Crispy, golden chicken bites with tender green broccoli — all done quickly in the air fryer. The coating is crunchy and savory, with a hint of garlic and parmesan. The broccoli roasts slightly at the end and keeps a bright color and bite. This dish smells warm and comforting, with a crunchy texture and juicy chicken inside. It makes a simple weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 3
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: ~470 kcal
- Protein: ~58 g
- Carbohydrates: ~29 g
- Fat: ~12 g
- Fiber: ~3 g
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~750 mg
Why Make This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli
This recipe is fast, simple, and satisfying. The air fryer makes the chicken crisp without deep frying. The broccoli cooks quickly alongside the bites, so you get protein and a green veggie in one basket. It’s great for busy weeknights, lunchboxes, or a casual dinner. The crunchy parmesan-breadcrumb coating adds savory flavor, while garlic and paprika give a warm aroma. Expect a contrast of golden crunch and juicy interior with a tender, slightly charred broccoli bite.
How to Make Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and an air fryer. Prep takes only a few minutes. Coat the chicken well so the crust stays on during cooking. Add the broccoli near the end so it stays bright and crisp-tender. Shake or flip the basket halfway through to brown evenly. Rest the chicken a minute after cooking so juices settle and the coating stays crisp when you bite into it.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season them lightly with salt and pepper. Trim broccoli into even-sized florets so they cook evenly.
Step 2: Mixing
In a bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the dry mix so the parmesan and spices are evenly distributed.
Step 3: Cooking
Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the meat so they stick. Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil. Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the basket, leaving space between pieces. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil. Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket or turning pieces halfway through to brown evenly. When about 5 minutes remain, add the broccoli florets to the basket around the chicken so the broccoli roasts and becomes tender.
Step 4: Finishing
Cook until the chicken is golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the broccoli is tender with slight browning. Remove from the air fryer and let rest 1–2 minutes. Serve hot.
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli
Serve with lemon wedges for brightness. A simple dipping sauce like honey mustard, ranch, or garlic yogurt pairs well. For a full meal, add steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or a side salad. You can also toss the bites and broccoli with a little teriyaki or buffalo sauce for a flavor twist. Plate on a wooden board for casual family style or in bowls for lunch.
How to Store Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container up to 3–4 days. Keep chicken and broccoli together or separately for best texture.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Broccoli can be frozen but may lose texture.
- Reheat: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 4–6 minutes until hot and crisp. Avoid the microwave for reheating if you want to keep the coating crunchy.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli
- Dry the chicken: Patting chicken dry helps the coating stick and get crispy.
- Even sizes: Cut chicken and broccoli into uniform pieces so everything cooks at the same rate.
- Press the coating: Press breadcrumbs onto each piece so the crust stays put.
- Spray lightly: Use olive oil spray sparingly to help browning without sogginess.
- Don’t overcrowd: Cook in a single layer with space between pieces. Cook in batches if needed.
- Temperature check: Use a quick-read thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Flavor boost: Add lemon zest to the breadcrumb mix for brightness.
- Make ahead: Coat chicken and keep refrigerated 1–2 hours before cooking to save time.
Delicious Variations
- Spicy Parmesan: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mix.
- Panko Crunch: Swap regular breadcrumbs for panko for extra crispiness.
- Herb & Lemon: Add chopped fresh parsley and lemon zest to the coating.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gf cereal.
- Dairy-free: Omit parmesan and add extra garlic powder and a pinch of nutritional yeast for a savory flavor.
- Asian-style: After cooking, toss with a mix of soy sauce, honey, and a little sesame oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A: It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken. Frozen pieces release extra moisture and won’t brown properly. Thaw in the fridge before cutting and coating.
Q: Will the coating fall off during air frying?
A: Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken and spray lightly with oil to help adhesion. Avoid flipping too roughly. A gentle shake or turn halfway through is enough.
Q: Can I cook broccoli the whole time with the chicken?
A: If broccoli pieces are very small, they may cook through but can become soft. Adding broccoli in the last 5 minutes keeps it bright and crisp-tender.
Q: How do I make this dairy-free or nut-free?
A: For dairy-free, skip parmesan and use extra spices or nutritional yeast for a savory note. This recipe has no nuts, so it is naturally nut-free.
Q: Is the air fryer necessary? Can I bake this instead?
A: You can bake at 425°F (220°C) on a lined baking sheet for 12–18 minutes, flipping once. Baking gives good results but may be slightly less crispy than an air fryer.
Q: How do I make the chicken extra juicy?
A: Don’t overcook. Use a thermometer and remove at 165°F (74°C). Let meat rest a minute after cooking to lock in juices.
Q: Can I double the recipe for a party?
A: Yes. Cook in batches so pieces are not crowded. Keep finished batches warm on a low oven setting (200°F / 95°C) while you finish the rest.
Conclusion
This Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli recipe is fast, flavorful, and easy to customize. It gives you a crunchy coating, juicy chicken, and tender green broccoli with minimal fuss. If you want another similar recipe or more air fryer ideas, check out Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli Bites | Healthy Fitness Meals for more inspiration. Enjoy cooking, and have fun making this simple, tasty meal!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites & Broccoli
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
Crispy, golden chicken bites paired with tender broccoli, quickly cooked in the air fryer for a crunchy yet juicy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Pat chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Cut broccoli into even-sized florets.
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, and seasonings.
- Dip each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing crumbs onto the meat. Spray air fryer basket with olive oil and arrange chicken in a single layer. Lightly spray tops and air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Add broccoli to the basket in the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cook until chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), and broccoli is tender.
- Let the chicken rest for 1–2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve with lemon wedges or a simple dipping sauce like honey mustard. Can be stored in an airtight container for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 58g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
