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- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) - 1 cup panko bread crumbs - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray The first step is to gather all the ingredients. You need fresh chicken breast, buttermilk for marinating, and a blend of seasonings. The buttermilk makes the chicken tender. For coating, you will need panko bread crumbs and flour. The everything bagel seasoning adds a unique flavor. Don't forget salt and pepper to taste. For cooking, a good cooking spray is key. It helps the chicken get that perfect golden crunch. Having everything ready makes cooking fun and simple. You can prep the chicken and coatings in a short time. This dish is all about bold flavors and crunchy bites. Enjoy the process, and get ready for a tasty treat! To get the best flavor and texture, start by marinating the chicken. - Take 1 lb of chicken breast and cut it into bite-sized pieces. - Place the chicken in a bowl and pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Make sure every piece is covered. - Let the chicken sit in the buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This helps to tenderize the meat and adds moisture. Now, let's make the coatings for our chicken bites. - In a shallow dish, mix 1 cup of panko bread crumbs with 4 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. - Add a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to combine. - In another bowl, place 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. Mix in the remaining 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Now it's time to cook the chicken bites in the air fryer. - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking. - Take each marinated chicken piece and coat it in the seasoned flour. Shake off any extra flour. - Dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. - Roll each piece in the panko mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick. - Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd them. - Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray for a nice crunch. - Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even browning. - Once they are golden and cooked through, remove them from the air fryer. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce! To get that great crunch, you must shake off excess flour. This keeps the coating light and crispy. If you skip this step, the chicken may end up soggy. You want a nice layer, not a thick clump. Using cooking spray is also key. Spray it on the chicken bites just before cooking. This helps them brown nicely. A light coating works best. Too much can make them greasy. Cooking times are important for perfect chicken bites. Aim for 10 to 12 minutes in the air fryer. If your bites are large, add a few minutes. Flipping the chicken halfway through helps them cook evenly. This ensures both sides get that golden color. Use tongs to flip them carefully. It keeps the coating intact. For dipping sauces, try ranch, honey mustard, or even barbecue sauce. They all pair well with the flavors of everything bagel seasoning. For presentation, arrange the chicken bites on a pretty platter. Garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds. This makes your dish look inviting and tasty. Serve with small bowls of sauce for a fun touch. {{image_4}} You can change the flavor of your chicken bites easily. Try adding garlic powder or onion powder for a new taste. You can also mix in some paprika for a smokier kick. If you want heat, add cayenne pepper for a spicy version of everything bagel seasoning. Just a little will make your bites pop with flavor! If you want to switch things up, use turkey instead of chicken. Turkey bites will taste great with the same coating. You can also use vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for a plant-based option. If you use turkey, adjust the cooking time to about 12-15 minutes. For veggies, cut them smaller and cook for around 8-10 minutes. To make this dish gluten-free, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. You can also use gluten-free panko for the coating. For those who need dairy-free options, substitute buttermilk with a mix of almond milk and vinegar. Just let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These easy swaps will keep your bites tasty and satisfying for everyone! To store leftovers, let the chicken bites cool down first. Then, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for up to three days. I prefer glass containers because they don’t stain and can be reused. To reheat chicken bites, use an air fryer if you can. Set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use a regular oven at the same temperature. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. To freeze chicken bites, first let them cool completely. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Try to remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to cook, thaw them in the fridge overnight. For a quick thaw, place the bag in cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, reheat them using the tips above for the best crunch. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the chicken in the fridge overnight or use a microwave. After thawing, cut it into bite-sized pieces. Then, follow the marinating steps as usual. The buttermilk will still make the chicken tender and juicy. Everything bagel seasoning is a blend of savory flavors. Common ingredients include: - Sesame seeds - Poppy seeds - Dried garlic - Dried onion - Salt These ingredients together create a rich taste that enhances the chicken bites. It gives them a unique crunch and a burst of flavor. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Insert the thermometer into the center of a chicken piece. If it reads 165°F, the chicken is safe to eat. This ensures that your bites are not only tasty but also safe. This guide covered how to make delicious air-fried chicken bites. Starting with a simple marinade, you prepare a crispy coating. I shared tips for perfecting the crunch and variations to suit your taste. Remember, using the right techniques helps ensure flavorful, juicy chicken. Experiment with different proteins and seasonings as you enjoy this dish. Keep your leftovers fresh, and share this fun recipe with friends. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites

Satisfy your cravings with these Air Fryer Everything Bagel Chicken Bites! This easy recipe transforms simple chicken into a crispy, flavorful delight, perfect for snacks or appetizers. Marinate the chicken, coat it in everything bagel seasoning, and air fry to perfection for a golden crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, these bites are a must-try for any meal. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your cooking game!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative)

1 cup panko bread crumbs

4 tablespoons everything bagel seasoning

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Begin by marinating the chicken pieces in a bowl with buttermilk. Make sure all pieces are submerged and let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This step is essential as it helps to tenderize the chicken.

    In a separate shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs with 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper, then mix well to combine all the flavors thoroughly.

      In another bowl, place the all-purpose flour. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of everything bagel seasoning, ensuring it is well-distributed throughout the flour.

        Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for cooking.

          After the chicken has finished marinating, take each piece and coat it evenly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour to avoid a lumpy coating.

            Next, dip the floured chicken pieces back into the buttermilk, ensuring they are well-coated, and allow any excess to drip off.

              Finally, roll each chicken piece in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure a hearty coating sticks well to the chicken.

                Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they aren’t overcrowded for optimum crispiness. Lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray to help achieve that golden-brown crunch.

                  Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pieces for even cooking and browning. They should come out golden and fully cooked.

                    Once finished, carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve them immediately while hot. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious treat!

                      Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 45 mins | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: Arrange the chicken bites on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs or sesame seeds. Serve with small bowls of dipping sauce for an appealing presentation!