Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

I had to report my weight recently and let’s just say I had to first dust off the scale that has been hibernating beneath my bed since spring.  2024 was a doozy of a year for me, and I’ve always been a believer in the healing power of food.  I cooked my way through some of my mom’s favorite recipes this year, channeling her as I dealt with all the firsts that come with a new loss.  I was gentle with my body, giving it what it needed in those moments.  As I crack open my fresh calendar, though, I know that I need to continue to listen to what my body has to say…and it’s saying it’s seen better days.

I’m all about moderation and I don’t believe in fad diets.  So when I want to lose a few pounds, I don’t throw out all the junk food, fast, juice cleanse, or eliminate any food groups.  I enjoy eating, feeding people from my kitchen, and experiencing all of the tradition, memory, and creativity that come with food as a love language.  What I try to do is make some small but manageable changes that benefit everyone.  

I made these chicken bites today and they came out so good that I had to share.  Everyone knows that chicken breast is a go-to healthy choice, but my kids (and everyone else’s, as far as I know) prefer the meat breaded.  Now, I said I love to cook, but I’ll tell you right now I don’t love the crazy dishes, gook, and splatter that come with the traditional breading process.  You know what I’m talking about.  First you have to trim the chicken, then dirty a bowl for the flour, a bowl for the beaten egg, a bowl for the breadcrumbs.  Next you might as well be making paper maché as you give each piece the three-bowl treatment, not to mention the angry spitting oil that covers your stove, the countertop, the floor, and your shirt as you stand there frying a few pieces at a time.  It never fails to put me in a bad mood.

These babies, however, really are easy and so much healthier.  You still have to get out a cutting board and cut the raw chicken, but it’s smooth sailing from there, I promise.  My kids devoured these.  Okay, we all did.  Serve them up with pretty much anything alongside, and you’re winning at life.  Or at least dinner.  

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

1 1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast

1 tsp seasoned salt

1 tsp garlic powder

½ tsp onion powder

½ tsp paprika

½ tsp black pepper

3 tbsp olive oil

1 cup seasoned bread crumbs (not panko)

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces.  Pile them in a heap on the cutting board you used, then sprinkle on the seasoned salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.  *Note: you can use whatever seasonings you like!  Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken, pour the bread crumbs over the top, then use your hands to massage the pile of chicken until each piece is coated in crumbs.  This might be easier to do in a bowl, but I like to save dishes! 

Preheat your air fryer to 400℉.  Fry in two batches 10-12 minutes or until golden brown, tossing halfway through.  I also like to hit it with a little cooking spray to aid in the browning process.  Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, as a salad topper, or toss with pasta, marinara, and mozzarella for easy chicken parmigiana…you get the idea!  Happy New Year!

New Year's Day...now is the accepted time to make your regular annual good resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.

- Mark Twain