Air Fryer Crispy Pub-Style Chicken Bites

Craving crispy chicken like your local pub? These air fryer chicken recipes are foolproof! My easy pub-style bites are golden, juicy, and ready in under 30. Get the secret!

Alright, let's dive into some proper scran! ever fancied proper pub grub without all the faff? well, buckle up, buttercup, 'cause we're tackling air fryer chicken recipes that'll knock your socks off! forget greasy takeaways, we're making crispy, golden chicken bites that are ruddy brilliant.

Think cheeky chicken nuggets, but way more posh.

Crikey, What's the Story?

These little beauties are inspired by classic british pub snacks. they're crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and a doddle to make.

Ready in under an hour, these are perfect for a cheeky midweek munch or a saturday night feast. this recipe will serve four hungry souls.

Why You'll Love These Bad Boys

Honestly, the best thing is that you get that fried chicken satisfaction with way less guilt. air frying cuts down on the fat, so it's slightly healthier than the deep-fried alternative.

Plus, they're perfect for sharing (or not, no judgement here!), and these air fryer chicken recipes are a guaranteed hit with everyone! what makes them particularly special is the buttermilk marinade.

It makes the chicken so tender and the panko breadcrumbs create the perfect crunch.

Fancy a quick but filling dinner? maybe you should try recipes for dinner with ground beef ? it's simple, quick, and easy to prepare! have you ever try to make some korean ground beef and rice bowls ? they're so tasty and ready in no time.

Right, let's get to the ingredients, shall we?

Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to make the best air fryer chicken recipes ever. honestly, getting the right stuff makes all the difference.

It's like having the right tools for any job, innit? you wouldn't try to paint a masterpiece with a toothbrush, would you?

Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty

Right, so, getting the ingredients sorted is half the battle.

Main Ingredients: Chicken, Buttermilk, Breadcrumbs, Sorted!

For these Crispy Pub-Style Chicken Bites, you're gonna need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Get the good stuff, yeah? Fresh, pink, not slimy. If it smells a bit off, bin it!
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk. This is key for tender, juicy chicken.
• 1 ½ cups (120g) panko breadcrumbs. Panko is your mate here. Gets way crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard.
• 1 tsp garlic powder.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika.
• ¼ tsp black pepper.
• ¼ tsp salt.
• ¼ cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but trust me, it's worth it ).
• 1 tbsp dried parsley.
• 1 tsp onion powder.
• ½ tsp garlic powder.
• ½ tsp smoked paprika.
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick, but don't be shy!).
• Cooking spray for the air fryer basket.

Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!

Spice is your friend, mate! it is used in many recipes for dinner with ground beef , and it's how we are gonna to spice up your air fryer chicken, but not using korean ground beef and rice bowls .

• Essential spice combo: Garlic powder + smoked paprika. This is your base for that proper pub flavour.
• Flavour enhancers: Dijon mustard in the marinade adds a lovely tang. Parmesan in the breading gives a savoury boost.
• Aromatics: Dried parsley adds a bit of freshness. Feel free to chuck in some dried thyme or rosemary too.
• Quick sub: No smoked paprika? Use regular paprika, but maybe add a tiny bit of liquid smoke if you have it.

Speaking of ground beef, what what to do with ground beef ? think of this chicken like the crispy alternative to hamburger bowl recipes .

Instead of using a recipe for korean ground beef recipes or rice and beef recipes , we can create a healthy dinner with ground beef .

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don't need a fancy kitchen for these ground beef bowl recipes :

• Air fryer. Obviously! One that can hit 400° F ( 200° C) is ideal.
• Mixing bowls. For the marinade and the breading.
• Shallow dishes or plates. Makes breading easier.
• Tongs. For flipping the chicken. Essential.
• Meat thermometer. Okay, technically optional, but seriously recommended to make sure that chicken is cooked through to 165° F ( 74° C) . Safety first, yeah?

No air fryer? You might be able to bake these, but they won't be quite as crispy. An air fryer is a game changer if you are trying to create recipes for ground beef bowls healthy

Right then! Get that sorted, and you're ready to roll! Honestly, even a plonker can knock this recipe together!

Okay, mate, let's get stuck into this air fryer chicken recipes malarkey! we're gonna whip up some unreal crispy chicken bites.

Forget those soggy oven-baked imitations. we're talking proper pub grub, but healthier and easier! honestly, once you try these, you'll be making them every blinking week.

A little something before your korean ground beef and rice bowls, perhaps?

Prep Like a Pro, Fry Like a Boss

First things first, the mise en place . Sounds fancy, right? Basically, get your act together before you start flinging chicken around!

Setting the Stage: Your Essential Arsenal

Get all your ingredients measured out. chop the chicken into 1-inch cubes. this is key. uniformity is your friend, making sure they cook evenly.

Get your breading station sorted too. like a tiny, delicious production line.

Hack Your Time: Speedy Prep Tips

Honestly, marinating the chicken in buttermilk is well worth it. it makes them so tender. but if you're short on time, skip it.

Nobody's judging. a quick tip? prep the breadcrumb mix the night before. one less thing, innit?

Play it Safe, Chicken Fans!

Raw chicken can be a right pain if you're not careful. wash your hands religiously after handling it. and don't use the same chopping board for raw chicken and, say, your salad.

Common sense, but worth repeating!

