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

Description

These Instant Pot Chicken Bites are tender, juicy, and crispy thanks to a flavorful cornstarch-based coating. Made quickly in the Instant Pot Duo Crisp with the air fryer lid, they’re a perfect high-protein snack, appetizer, or main dish. Easy to make, delicious, and versatile, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Units Scale

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

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1/2-inch wide strips, then slice them horizontally, about 1/2 inch apart, to make chicken cubes. This ensures even cooking and perfect bite-sized pieces.
Season and Coat: In a bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. Toss the chicken bites in the seasoning mixture until each piece is evenly coated with the flavorful blend.
Arrange in Instant Pot: Place the air fryer basket inside your Instant Pot Duo Crisp. Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket for best results.
First Air Fry Cycle: Attach the air frying lid. Set the Instant Pot to 400°F and cook for 10 minutes. When prompted with ‘Turn Food,’ open the lid and turn the chicken bites to ensure they cook and crisp evenly on all sides. Close the lid and finish the first cooking cycle.
Second Air Fry Cycle: Stir the chicken bites again. Cook for another 10 minutes at 400°F, turning the bites again when the Instant Pot displays ‘Turn Food’ partway through the cycle. Continue cooking until the chicken is golden and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken bites are done (internal temperature should reach 165°F), serve immediately as an appetizer, snack, or main dish with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Using partially frozen chicken makes slicing easier and results in evenly sized pieces.
Check doneness with a meat thermometer; chicken should reach 165°F as per USDA guidelines.
For a pan-fried alternative, cook in canola oil in a single layer for 4 minutes, stir, then fry for another 10 minutes or until golden and cooked through.
Ensure even coating of chicken for maximum crispiness.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
Calories: 180
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: 0.5g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Description

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

Coating

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition