These 15-minute Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites are crispy on the outside and tender inside, tossed in a rich butter sauce with fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
I’ve been making these chicken bites on repeat lately because they’re ridiculously easy and everyone loves them. The air fryer gets the chicken perfectly crispy on the outside while keeping it tender and juicy inside The magic really happens when you toss everything in this simple little garlic butter sauce.
I can have these on the table in 15 minutes flat, and Chad requests them at least twice a week. Whether we’re eating them in a bowl with rice and veggies or just like we would wings (I dunno – they just have wing vibes to me), we are big fans around here.
The buttery garlic sauce is what really makes these special. I cook the garlic low and slow while the chicken air fries so it gets really fragrant without burning. Then I stir in parmesan and just a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tiny kick. No judgment here if you want to skip the spice. They’re delicious either way.
Buttery garlic sauce works well on other air fryer recipes we have tested as well. Be sure to try making garlic parmesan chicken wings, our air fryer frozen shrimp, and air fryer mushrooms for more garlic butter goodness!
3 Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
Ready in 15 Minutes – From start to finish, these chicken bites are done faster than ordering takeout. The air fryer preheats in 5 minutes, the chicken cooks in 8, and the sauce comes together while you wait.
Crazy Good Flavor – That garlic butter sauce is everything. It’s rich, garlicky, and the parmesan adds this salty, nutty flavor that makes these absolutely crave-worthy. I’ve made these at least a dozen times and they never get old.
So Versatile – Serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, toss them over pasta, pile them on a salad, or make them the main dish with your favorite sides. They work for literally any occasion.
Ingredient Notes:
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Chicken – We use boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe, but you could easily make this with thighs or tenderloins.
Cheese – Finely grated parmesan cheese is perfect for our little bites! We usually like the kind that comes from the cheese counter in a little bag and is very powdery, but the green shaker can would also work here.
Seasonings -You will need salt, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic herb seasoning, red pepper flakes, butter, and olive oil to bring all the flavors together and make the sauce.
Step by Step Photos:
Chop the chicken – While the air fryer is preheating, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl.
Season the chicken – Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle on the garlic and herb seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken in the seasoning.
Cook the chicken – Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking gently halfway through cooking, or until chicken has reached 165 degrees internally.
Toss in the sauce – Add the chicken bites to a bowl and pour on the garlic butter sauce. Toss gently to coat the chicken in the sauce.
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Serving Ideas!
These chicken bites are perfect over pasta. I love them with angel hair or penne that’s been tossed in Alfredo. You can even double the garlic parm butter sauce and toss your pasta in that too. Simple!
These garlic parmesan chicken bites also make the best little Caesar salad. Try this homemade Caesar dressing for the best salad!
You know we love a good bowl situation – toss these over rice with your some air fryer vegetables and you’ve got a simple, complete meal.
Swaps & Tips
No garlic and herb seasoning? Just use garlic powder and add a pinch of salt. I prefer the seasoning blend because it adds extra flavor, but plain garlic powder works in a pinch.
Adjust the heat level – The red pepper flakes add just a subtle kick. If you want more spice, go ahead and add extra. If you’re feeding kids or anyone who doesn’t like heat, just leave them out completely.
Extra parmesan never hurts – I always sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top just before serving. It adds another layer of flavor and makes them look even tastier.
Use chicken thighs if you prefer – I usually make these with chicken breasts, but thighs work great too. They’re a bit more forgiving and stay extra juicy.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave just as well.
More Air Fryer Bite Sized Goodies:
- Air Fryer Steak Bites
- Air Fryer Bagel Bites
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Air Fryer Breakfast Bites
- Air Fryer Pretzel Bites
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic & herb seasoning
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is preheating, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with the oil and sprinkle on the garlic and herb seasoning. Toss to coat the chicken in the seasoning.
- Spritz the air fryer basket with non-stick spray and arrange the chicken in an even layer. You don't need space between the chicken, but try to spread it into a single layer.
- Air fry for 8 minutes, shaking gently halfway through cooking, or until chicken has reached 165 degrees internally.
- While the chicken is cooking, add the butter to a small sauce over low heat and let melt.
- Once the butter has melted add the garlic, salt, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking over very low heat for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is ready. Don't let the garlic burn or you'll have to start over with the sauce.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the Parmesan and red pepper flakes.
- Place the chicken in a bowl and pour the sauce over the top. Toss to coat the chicken in the sauce.
Notes
Nutrition
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