Whenever I need a quick, crowd-pleasing meal or snack, I turn to these Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites.
They’re crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and coated in a savory garlic-Parmesan finish that’s totally addictive.
Best part? No frying mess—just a handful of ingredients and your trusty air fryer.
Why I Love This Recipe
Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
Perfectly seasoned, juicy chicken in every bite.
Air-fried means less oil but all the crispiness.
Kid-friendly, game-day friendly, meal-prep friendly—just friendly.
Pairs with salads, rice, pasta, or wraps.
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Chicken breasts or thighs – Thighs give more flavor, but breasts work great too.
Worcestershire sauce – Adds umami depth without overwhelming.
Garlic & onion powder – Bold and aromatic seasoning.
All-purpose flour or cornstarch – Light coating for a crisp finish.
Parmesan cheese & parsley – That classic finishing duo you can’t skip.
Pro Tips Before You Start
Cut chicken pieces evenly so they cook uniformly.
Don’t skip the oil spray—it’s key for crispiness.
Air fry in a single layer; avoid overcrowding the basket.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture.
Add extra garlic or chili flakes if you like more punch.
How to Make Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Step 1: Season and Coat the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix chicken pieces with oil, Worcestershire, oregano, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle flour or cornstarch evenly and toss to coat.
Spray with oil to moisten any dry flour spots.
Step 2: Prepare the Air Fryer
Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with oil.
Add the coated chicken in a single, even layer.
Step 3: Cook in the Air Fryer
Air fry at 360°F for 10 minutes.
Stir and flip the chicken, then air fry for another 5 minutes.
Flip once more and cook an additional 3–5 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
Step 4: Finish with Cheese and Herbs
Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and parsley over the chicken.
Air fry for 1 more minute to slightly melt the cheese.
Taste and add extra salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm.
What to Serve It With
Garlic bread or toasted pita
Over rice or quinoa bowls
Next to a green salad with vinaigrette
Tucked in wraps or lettuce cups
As a high-protein snack with dipping sauce
Variations / Substitutions
Use smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat.
Swap parsley for fresh basil or cilantro.
Try almond flour or gluten-free flour for coating.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving for brightness.
Use chicken tenders for even quicker cooking.
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge – Store in an airtight container up to 3 days.
Freeze – Freeze cooked bites up to 2 months; reheat in air fryer.
Reheat – Air fry at 350°F for 4–6 minutes to restore crispiness.
Repurpose – Toss into salads, wraps, or pasta dishes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thawed is best for even cooking, but frozen works if fully defrosted and dried first.
Do I need to marinate the chicken?
Not necessary—the Worcestershire and spices coat the chicken perfectly.
Can I bake instead of air fry?
Yes, bake at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.
What type of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated works best, but pre-shredded can be used in a pinch.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all! But you can add chili flakes or cayenne for heat.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is this gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or gluten-free flour to keep it GF-friendly.
Final Thoughts
These Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites have become one of my weeknight go-tos.
They’re fast, flavorful, and just fancy enough to feel special without any fuss.
Whether you serve them as a main dish, party snack, or protein topper, one thing’s certain—they’ll disappear fast.
Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bites
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds about 680g boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1” bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons 10ml vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon 15ml Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon 2.5ml dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon 5ml garlic powder or 3 cloves minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon 2.5ml onion powder
- ½ teaspoon 2.5ml kosher salt (or to taste)
- Fresh cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons 30ml all-purpose flour or cornstarch
- Oil spray to coat chicken
- 2 –3 tablespoons 30ml grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons 30ml chopped parsley
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix chicken with oil, Worcestershire, oregano, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour or cornstarch and stir to coat.
- Spray generously with oil until no dry spots remain.
- Spray air fryer basket with oil. Add chicken in a single layer.
- Air fry at 360°F (180°C) for 10 minutes. Flip and cook 5 more minutes.
- Flip again and cook 3–5 minutes until golden and cooked through.
- See full steps with tips & photos → https://wimpysdiner.net/air-fryer-garlic-parmesan-chicken-bites/
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
- You can also serve these bites with a dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.
