Get ready to indulge in crunchy perfection with these Air Fryer Chicken Breast Chunks—juicy bites of heaven await in just 10 minutes!
Looking for more easy lunch recipes? Try my Chicken Salad, Turkey Pesto Wrap, and Tuna Sandwich.
Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Chicken Breast Chunks Recipe
- Quick, crispy, and oh-so-easy—perfect for those hangry moments!
- No fuss, just crunchy goodness in every bite.
- A tasty treat with minimal effort—what's not to love?
Ingredients & Substitutions
Full list of ingredients with measurements listed below in the Air Fryer Chicken Breast Chunks recipe card.
- Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks: Provides the main protein and crispy texture. You can also try breaded tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian option. You can grab these at Costco. You can also use the Just Bare brand but I find the Costco ones more similar to Chic Fil A.
- Dipping Sauce of Choice: Adds flavor and enhances the eating experience. You can also experiment with different sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch for variety.
- Optional: Seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic powder for added flavor. Feel free to customize to your taste buds!
How to Make this Recipe
Full step-by-step instructions listed below in recipe card.
Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
Place chicken chunks inside.
Cook for 10 mins until golden.
Let cool briefly.
Dip in favorite sauce.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Combo: Serve the chicken breast chunks alongside some crispy fries and a side salad for a classic and satisfying meal.
- Wrap it Up: Load the crispy chicken chunks into a warm tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite dressing for a delicious wrap.
- Asian Twist: Pair the chicken with steamed rice, stir-fried vegetables, and a side of soy sauce or sweet chili dipping sauce for an Asian-inspired feast.
- Pasta Party: Toss the chicken chunks with cooked pasta, marinara sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a quick and hearty pasta dish.
- Snack Attack: Set out the chicken chunks with an array of dipping sauces like barbecue, honey mustard, and ranch for a fun and flavorful snack spread at your next gathering.
How to Store & Reheat
Storage Tips:
- Allow the cooked chicken breast chunks to cool completely before storing.
- Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly with aluminum foil.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating Options:
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F, then place the chicken chunks in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 3-4 minutes until heated through and crispy.
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the chicken chunks on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 10-12 minutes or until heated through.
- Microwave Method: Place the chicken chunks on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave on high in 30-second intervals until heated through, flipping halfway.
- Skillet Method: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of oil. Add the chicken chunks and cook, flipping occasionally, until heated through and crispy on the outside.
What is the best air fryer?
Beyond the ingredients, you will also need an air fryer. Here’s a quick breakdown of a few popular brands and their features:
- Instant Vortex 4 Quart Air Fryer (affiliate): I have owned this air fryer for almost 3 years. It is used on a weekly basis and has held up well. It offers air fry, bake, reheat, and roast settings- which have all come in handy at one point or another. The only downside is that it takes up a lot of space and can be tricky to clean. But it was also rated the top air fryer by Food Network in an article published last month.
- Ninja Air Fryer: I got to use this at a friends and loved the ease and versatility of the ninja. It’s more compact than the one I own but still feels incredibly sturdy. It also offers the option to dehydrate, which I’m slightly jealous over. It is more expensive, and slightly smaller cooking space, than the one above.
- Dash Compact Air Fryer (affiliate): This little nugget is ADORABLE and the perfect addition to smaller kitchen spaces. Over 14,000 reviews and a 4.5 rating, I’d give this one a go if I was cooking for 1-2 people.
- I personally use a Pampered Chef Deluxe Air Fryer! It's my favorite version of an air fryer, but you'd have to find a consultant to purchase it through or order it here!
Regardless of which option you find fits your needs best, you will LOVE adding this appliance to your kitchen. It is the single most used item that my entire family agrees is a game changer.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading for a fiery twist.
- Cheesy Delight: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken chunks during the last few minutes of cooking for a gooey, melty surprise.
- Herbaceous Bliss: Mix dried herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley into the breading for an aromatic upgrade.
- Asian Fusion: Swap the dipping sauce for sweet and sour or teriyaki sauce, and sprinkle sesame seeds over the chicken for an Asian-inspired flair.
- Zesty Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the cooked chicken chunks and serve with a side of aioli for a burst of citrusy freshness.
Wine Pairing
or this crispy and flavorful dish, a light and refreshing white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect. Its citrusy notes and crisp acidity complement the chicken chunks and dipping sauce beautifully. Cheers to a delightful meal!
FAQ's
- Can I use frozen chicken breast chunks?
- Yes, you can use frozen chicken breast chunks, but you might need to adjust the cooking time slightly for them to cook through completely.
- Can I air fry other types of chicken?
- Absolutely! You can try boneless chicken thighs, chicken tenders, or even chicken wings using similar cooking times and temperatures.
- Can I reheat leftover chicken chunks in the air fryer?
- Definitely! Pop them back into the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to revive their crispiness.
- How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the air fryer basket?
- Lightly spritz the basket with cooking spray or brush it with oil before placing the chicken chunks to help prevent sticking.
- What can I serve with these chicken breast chunks?
- Anything goes! They pair well with a simple green salad, roasted veggies, or even some crispy fries for a complete meal. Get creative and enjoy!
Tips
- Preheat for Success: Don't forget to preheat your air fryer to ensure those chicken chunks get crispy from the get-go!
- Single Layer Rule: Spread out the chicken chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket for even cooking and maximum crunchiness.
- Check and Flip: Halfway through cooking, give the basket a gentle shake or flip the chicken chunks for that golden brown perfection on all sides.
- Cool Down, Dude: Let the chicken chunks cool for a minute or two before diving in—this helps retain their juiciness and prevents any tongue-burning mishaps!
- Dip with Gusto: Don't be shy with the dipping sauce! It's all about that extra flavor punch that takes your chicken chunks to the next level of deliciousness.
Looking for more recipes?
Looking for more easy lunch recipes? Try my Chicken Salad, Turkey Pesto Wrap, and Tuna Sandwich.
Did You Make this Recipe?
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Recipe Card
📋 Recipe
Air Fryer Chicken Breast Chunks
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Ingredients
- 6 oz Kirkland Signature Lightly Breaded Chicken Breast Chunks
- Dipping Sauce of Choice
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place the chicken breast chunks in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook the chicken chunks at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken from the air fryer and let them cool for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve the air-fried chicken breast chunks with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure that the chicken breast chunks are placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking and crispy results.
- Monitor the cooking process closely, as air fryer models may vary in temperature and cooking times, and adjust as needed to prevent overcooking or burning.
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