With tons of flavor and juicy centers, I know youll want to add these air fryer chicken bites without breading to your weekly menu! Both an adult and kid-friendly quick dinner idea, they have few ingredients, minimal prep time and come together in just 20 minutes!.
Check out my air fryer mozzarella chicken and my sage rosemary chicken for more easy dinner ideas during the week.
Much like my air fryer boneless skinless chicken thighs and air fryer pesto chicken, this recipe is so good for two reasons: its full of flavor and so fast! Made with a handful of ingredients, its all ready in about 20 minutes.
Enjoy these high protein air fryer chicken breast bites as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, in lettuce wraps or with a fresh salad in summer, or paired with my air fryer root veggies and perhaps some rice, potatoes or quinoa for a heartier dinner. Theyre so versatile!.
Using an air fryer to cook chicken breast is a quick and healthy way to make this versatile protein. To get a moist, tender chicken breast with a crispy outside, you need to know the right temperature and cook times in Celsius. This full guide has all the information you need to cook a perfectly cooked chicken breast in an air fryer using Celsius.
Air fryers have revolutionized home cooking by mimicking deep fried flavors with significantly less oil. Chicken breast especially benefits, transforming into a quick weeknight dinner with crispy skin and juicy meat when air fried. But nailing the right temperature and cook time can seem tricky since many air fryer settings are in Fahrenheit.
This guide will break down everything you need to know for cooking chicken breast in an air fryer using Celsius temperatures. You’ll learn about:
- Ideal air fryer temperature for chicken breast in Celsius
- Recommended cook times based on thickness
- Marinading and seasoning tips
- Common FAQs
These tips will help you always make chicken breast that is juicy, flavorful, and has crispy skin.
What is the Best Temperature to Cook Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer (Celsius)?
180°C (356°F) is the best temperature for cooking chicken breast in an air fryer. This keeps the chicken from drying out while it cooks all the way through.
Preheating the air fryer for 3-5 minutes before adding the chicken is recommended This ensures the air fryer basket reaches the target temperature for consistent cooking
How Long to Cook Chicken Breast in an Air Fryer (Celsius)?
Cooking times for boneless, skinless chicken breast in an air fryer will vary based on thickness:
- 1.25 cm (1/2 inch) thick – 12-14 minutes
- 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick – 15-18 minutes
- 5 cm (2 inches) thick – 22-25 minutes
Flip the chicken breast over halfway through the cooking time for the best results. This will help it brown evenly.
Always use a food thermometer to confirm the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). If the chicken is not quite done, continue cooking and rechecking the temperature every few minutes.
Allow the cooked chicken breast to rest 5 minutes before cutting to allow juices to redistribute.
Marinading and Seasoning Chicken Breast
Although optional marinading the chicken can make it extra flavorful. A simple marinade of olive oil lemon juice, garlic, and herbs adds tremendous flavor. Let the chicken marinate for 30 minutes up to overnight.
If short on time, season the chicken breast just before air frying. A simple sprinkle of salt, pepper, paprika and other spices works great. The air fryer will caramelize seasonings nicely.
FAQs
Can I cook frozen chicken breast in the air fryer?
Yes, increase cooking time by 50% for frozen chicken breast. Always verify internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
Should I spritz the chicken breast with oil?
Lightly spritzing with oil promotes browning and a crispy skin. Use a high smoke point oil like avocado or canola.
How do I prevent dry chicken breast?
Avoid overcooking and use a marinade. Check temperature early and continue cooking if needed.
How do I know when it’s done?
Insert a food thermometer into the thickest part to verify 74°C (165°F). If underdone, cook longer, checking frequently.
Can I cook bone-in chicken breasts?
Yes, bone-in will take slightly longer to cook. Verify internal temp near the bone reaches 74°C (165°F).
Should I flip the chicken during cooking?
Yes, flip halfway through for even browning and cooking on both sides.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating is recommended for best results, typically 3-5 minutes before cooking.
What temperature should I cook at?
180°C (356°F) is ideal for cooking chicken breast in the air fryer.
Conclusion
Cooking juicy, tender chicken breast with crispy skin in your air fryer is easy once you know the ideal time and temperature settings in Celsius. Follow these guidelines for marinading, seasoning, flipping halfway, and verifying doneness with a thermometer. In no time, you’ll be serving up delicious, quick weeknight chicken dinners from your air fryer.
How to serve
These air fried chicken bites are such a versatile recipe, so pick your sides!
- This is a great appetizer that goes well with a fun favorite dipping sauce. My paprika dip is one of my favorites.
- Serve these chicken bites on top of a salad, in a wrap, or in a bowl dinner like my couscous Buddha bowl or a grain or rice bowl.
- For a heartier dinner, serve with potatoes, quinoa, or a grain. For a lower-carb option, follow my guide on how to cook frozen cauliflower rice. Side dishes with vegetables, like my air fryer baby corn and air fryer baby carrots, make the food taste better and look better.
Its very easy to cook these chicken bites and then freeze for another meal. Simply allow to cool completely, then freeze in a sealed bag or container. The Foods Standards Agency recommends that meat is best eaten after freezing within 2-3 months, but my low histamine readers may wish to read the SIGHI advice on freezing.
Step by step instructions
It’s very simple to make these air fryer chicken bites, and they’re ready for dinner quickly.
The recipe card below has all the steps written out, but these pictures should help you follow along.
Step 1: Dice the chicken breasts
Dice your boneless skinless chicken breasts into small bite-size cubes, about an inch thick ( 1).
Step 2: Add herbs and spice!
Pour olive oil over the chicken cubes and sprinkle with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, if you want. Toss to combine, so the chicken is evenly coated ( 2).
Step 3: Add to your air fryer basket
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray (I use olive oil spray), then use tongs to place the chicken cubes in an even layer with a little room between them to allow for the air to circulate ( 3).
Step 4: Air fry the chicken cubes
Air fry the boneless chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, giving the basket a good shake about half way through cook time so the bites get evenly heated through ( 4). Check for an internal temperature of 165F / 75C at the deepest point of the chicken, using a meat thermometer. Air fry for longer, if needed.