Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Parmesan and Broccoli Recipe

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If you’re craving a quick, flavorful, and healthy meal that feels indulgent yet light, you’re about to fall head over heels for the Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Parmesan and Broccoli Recipe. This dish combines crispy, golden chicken bites coated in savory parmesan and herbs with tender, vibrant broccoli all perfectly cooked in the air fryer for that sought-after crunch without the mess. It’s one of those recipes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, delivering a perfect balance of protein and veggies in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping a satisfying snack, this recipe is an absolute game changer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is half the joy of this dish, and each one plays an essential role in building the perfect flavor and texture combo. From the savory punch of parmesan to the vibrant green broccoli, these ingredients not only taste amazing but also make the dish colorful and exciting.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and lean protein that’s easy to cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs: Adds delightful crunch and helps the parmesan coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese: Brings a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the chicken’s mild taste.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the coating with aromatic warmth and an irresistible depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Offers a subtle smoky color and flavor that elevates the bites.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering them.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of mild heat and sharpness.
• 2 cups broccoli florets: Fresh and crisp, these bring vibrant color and a wonderful earthy crunch.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the broccoli roast beautifully in the air fryer, adding just the right amount of richness.

How to Make Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Parmesan and Broccoli Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Start by setting your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Preheating is key to achieving that perfect crispy texture on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces to ensure every piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. Smaller pieces also make the dish more fun and easy to eat, whether as a main or finger food.

Step 3: Make the Coating Mix

In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is where all that incredible flavor builds, so take a moment to appreciate the savory aroma as you mix.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken Bites

Gently press each chicken piece into the breadcrumb mixture. The parmesan and seasoning in the coating not only add flavor but also help create that irresistible crispy crust once air fried.

Step 5: Arrange the Chicken in the Basket

Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Giving them space means they cook evenly and get that beautiful golden finish without steaming.

Step 6: Toss the Broccoli

In a separate bowl, toss your broccoli florets with olive oil until they’re nicely coated. This step helps the broccoli roast to perfection alongside the chicken, adding a lovely caramelized flavor and tender crunch.

Step 7: Add Broccoli to the Air Fryer

Arrange the broccoli florets around the chicken bites in the basket. Cooking both together saves time and lets the flavors mingle just right.

Step 8: Cook Until Perfect

Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken bites halfway through to ensure an even crispy texture. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and the broccoli is tender yet bright green.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Parmesan and Broccoli hot, fresh from the air fryer. The combination of crunchy, cheesy chicken and tender, flavorful broccoli makes for a meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Parmesan and Broccoli Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil sprinkled on top add a pop of color and a fresh note that lifts the dish. A squeeze of lemon juice over the broccoli brightens the flavors beautifully, balancing the richness of the parmesan crust.

Side Dishes

This recipe stands strong as a complete meal, but if you want a bit more, serve it alongside garlic mashed potatoes for comfort food vibes or a light quinoa salad for extra texture and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try skewering the chicken bites and broccoli on toothpicks for a fun appetizer twist. Serving the chicken and broccoli over a bed of fresh greens with a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds elegance and an extra flavor punch for dinner guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftovers in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The chicken bites may soften a bit, but the broccoli will still hold onto its flavor well.

Freezing

To freeze, arrange the cooked chicken bites and broccoli in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months while maintaining great texture when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat leftover chicken bites and broccoli in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. This restores the crunch on the chicken and re-crisps the broccoli without drying them out like a microwave would.

FAQs

Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen broccoli florets, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry first to avoid excess moisture that could affect the crispiness when air frying.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the chicken bites and broccoli in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While the texture won’t be exactly the same, it will still taste delicious.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap regular breadcrumbs for gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your parmesan and seasonings are gluten-free to keep the dish safe for sensitive diets.

How can I make the chicken even crispier?

Try spraying a light mist of cooking oil over the coated chicken bites before air frying. This encourages a more golden and crunchy crust without adding extra grease.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The bite-sized chicken pieces are perfect for kids, and the parmesan flavor tends to be a kid-approved favorite. Plus, broccoli made this way is more appealing due to its crisp texture and slight sweetness.

Final Thoughts

The Air Fryer Chicken Bites with Parmesan and Broccoli Recipe is a fantastic go-to for anyone seeking a delicious, quick, and wholesome meal without fuss. The ease of tossing everything in the air fryer and ending up with crispy, flavorful bites alongside perfectly roasted broccoli really makes this recipe a winner in my kitchen and I’m confident it will do the same for you. So grab your ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that’s just as pleasurable to make as it is to devour.

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