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- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 head of broccoli, cut into florets - Zest and juice of 1 lemon - Pinch of salt and pepper - Optional: 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds for garnish To make these air fryer chicken bites and broccoli, gather these ingredients first. This keeps your cooking fun and organized. The chicken bites get their flavor from the spices and oil. The coating gives them that crispy finish. The broccoli adds a zesty kick with lemon. I love how these ingredients come together for a tasty meal. You can even add sesame seeds for extra crunch. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the chicken with two tablespoons of olive oil. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, one teaspoon of paprika, half a teaspoon of salt, and a quarter teaspoon of black pepper. Toss everything well so the chicken gets a nice, even coating. In another bowl, mix one cup of breadcrumbs with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will give your chicken a tasty and crunchy crust. Make sure to combine them well. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step is important for a crispy texture. Now, take each marinated chicken piece and dip it into the breadcrumb mix. Press lightly to make sure the coating sticks. Place the coated bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook them for 10-12 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. They should turn golden brown and crispy. While the chicken cooks, it’s time to prepare the broccoli. Cut one head of broccoli into florets. In a mixing bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. When the chicken is done, set it aside and add the broccoli to the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 7-9 minutes. The broccoli should be tender and a bit crispy on the edges. Plate your crispy chicken bites next to the zesty broccoli. For a fun touch, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top for extra crunch. Enjoy your meal! To make your chicken bites extra crispy, use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, crunchy layer. Make sure to coat each piece well. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to help them stick. Preheating your air fryer is key too. Set it to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes before adding the chicken. This helps lock in moisture while making the outside crispy. For the best broccoli texture, cut the florets into even sizes. This ensures they cook evenly. Toss them in olive oil, lemon zest, and juice to enhance flavor. Adding a pinch of salt and pepper helps too. Air fry the broccoli at 400°F (200°C) for 7-9 minutes. This gives a tender yet slightly crispy result. Shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. Feel free to get creative with seasonings! Besides garlic powder and paprika, try adding onion powder or cayenne for heat. For the broccoli, a sprinkle of chili flakes can spice things up. You can also swap the Parmesan for other cheeses, like cheddar or Romano. If you want a nutty flavor, toss in sesame seeds before serving. Pro Tips Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For maximum crunchiness, opt for panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. They create a lighter and crispier coating. Let Chicken Rest: After air frying, allow the chicken bites to rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the chicken more tender. Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning mix to your liking. Adding herbs like oregano or thyme can enhance the flavor profile. Batch Cooking: If you have a larger batch, cook the chicken in two or more rounds to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, ensuring even cooking and crispiness. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese for a new taste. Try using mozzarella for a gooey melt. Cheddar gives a sharp flavor, while feta adds a salty twist. Each cheese will change the dish's flavor and texture. Mix and match to find your favorite! Broccoli is great, but many veggies work well. Cauliflower florets can mimic the crunch of broccoli. Bell peppers add color and sweetness. Carrots roasted in the air fryer become tender and tasty. Feel free to add any veggies you enjoy for a colorful plate. Marinades can transform your chicken bites. A honey mustard mix adds sweetness. Teriyaki sauce gives a savory and sweet flavor that is delightful. For a kick, try a spicy marinade with sriracha and lime. Each marinade offers a new way to enjoy your meal. Store any leftover chicken bites and broccoli in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. They stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. When you’re ready to eat the leftovers, use the air fryer for reheating. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps the chicken crispy and the broccoli tender. If you want to freeze the chicken bites and broccoli, let them cool first. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then air fry. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it first. Thawing allows the seasoning to stick better. You can place the chicken in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, use the microwave on the defrost setting. You can serve these chicken bites with many sides. Some great options are: - Rice or quinoa - A fresh salad - Mashed potatoes - Veggie sticks with dip These pair well and make your meal balanced and filling. To keep broccoli tender but not mushy, watch the cooking time. Air fry it for about 7-9 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. You can also check it a minute early to see if it’s done to your liking. Yes, you can make this in a conventional oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the chicken and broccoli on a baking sheet. Bake the chicken for 15-20 minutes and the broccoli for 10-12 minutes. Just make sure everything is cooked through before serving. This blog post covered tasty chicken bites, their crispy coating, and fresh broccoli. You learned how to prepare, cook, and serve them. I shared tips for extra crunch and crisp, and offered ideas for swaps and storage. These easy steps make a great meal for any time. Enjoy your cooking adventure and make it fun!

Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Zesty Broccoli

Deliciously crispy chicken bites paired with zesty broccoli, perfect for a quick meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
  • 1 2 grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 2 salt
  • 1 4 black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
  • 1 lemon zest and juice of
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

  • In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to ensure the chicken is evenly coated.
  • In another bowl, mix the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Take each piece of marinated chicken and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  • Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • While the chicken is cooking, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
  • Once the chicken is done, remove it and set aside. Add the broccoli to the air fryer and cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 7-9 minutes.
  • Plate the crispy chicken bites alongside the zesty broccoli. Garnish with sesame seeds for an extra crunch, if desired.

Notes

For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs.
Keyword air fryer, broccoli, chicken, healthy