Name: Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 1 lbs boneless/skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces); 1 tbsp avocado oil; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; Zest of 1 lime

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These Air Fryer Chicken Taco Bites are bursting with bold flavor and are SO versatile! This healthy chicken recipe makes a great party appetizer or quick dinner.

Chicken Taco Bites

These easy Air Fryer Chicken Bites are going to be a new favorite! Whether you’re serving tons of friends at a potluck or feeding the family after a hectic day, this quick air fryer recipe is here to save the day. Tender bites of chicken are covered in a delicious, homemade taco seasoning blend and lime zest for an explosive flavor you will love. It’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto-friendly for a meal that satisfies nearly everyone. You barely need any prep time, so it’s perfect when you’re in a rush!

Love Taco night? Check out these Grilled Chicken Tacos, our Chicken Taco Crescent Ring, and this Chicken Taco Salad Board.

Why you’ll love this recipe

EASY – There is so little work involved in this meal, you will love having this in your backpocket for a lazy day. Simply toss in oil and spices, then throw in the air fryer. This recipe is perfect for beginners and busy folks.
VERSATILE – You can enjoy this chicken recipe in SO many ways! Serve them with toothpicks and a dipping sauce, turn them into tacos or quesadillas, toss them onto a salad, or roll them up in a tortilla/lettuce leaves for a wrap. This is the perfect protein for tons of different occasions.
MEAL PREP FRIENDLY – These freezer-friendly chicken bites won’t have you wasting a dime. These can be prepped and frozen raw, or you can cook and freeze them for an easy no-effort meal later. Perfect for prepping lunches or stocking the freezer for a friend in need!

Chicken Taco Bite Ingredients

seasonings needed for air fryer chicken taco bites

Here’s an overview of what you’ll need for this easy air fryer recipe. Find exact measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Chicken Breast – Boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces. The quick cooking time ensures that these stay nice and juicy, but you could use tenderloins or thighs if you prefer.
Avocado oil – I love the mild flavor that comes from this, but you can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or whatever cooking oil you prefer.
Seasonings: Cumin, Garlic powder, Smoked paprika, Chili powder, Onion powder, Salt, Pepper, and Lime zest. This creates an amazing blend that provides bold flavors with barely any work. The lime zest gives a big punch of citrus flavor, so I wouldn’t skip it if I were you!

How to make chicken taco bites in the air fryer

This quick chicken dinner is so easy! Here’s a step-by-step guide to making these juicy, flavorful chicken bites for the perfect app or meal.

Season chicken

homemade taco seasoning mix with lime zest on bite-sized chicken pieces

chicken pieces seasoned with homemade taco mix

While the air fryer is preheating to 380 degrees F, mix up your seasonings and lime zest in a small bowl. In a larger bowl, toss your bite-sized chicken pieces in the avocado oil. Finally, toss in the seasonings and mix well, making sure each piece is well coated.

Cook

taco seasoned chicken bites in the air fryer

Once your air fryer is preheated and your chicken is seasoned, we’re ready to cook! Spray the basket of the air fryer with oil to prevent sticking. Carefully add the chicken pieces to the basket in a single layer (work in batches if you have to), then air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Flip the pieces halfway through the cooking time and make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees before pulling from the air fryer. Serve immediately while chicken is hot and sizzling.

a plate piled high with seasoned air fryer chicken pieces, limes, and cilantro

Serve

These are perfect garnished with a bit of fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice. If you’re making these for a party, they work great as an app with toothpicks or on a buffet for build-your-own tacos (we happen to LOVE these with avocado slices). We also love them in Taco Salad or with Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice! These fajita veggies are the perfect side dish, too.

Dips & sauces you’ll love with these chicken bites

Smoked Queso Dip
Creamy Avocado Bacon Dip
Homemade Salsa or Salsa Verde
Creamy Jalapeno Sauce (Taco Bell copycat)

chicken taco bites served on tortillas with avocado slices and fresh cilantro

How to store cooked chicken

Allow your chicken to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh up to 3 days. I love these seasoned bites warm or cold, but keep scrolling for reheating instructions.

juicy taco chicken bites garnished with lime wedges and fresh cilantro

Can you freeze this?

Yes, these chicken bites freeze very well and reheat nicely. Make sure you first allow your chicken to cool completely as any residual heat will turn into extra moisture which can lead to freezer burn. Here are my two favorite ways to package these so it’s easy to pull out just the right amount later:

Place chicken on a baking sheet, spreading them all out in a single layer so that they’re not touching. Freeze 2-3 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag.
Portion out individual servings into small baggies, then store all of the baggies in a larger freezer bag. This is great if you plan to use these for lunch–Just pull out a baggy and toss it into the lunchbox with some sauce and a couple tortillas!

It’s always best to thaw frozen food overnight in the fridge as this slow method is gentler and helps keep the right taste and texture.

overhead shot of a platter of chicken bites with cilantro and lime wedges beside a plate of chicken tacos

juicy air fryer chicken bites seasoned with a homemade taco blend

Reheating instructions:

These chicken bites are easy to heat up in the microwave, oven, air fryer, or skillet! Here are some tips to keep it juicy:

Microwave – Heat in 45-second increments, tossing/stirring between blasts for even heating. Add a teaspoon or so of water when reheating to prevent it from drying out.
Oven – Preheat to 350 degrees F, then place chicken bites on a lined baking sheet, spread out so that they’re not touching one another if possible. Sprinkle or spray with a touch of water, then bake for 5-10 minutes (may need longer if you’re reheating a lot at once) until warmed throughout.
Air Fryer – Air fry at 350 for 3-6 minutes, tossing the bites at least once during reheating. Be careful not to overcook as the fast, hot air can dry out the chicken if you let it go too long.
Skillet – Lightly oil a skillet and warm over medium heat. Add in the chicken bites and cook 5-6 minutes, stirring/flipping occasionally to prevent burning.

juicy chicken bites in a tortilla with avocado slices for easy air fryer tacos

If you like this easy chicken recipe, you will love these simple meals!

Pollo con Queso – This quick 20-minute skillet dinner is a huge hit on Pinterest and Facebook! It’s low-carb and super cheesy.
Green Chili Chicken – Get great taco flavor with barely any work in this easy slow cooker recipe! Makes an amazing filling for crescent rings and chimichangas or topping for nachos.
Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas – In 15 minutes, you’ll have a hot, super flavorful meal ready for dinner. The chicken stays beautifully juicy!
Crockpot Salsa Chicken – It’s so easy to make this tasty shredded chicken. We love making wraps, quesadillas, and taco salads with it!
Jalapeno Chicken Fritters – Just a bit of spice turns this ground chicken recipe into one of our favorite lunches ever! Excellent with the same dips/sauces I recommended with these chicken bites, too.