Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan Bites
Crispy, dunkable Chicken Parmesan bites made in the air fryer with Parmesan panko coating, warm marinara, and a light mozzarella finish. A protein packed comfort snack with classic American Italian flavor.
Equipment
- Air Fryer
- 3 Shallow Bowls
- Tongs
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Instant Read Thermometer (optional)
- Small Saucepan (to warm marinara)
Ingredients
Chicken Bites
- 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
Coating
- 1/3 cup all purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- cooking spray or olive oil spray for crisping
For Serving
- 1 cup marinara sauce warmed
- 1/2 cup shredded part skim mozzarella
- chopped basil or parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (205°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Set up a breading station: flour in one bowl, whisked eggs plus water in the second, and panko mixed with Parmesan in the third.
- Bread chicken: coat in flour, dip in egg, then press into the panko Parmesan mixture.
- Spray air fryer basket lightly. Arrange chicken in a single layer and spray tops lightly. Cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through to 165°F (74°C).
- Warm marinara. For an optional melty finish, spoon a little marinara on bites, sprinkle mozzarella, and air fry 1 to 2 minutes until melted.
- Serve hot with marinara for dipping and garnish with basil if desired.
Notes
Best crisp tip: Do not crowd the basket, and always give the tops a light spray for even browning.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.