Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite snack or appetizer: the Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat! This delicious recipe transforms simple chicken breast chunks into irresistibly crunchy, flavorful bites coated in that classic everything bagel seasoning. With the magic of the air fryer, you get a perfectly crispy exterior without the guilt of deep frying. These bites are a perfect combination of savory, garlicky, and oniony flavors with just the right amount of crunch. Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat, it will become a staple in your kitchen for game day, gatherings, or anytime you crave a tasty, easy-to-make snack. Let’s dive right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat is in its straightforward and easy-to-find ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the crispy panko for crunch or the everything bagel seasoning that packs a punch of flavor.
- 1 pound chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized chunks to ensure quick, even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These provide an airy, crunchy coating that holds up beautifully in the air fryer.
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning: The star seasoning mix bringing garlic, onion, sesame, and poppy seed goodness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a deeper garlicky flavor that complements the seasoning blend perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savoriness and layers of flavor on every bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Gives just a little kick of heat to awaken your taste buds.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors, making sure every piece tastes just right.
- 1 large egg, beaten: Helps the seasoned panko adhere to the chicken for that delightful crunch.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for spraying): Adds richness and helps achieve that perfectly crisp texture without frying.
How to Make Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat
Step 1: Prepare the Seasoned Breadcrumb Coating
Start by mixing the panko breadcrumbs with everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt in a spacious bowl. This way, each breadcrumb is infused with flavor, setting the stage for the crunchy treat that awaits.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Bites
Dip each chicken chunk into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Then, roll it gently but thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing lightly so the breadcrumbs stick well. This coating is what transforms these bites into the crunchy treat that you’ll crave again and again.
Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer
Preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes primes it to deliver that crispy crust we love. Think of it as warming the stage for these bite-sized stars of the show!
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer Basket
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to ensure the chicken bites don’t stick and to contribute an extra layer of crispiness. Arranging the bites in a single layer with space between them allows hot air to circulate freely, cooking them evenly.
Step 5: Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Place the chicken bites in the basket, spray the tops with a little olive oil for maximum crunch, and air fry for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure every side gets that golden brown hue and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken bites and let them cool for a few minutes. This not only improves the flavor but helps the coating set up so every bite stays perfectly crunchy.
How to Serve Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and hints of freshness that brighten each bite. For a fun twist, pair with a small bowl of cream cheese dip or a zesty yogurt-based sauce to echo the creamy tanginess of a classic everything bagel spread.
Side Dishes
These chicken bites make fantastic finger food alongside crisp veggie sticks like celery or cucumber, or serve with a fresh garden salad to add balance and keep the meal light. They’re equally delightful paired with a bowl of warm soup for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or casual dinners, serve the Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat on a vibrant platter surrounded by colorful dipping sauces. You could even skewer them with mini toothpicks for easy grabbing or tuck them inside slider buns for an inventive mini sandwich twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers — though it’s hard to believe you will — store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps keep the bites fresh and ready for a quick snack or lunch add-on.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooked chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid, about an hour. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay delicious for up to 2 months and can be reheated directly from frozen.
Reheating
For best results, reheat the bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving to keep that irresistible crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs will be juicier and slightly more flavorful due to the higher fat content. Just be sure to cut them into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.
What if I don’t have everything bagel seasoning?
You can easily make your own by mixing sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried minced garlic and onion, and salt. This DIY alternative works great and allows you to tweak flavors to your preference.
Is it necessary to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko gives the lightest, crunchiest texture, but if you don’t have it on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work too — the texture just won’t be quite as airy.
Can I make these bites gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to cater to gluten sensitivities without sacrificing flavor or crunch. Just check your everything bagel seasoning to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Visually, the chicken should be opaque with a golden, crispy exterior.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to impress family and friends or just want a tasty snack that feels like a special treat, the Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat is waiting for you. It’s easy, fun, and packed with bold flavors and satisfying crunch that will keep you coming back for more. Don’t hesitate — your air fryer and taste buds will thank you!
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Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites Crunchy Treat Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites are a crunchy, flavorful treat perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mix featuring everything bagel seasoning, garlic, and onion powders, these bite-sized chicken pieces come out crispy on the outside and tender inside. Ready in just 30 minutes using an air fryer, they’re a healthier alternative to fried chicken bites with a delicious bagel-inspired twist.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, cut into bite-sized chunks
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Batter and Oil
- 1 large egg, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for spraying)
Instructions
- Prepare Seasoned Breadcrumb Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, everything bagel seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly blended into the breadcrumbs.
- Coat Chicken Bites: Dip each chicken piece into the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off, then roll it in the seasoned panko mixture. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere well to the chicken.
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for approximately 5 minutes to prepare for crisp cooking.
- Prepare Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to create a non-stick surface for the chicken bites.
- Arrange Chicken Bites: Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken bites with olive oil to help achieve extra crispiness during cooking.
- Air Fry Chicken Bites: Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should turn golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to enhance their flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best results, do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for food safety.
- Serve with cream cheese dip, yogurt-based dip, or your favorite sauce for added flavor.
- Garnish with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a fresh presentation.
- Can be made ahead and reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 4 ounces)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, everything bagel seasoning chicken, crispy chicken bites, healthy chicken snack, air fryer appetizer
