Can I make these chicken bites without an Instant Pot Duo Crisp?

Absolutely! You can use any air fryer – just follow the same temperature and timing guidelines. If you don't have an air fryer, pan-frying works great too. Just heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the coated chicken for about 4 minutes, stir, and continue cooking for 6-8 more minutes until they reach 165°F internally.

My chicken bites aren't getting crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the air fryer basket is overcrowded. Try cooking in smaller batches so the hot air can circulate around each piece. Also, make sure your chicken is patted dry before coating – excess moisture prevents crispiness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often turn out even juicier. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.

How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?

The most reliable way is using a meat thermometer – chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don't have a thermometer, cut open the largest piece – it should be completely opaque with no pink remaining.

Crispy Instant Pot Chicken Bites Recipe

Name: Crispy Instant Pot Chicken Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Main Ingredients; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts; Coating; 2 tbsp cornstarch; 2 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; 2 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

These Instant Pot Chicken Bites are a game-changer for busy weeknights! Perfectly seasoned with a crispy exterior and juicy center, these bite-sized morsels cook up in just 20 minutes in your Instant Pot Duo Crisp. The simple spice blend creates restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making this recipe a guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick: From prep to plate in just 30 minutes – perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast!
Crispy Without Deep Frying: The Instant Pot air fryer function gives these bites a fantastic crispy coating without cups of oil.
Incredibly Versatile: These chicken bites work as a main dish, in salads, wraps, or even as appetizers for gatherings.
Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters love these bite-sized pieces with their mild but flavorful seasoning.
Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is probably already in your pantry – no special shopping trip required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless skinless gives you lean protein that cooks quickly and evenly.
Cornstarch: Creates that amazing crispy exterior without frying. It’s the secret to the perfect texture!
Garlic Powder: Adds that savory depth that makes these bites irresistible without the hassle of fresh garlic.
Onion Powder: Works with the garlic for a flavor foundation that enhances the chicken without overpowering it.
Paprika: Brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to your chicken bites.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and ensures the chicken isn’t bland.
Black Pepper: Adds that perfect hint of spice that balances the other seasonings.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some delicious ways to customize your chicken bites:

Flavor Twists

Buffalo Style: Toss the cooked bites in buffalo sauce for a spicy kick
Lemon Pepper: Add lemon zest to your seasoning mix for a citrusy punch
Asian-Inspired: Mix in some ginger powder and finish with a drizzle of soy sauce
BBQ Flavor: Add a tablespoon of your favorite BBQ rub to the seasoning mix

Make It Spicy

Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix
Sprinkle with hot sauce after cooking
Include a pinch of chipotle powder for smoky heat

Coating Alternatives

Use potato starch instead of cornstarch for an even crispier finish
Try a mix of cornstarch and almond flour for a lower-carb option
Add a tablespoon of grated parmesan to the coating for a cheesy twist

How to Make Instant Pot Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Cut your chicken breasts into 1/2-inch wide strips, then slice them horizontally about 1/2 inch apart to create uniform chicken cubes. This consistent sizing ensures they’ll cook evenly.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

In a medium bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss your chicken pieces in this mixture until they’re completely and evenly coated. Make sure every piece gets a good coating!

Step 3: Arrange in the Instant Pot

Place the air fryer basket inside your Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Arrange the seasoned chicken bites in the basket, trying not to overcrowd them so they can get crispy on all sides.

Step 4: First Cooking Cycle

Secure the air fryer lid on your Instant Pot. Set the temperature to 400°F and timer for 10 minutes. When the display shows “Turn Food,” open the lid and flip the chicken bites with tongs or a spatula. Close the lid to finish the cooking cycle.

Step 5: Second Cooking Cycle

After the first 10 minutes, stir the chicken bites again to ensure even cooking. Set another 10-minute cycle at 400°F. When prompted halfway through, open the lid again to turn the chicken bites.

Step 6: Check and Serve

Once cooking is complete, check that the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the bites rest for 1-2 minutes before serving to lock in the juices.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Even Cuts Matter: Take the time to cut your chicken pieces to a uniform size so they cook evenly.
Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches if needed – crowding the air fryer basket will prevent the chicken from getting crispy.
Partially Frozen Chicken: Chicken that’s slightly frozen is actually easier to cut into even pieces.
Pat Dry First: Remove excess moisture from your chicken with paper towels before seasoning for maximum crispiness.
Let It Rest: Allow the chicken bites to rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to keep them juicy inside.
Shake Don’t Stir: When turning the chicken, gently shake the basket rather than stirring to prevent the coating from coming off.

How to Serve

These versatile chicken bites are perfect in so many ways:

Main Dish Pairings

Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Appetizer Style

Set them out with toothpicks and a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

In Bowls

Create a grain bowl with rice or quinoa, add some veggies, and top with these crispy chicken bites.

Wraps and Sandwiches

Stuff these into wraps or pita pockets with some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a quick lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

These freeze beautifully! Arrange cooked, cooled chicken bites on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months.

Reheating

For best results, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. You can also microwave them, but they won’t retain their crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make these chicken bites without an Instant Pot Duo Crisp?

Absolutely! You can use any air fryer – just follow the same temperature and timing guidelines. If you don’t have an air fryer, pan-frying works great too. Just heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the coated chicken for about 4 minutes, stir, and continue cooking for 6-8 more minutes until they reach 165°F internally.
My chicken bites aren’t getting crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?

This usually happens when the air fryer basket is overcrowded. Try cooking in smaller batches so the hot air can circulate around each piece. Also, make sure your chicken is patted dry before coating – excess moisture prevents crispiness.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often turn out even juicier. Just make sure to trim any excess fat and cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
How do I know when the chicken bites are fully cooked?

The most reliable way is using a meat thermometer – chicken is safe to eat when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut open the largest piece – it should be completely opaque with no pink remaining.

Final Thoughts

These Instant Pot Chicken Bites are truly a weeknight dinner hero! With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, they’re the perfect solution when you need something delicious without the fuss. The seasoning blend creates that perfect savory taste that keeps everyone coming back for more, while the Instant Pot gives you that incredible crispy texture without the mess of deep frying. Give this recipe a try tonight – I promise these crispy, tender bites will become a regular in your dinner rotation!