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To make tasty air fryer spicy sweet chili chicken bites, gather these key ingredients: - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 large egg, beaten - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs - 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce These ingredients blend flavors and help create a crispy coating. For those who love a kick, add these optional ingredients to enhance taste: - 2 tablespoons sriracha (for extra heat) This addition brings a zesty flair to your chicken. To make your dish look great and add freshness, use these garnishes: - Chopped green onions - Sesame seeds These garnishes add color and texture, making your chicken bites pop on the plate. First, take 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix the chicken well, so every piece gets coated. This step adds so much flavor to your chicken bites. Now, let’s create a breading station. Grab three bowls. In the first bowl, add 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour. In the second bowl, crack and beat one large egg. In the third bowl, place 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs. This setup will help you coat the chicken easily and keep it neat. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the air fryer basket. This helps keep the chicken from sticking. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd them; they need space to crisp up. If you have too many, cook in batches. Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy. Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken bites to a large mixing bowl. Pour in 1/2 cup of sweet chili sauce. If you want more heat, add 2 tablespoons of sriracha. Toss the chicken bites well, making sure every piece is coated in sauce. Place the spicy sweet chili chicken bites on a serving platter. For a fun touch, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Enjoy these bites with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping! To make great chicken bites, start with good chicken. I use boneless, skinless thighs for juiciness. Cut them into even pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Season them well with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Don't rush this step! The seasoning is key for flavor. When breading, dip the chicken in flour first. This helps the egg stick better. Make sure to shake off extra flour. Then, coat it in panko breadcrumbs. This gives the bites a crunchy texture. Air fry at 400°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway for even browning. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If you put too many pieces in, they won’t cook well. They need space to crisp up. Also, do not skip preheating the air fryer. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly. Watch the cooking time closely. If you overcook them, they can become dry. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F. Lastly, don’t skip the sauce toss! It coats the chicken bites, adding flavor and moisture. Want to kick up the flavor? Try adding more spices to the breading. You can mix in some Italian seasoning or even curry powder for a twist. If you love heat, add more cayenne or a sprinkle of chili flakes. For a sweet touch, drizzle some honey on top after tossing in the sauce. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can also brighten the dish. Don’t forget about garnishes! Chopped green onions and sesame seeds add color and crunch. Serve with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. {{image_2}} You can mix up the flavor by using different sauces. Try barbecue sauce for a smoky taste. Teriyaki sauce adds a sweet and savory twist. You can even use ranch dressing for a cool touch. Each sauce changes the flavor. Feel free to explore and find your favorite! Not a fan of chicken? You can use shrimp or tofu instead. Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a nice texture. Tofu absorbs flavors well and is a great plant-based option. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces and follow the same steps. It’s fun to try new proteins! Change your recipe with the seasons. In summer, add fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. In fall, mix in pumpkin spice for a unique twist. Winter is great for adding some orange zest for brightness. Each season can bring a new taste to the chicken bites! After enjoying your air fryer spicy sweet chili chicken bites, store any leftovers in an airtight container. This helps keep the chicken bites fresh. They will last for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure they cool down to room temperature before sealing them up. This prevents moisture from making them soggy. When it's time to reheat your chicken bites, use the air fryer for the best outcome. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the basket. Heat them for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps them crispy and warm without drying them out. If you want to keep your chicken bites longer, you can freeze them. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, follow the same method as above, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Cook the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes in the air fryer. Flip them halfway to ensure even cooking. The bites should be golden brown and crispy when done. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety. Yes, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs. However, thighs have more fat and stay juicier. If you prefer chicken breasts, cut them into similar-sized pieces. Adjust the cooking time if needed, as breasts may cook a bit faster. These chicken bites pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with: - Steamed rice - Fresh salad - Vegetable stir-fry - Sweet potato fries You can also serve extra sweet chili sauce for dipping. To make homemade sweet chili sauce, mix the following: - 1/2 cup sugar - 1/3 cup rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes - 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water Heat and stir until thickened. Adjust spice levels to your liking. This blog post covered how to make tasty chicken bites. We discussed key ingredients and steps needed for success. I shared tips to avoid mistakes and enhance flavor, plus fun variations. You can store leftovers easily and reheat them for a quick meal. Now, you have all you need to create and enjoy these delicious bites. Get cooking and have fun experimenting with new flavors!

Air Fryer Spicy Sweet Chili Chicken Bites

Get ready to spice up your dinner with Air Fryer Spicy Sweet Chili Chicken Bites! These crispy, flavorful bites are easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Coated in a delicious sweet chili sauce, they're sure to be a hit with family and friends. In just 25 minutes, you can create a crowd-pleasing dish that's both fun and tasty. Click through to explore the full recipe and bring some heat to your table!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 large egg, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup sweet chili sauce

2 tablespoons sriracha (optional, for extra heat)

Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure all pieces are coated.

    Breading Setup: Set up a breading station by placing the flour in one bowl, the beaten egg in another, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

      Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece first into the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, immerse it in the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating. Repeat for all pieces.

        Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded (you may need to cook in batches).

          Cooking: Air fry the chicken bites for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

            Toss in Sauce: With the chicken cooked, transfer the bites into a large mixing bowl. Pour in the sweet chili sauce and, if desired, the sriracha for extra spice. Toss well to ensure all the chicken bites are coated in the sauce.

              Serve: Place the spicy sweet chili chicken bites on a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for an added touch.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve on a vibrant platter with extra sweet chili sauce on the side for dipping. Include some fresh cilantro or lime wedges for a pop of color and freshness!