Hey y'all! If you're craving something zesty, juicy, and incredibly easy, these Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter are your new weeknight hero. They're packed with bright citrus flavors, a hint of garlic, and that irresistible buttery finish. Whether you're hosting a party, need a protein-packed snack, or want a fuss-free family meal, this recipe delivers big on taste and convenience. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter Recipe
- Ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Bursting with zesty lemon and savory garlic butter flavors.
- Crispy on the outside yet tender and juicy inside thanks to the air fryer.
- Kid-friendly and great for meal prep or quick appetizers.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions: How to Make Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Step 2: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
Step 3: Air Fry the Chicken Bites
- Arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd; cook in batches if needed.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should reach 165°F/74°C).
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter
- While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant (don't let it brown).
Step 5: Toss and Serve
- Place hot chicken bites in a bowl, pour over the garlic butter, and toss well to coat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately!
Notes & Helpful Cooking Tips for Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- For extra-crispy bites, lightly spray chicken with a bit of oil before air frying.
- Don’t skip marinating – it boosts both juiciness and flavor. Learn more about why marinating works.
- Swap chicken breast for boneless thighs for richer flavor and extra tenderness.
Variations on Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Herb Infused: Mix in chopped rosemary or thyme with the marinade for an herbal twist.
- Parmesan Crusted: Toss cooked bites with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Required Equipment for Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- Air fryer (basket or oven style)
- Mixing bowls
- Small skillet or saucepan
- Tongs or spatula
Storage Instructions for Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- Cool leftovers to room temperature, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to regain crispiness.
- Not recommended to freeze after adding garlic butter, as texture may change.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a light meal.
- Pair with fluffy rice or quinoa for a hearty dinner.
- Try as party appetizers with toothpicks and a side of ranch or tzatziki dip. For more pairing ideas, check out creative salad dressing inspirations.
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- Cut chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking (see how to cut chicken breast).
- Let chicken rest a couple minutes before tossing with garlic butter so juices redistribute.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—space lets the bites get irresistibly crispy.
FAQ: Air Fryer Lemon Chicken Bites with Garlic Butter
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicy and flavorful—adjust cooking time by 1-2 minutes if pieces are thicker.
- How do I know the chicken is done?
- Chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and juices run clear.
- Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes! Substitute butter with a vegan butter alternative or olive oil for the garlic sauce.
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 10 minutes | Total time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, combine chicken pieces, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 10 minutes.
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2Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
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3Arrange the marinated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chicken is golden and cooked through.
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4While the chicken cooks, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add remaining minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
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5Transfer cooked chicken bites to a bowl. Pour the garlic butter over the chicken and toss to coat.
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6Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
285cal
Protein:
32 gg
Fat:
15 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
4 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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