  9. Serve hot with warm marinara sauce for dipping, and garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. For dairy-free, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based milk. Cut chicken pieces evenly for best results. Lightly misting with oil spray ensures a golden crust. Bread chicken ahead and refrigerate up to 4 hours before cooking. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer. Every air fryer cooks differently; check early to avoid overcooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, chicken parmesan, healthy snack, appetizer, Italian, crispy, kid-friendly, meal prep, party food, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://evabake.com/healthy-air-fryer-chicken-parmesan-bites-easy-crispy-snack-recipe/