Air Fryer Chicken Recipes: Step-by-Step to Crispy Heaven

Right, time to get cooking. Here's how to turn those humble chicken cubes into glorious golden bites:

1. Buttermilk Bath (Optional): Chuck the chicken into a bowl with the buttermilk, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. Or up to 4 hours!
2. Breading Bonanza: In a separate dish, mix those panko breadcrumbs with the parmesan, parsley, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Bread 'Em Up: Remove chicken, letting the excess buttermilk drip. Dunk each bit into the breadcrumb mix, pressing so it sticks.
4. Preheat Power: Whack your air fryer to 400° F ( 200° C) . Give it a few minutes to warm up.
5. Air Fry Action: Spray the basket with cooking spray. Don't be shy! Then add the chicken in a single layer. Spray the tops too.
6. Cook Time Crunch: Air fry for 12- 15 minutes , flipping halfway. Until they're golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165° F ( 74° C) . Boom!
7. Serve and Devour: Serve immediately with all your favourite dips.

Secrets to Air Fryer Success: Pro Tips

Want to take your air fryer game to the next level? Course you do!

Expert Tweaks: The Chef's Touch

Don't overcrowd the basket! it’s tempting to chuck it all in, but it won’t crisp properly. do it in batches.

Also, spray, spray, spray. cooking spray is your best friend. it's the secret to that proper golden-brown goodness.

Avoiding Disaster: Common Pitfalls

The biggest mistake? Under-cooking the chicken. No one wants salmonella with their Recipes For Dinner With Ground Beef, right? Use a meat thermometer. It's a lifesaver.

Make-Ahead Magic: Get Ahead of the Game

You can bread the chicken in advance and keep it in the fridge for a few hours. just make sure to store it in an airtight container so it doesn't dry out.

Or if you have some leftover korean ground beef recipes, make yourself a hamburger bowl.

Honestly, these air fryer chicken recipes are proper mint. they're dead easy, super tasty and healthier than the deep-fried stuff.

Give 'em a go. you won't regret it! maybe this will lead you to try making rice and beef recipes too.

Who knows?

Recipe Notes

Alright, love! let's talk about the nitty-gritty, yeah? a few extra bits to make sure these air fryer chicken recipes are a smash hit.

Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference.

Serving Suggestions: Posh Nuggies, Sorted!

Plating matters, doesn't it? these aren't just any old chicken nuggets. think fancy pub grub! a small wire basket lined with greaseproof paper looks ace.

Maybe a sprig of parsley for a bit of poshness?

For sides, classic chips (that's fries, for you yanks!) are always a winner. coleslaw adds a nice bit of creamy crunch.

Or, for something a bit lighter, a simple green salad does the trick. wash it all down with a cold pint – perfect! these hamburger bowl recipes would be perfect as well.

Storage Tips: Leftovers? What Leftovers?

Right, so if, IF , you have any of these left, here's the drill. Pop 'em in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll be good for about 3 days.

Freezing? yeah, you can freeze them, but honestly, they're best fresh. if you do freeze, spread them out on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag.

This stops them from sticking together.

Reheating? the air fryer is your best bet. a few minutes at 350° f ( 175° c) should do it.

Or, the oven works too, but they might not be quite as crispy.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy a change? Go for it!

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Easy peasy!

If you're watching your salt, just ease off on the salt in the breadcrumb mix. Job done! These could become one of your healthy dinner with ground beef staples.

Nutrition Basics: Not Too Naughty!

Okay, so they're not exactly kale smoothies, are they? but they're not deep-fried, which is a win! each serving (remember, this is just an estimate!) has around 450 calories, 45g protein, 20g fat, and 25g carbs.

Not bad for a treat! protein helps keep you full, you know?

Right, that's it! You're armed and ready to tackle these air fryer chicken recipes . Go on, give it a go! You'll be chuffed you did! Give these korean ground beef and rice bowls a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make sure my air fryer chicken recipes are crispy and not dry?

The key to crispy, juicy air fryer chicken is all in the prep! Make sure to lightly spray the chicken with cooking oil before air frying – this helps the breadcrumbs get that lovely golden-brown colour. Also, don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed. Finally, a quick marinade in buttermilk (as in our recipe!) before breading helps keep the chicken moist and tender.

Can I use frozen chicken in these air fryer chicken recipes?

While you can technically cook frozen chicken in the air fryer, it's not recommended for this particular recipe where we're aiming for maximum crispiness and even cooking. Frozen chicken releases a lot of water as it cooks, which can lead to soggy breading. For best results, always thaw your chicken completely before starting this air fryer chicken recipe.

What temperature should my air fryer chicken reach to be safe to eat?

Food safety is paramount, mate! Your air fryer chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be considered safe to eat. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken. This is the only way to be certain it's properly cooked through and safe for consumption. A few degrees over won't hurt, but definitely don't go under!

Can I prep these air fryer chicken bites ahead of time?

Absolutely, prepping ahead is a great idea! You can bread the chicken bites and store them in the fridge, covered, for up to 24 hours before air frying. This is great for meal prepping. Just be sure to give them a quick spray with cooking oil before putting them in the air fryer. You can also marinate the chicken for several hours in advance – even overnight!

How do I store leftover air fryer chicken and how long will it last?

Store any leftover air fryer chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3-4 days. For the best texture, reheat in the air fryer (or oven) rather than the microwave; this will help crisp it up again. Nobody likes soggy chicken!

Are there healthier alternatives to panko breadcrumbs I can use in air fryer chicken recipes?

Good on you for thinking about healthy swaps! While panko gives a great crispy texture, you can definitely experiment with alternatives. Consider using crushed cornflakes (unsweetened!), almond flour, or even a mixture of grated Parmesan cheese and herbs for a lower-carb option. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as these might brown a little faster.

Previous Recipe: Sweet Potato Shepherd's Pie: Ground Beef Recipes For Dinner Done Right!
Next Recipe: Ultimate Patty Melt Recipe: Diner-Style at Home!