These crispy chicken bites bring a delicious twist to weeknight dinners and snack time alike. The savory blend of garlic, onion, paprika, salt, and pepper creates an irresistible crust around juicy chicken cubes. Air frying inside the Instant Pot ensures a fuss-free cleanup while still delivering that golden crunch we all love.
What makes this recipe stand out is its unmatched convenience without sacrificing flavor or texture. Perfect for busy evenings, meal prepping, or entertaining, these chicken bites pair beautifully with dipping sauces, salads, or even rice bowls, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser any time of day.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
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2 tbsp cornstarch
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2 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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2 tsp paprika
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp ground black pepper
Directions:
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Cut the chicken breasts into ½-inch-wide strips, then slice those strips horizontally into ½-inch cubes.
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In a bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss the chicken cubes in this mixture until they’re evenly coated.
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Place the air fryer basket into your Instant Pot. Arrange the coated chicken cubes inside.
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Secure the air-fryer lid and set the Instant Pot to air fry at 400 °F for 10 minutes.
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When the display reads “Turn Food”, open the lid, turn the chicken bites to ensure even cooking, and close the lid to finish the cycle.
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After the first 10-minute cycle, stir the chicken again and cook for an additional 10 minutes at 400 °F.
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When the display reads “Turn Food” during the second cycle, open the lid and turn the bites once more.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 217 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
Instant Pot Chicken Bites: Crispy, Savory Cubes of Comfort
If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and family-friendly meal that’s both healthier and easier than deep-fried nuggets, Instant Pot Chicken Bites deserve a spot in your regular dinner rotation. These juicy little cubes of chicken, seasoned with a simple yet bold blend of spices, are air-fried to crispy perfection right inside your Instant Pot using its air fryer lid.
They’re the ideal solution for busy weeknights, spontaneous snack cravings, or even as a fun party appetizer. Plus, because they’re cooked without a vat of oil, you get all the crunchy texture you crave with far less guilt and mess. Whether you’re a seasoned Instant Pot user or still exploring what your multi-cooker can do, this recipe shows just how versatile and efficient this kitchen gadget can be.
Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Chicken Bites
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Quick Cooking Time – From start to finish, you can have crispy chicken bites ready in about 30 minutes.
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Healthier Alternative – Air frying means less oil without compromising on crispiness.
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Family-Friendly – Kids love the nugget-sized bites, and adults appreciate the flavor punch.
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Versatile Use – Serve as a main dish, snack, appetizer, or meal-prep protein.
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Minimal Cleanup – The Instant Pot air fryer lid keeps cooking contained and mess-free.
The Flavor Profile
The seasoning blend for these chicken bites is classic yet robust: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper create a savory crust when paired with cornstarch. The cornstarch not only helps the seasoning stick but also promotes that crisp, golden exterior. Inside, the chicken stays tender and juicy, thanks to the even heat circulation from the air fryer lid.
The Role of Cornstarch
Cornstarch is the secret weapon here. While flour can be used in many breading recipes, cornstarch delivers an unmatched light crispiness, much like the texture you’d find in Asian-style fried chicken or tempura. It locks in moisture while allowing the seasoning to shine through.
Cooking Method: Air Fryer Lid in Instant Pot
The Instant Pot’s air fryer lid is essentially a countertop convection oven attached to your multicooker. It circulates hot air around the food, creating a crispy texture without needing to submerge it in oil. Cooking in two short cycles, turning the chicken halfway ensures an even crunch on all sides.
Why this works so well:
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The compact cooking area keeps heat close to the chicken bites.
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The built-in basket allows excess moisture and oil to drain away.
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No need to preheat a separate appliance or oven.
Serving Ideas
While these chicken bites are delicious on their own, they truly shine when paired with other dishes or accompaniments:
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With Dipping Sauces – BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli.
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In Rice or Grain Bowls – Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or couscous with fresh veggies.
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Tacos or Wraps – Tuck them into tortillas with lettuce, cheese, and salsa for a quick meal.
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Party Platter – Offer alongside celery sticks, carrot sticks, and multiple dipping options for guests.
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Kids’ Lunchbox – Serve cold or at room temperature with fruit and crackers.
Variations to Try
While the base recipe is fantastic, you can experiment with different flavor combinations to suit your preferences:
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Buffalo Chicken Bites – Toss the cooked bites in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick.
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Lemon Pepper – Replace paprika with lemon zest and cracked black pepper for a fresh twist.
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Asian-Inspired – Add soy sauce and a pinch of ginger powder to the seasoning blend, then sprinkle with sesame seeds after cooking.
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Herb & Parmesan – Mix dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan into the cornstarch coating for a cheesy, aromatic version.
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Sweet & Smoky BBQ – Replace paprika with smoked paprika and toss in BBQ seasoning before cooking.
Tips for Perfect Chicken Bites Every Time
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Cut Evenly – Keep chicken cubes roughly the same size for even cooking.
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Pat Dry Before Coating – Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – This allows hot air to circulate fully for maximum crispiness.
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Check Doneness – Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally.
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Serve Immediately – These bites are at their crispiest right after cooking.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (which is rare because they disappear fast), here’s how to keep them tasting fresh:
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Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer – Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months.
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Reheating – Use the air fryer lid again at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it softens the coating.
Nutritional Benefits
While fried chicken bites can be high in fat and calories, this air-fried version cuts back significantly on oil without sacrificing flavor. Each serving provides a healthy dose of lean protein, minimal carbs, and a satisfying crunch. Pairing them with fresh vegetables or whole grains makes for a balanced, nutrient-packed meal.
Conclusion
Instant Pot Chicken Bites are proof that convenience and flavor don’t have to be mutually exclusive. With just a handful of pantry spices, some cornstarch, and your Instant Pot air fryer lid, you can transform simple chicken breast into crispy, golden bites that are just as satisfying as takeout only healthier and faster.
Their versatility is one of the biggest reasons they’re worth adding to your recipe collection. You can make them mild for kids, spicy for adults, or even globally inspired with different seasoning blends. They fit seamlessly into almost any meal plan, whether you’re looking for a high-protein snack, a quick weeknight dinner, or an appetizer that will win over guests.
The beauty of this recipe lies not only in the end result but also in the process. You don’t need multiple appliances, gallons of oil, or hours of your time. You simply season, toss, air fry, and enjoy. That’s the kind of simplicity that makes cooking at home feel doable even on your busiest days.
So the next time you’re tempted to grab a box of frozen nuggets or call for delivery, remember that with 30 minutes and your Instant Pot, you can have homemade chicken bites that are fresher, healthier, and far more satisfying. Once you try them, they might just become your go-to quick fix for both everyday meals and special occasions.