Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Golden, crispy chicken bites seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic, cooked quickly in the air fryer for a healthier snack or meal. This chinese-inspired chicken ready in about 20 minutes pairs cornstarch, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 3, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp garlic powder. Toss 1 lb cubed boneless skinless chicken breast until all pieces are evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Preheat air fryer to 400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with vegetable oil spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Step 3: Place coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the tops lightly with vegetable oil spray.
  4. Step 4: Cook for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping. Cook until chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  5. Step 5: Transfer chicken bites to a serving bowl. Garnish with 2 thinly sliced scallions and sprinkle with 1/4 tsp red chili flakes if using. Serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cornstarch from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Air Fryer Salt and Pepper Chicken Bites?

Chinese chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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