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Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe

Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 21 reviews

These Zesty Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites are a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines crispy, juicy chicken pieces with a bright lemony zest. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, they come together in under 30 minutes using simple ingredients and an air fryer for a guilt-free meal packed with protein and vibrant citrus notes.

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

  1. Prepare the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the bowl and toss until they are well-coated in the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 10 minutes for the best flavor.
  2. Preheat the Air Fryer: While the chicken marinates, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces but allowing slight contact. Air fry the chicken for 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crispiness. Confirm the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is golden brown.
  4. 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

  • Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier option.
  • Reduce oil amount to make the dish lighter, though crispiness may slightly decrease.
  • Marinate chicken overnight for more intense flavor.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
  • Always check doneness with a meat thermometer for safety.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to regain crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer chicken, lemon chicken bites, quick dinner, healthy chicken recipe, zesty chicken, crispy chicken bites

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