Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Bites

Enjoy making Air Fryer Pesto Chicken Bites, a tender, flavorful way to enjoy chicken breast or chicken thighs using the bold flavors of basil, garlic, and parmesan cheese in just 15 minutes or less!

I take pride in cooking most of our family meals at home. One of the things that makes it easy is using the air fryer to cook all types of chicken like Greek Chicken Bites, Chicken Meatballs, Chicken Burgers, and Chicken Meatloaf!

Making small pieces of seasoned chicken all in one cook (air fry) makes meal prepping so much more manageable. The chicken can be seasoned in so many different ways and then repurposed in lots of meals!

This recipe uses store-bought pesto sauce to create a savory, herb, garlicky flavor that infuses pieces of chicken breast or chicken thighs before cooking them in the air fryer. The result is chicken that is tender on the inside an lightly golden brown on the outside with a classic pesto flavor!

🏠Choosing the Best Pesto

A homemade pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, and olive oil gives the chicken a vibrant, authentic taste and allows you to control the ingredients for a fresher, more customizable flavor. However, quality store-bought options are a great time-saving alternative! Look for brands with simple, natural ingredients for the best taste. For a twist on the classic, try using sun-dried tomato pesto for a rich, savory flavor or arugula pesto for a peppery kick to add flavor and dimension.

🥄How to Make Pesto Chicken In The Air Fryer

Prepare the Chicken: Start by cutting the chicken breast or chicken thighs into 1-inch cubes or bite-sized pieces.

Season and Marinate: Place the chicken pieces in a large mixing bowl and toss them with your favorite pesto sauce until fully coated. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and marinate the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This step allows the bold flavors of basil, garlic, and Parmesan to soak into the chicken.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes. Preheating helps the chicken cook evenly and gives it a crispy exterior.

Air Fry the Pesto Chicken Bites: Arrange the pesto-coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking for even crispness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve them hot. Pair them with your favorite sides, toss them into salads, or serve them with dipping sauces.

🍗Trader Joe’s Pesto Chicken Breast

Here’s a shortcut! Buy the already seasoned pesto chicken from Trader Joes if you have one near you. Cut the chicken breast into pieces or cook the whole piece at once in an air fryer preheated to 375°F (190°C). The pieces will take 15-20 minutes while the whole chicken breast will take 22-25 minutes.

🍝Pesto Chicken For Meal Prep or Family Dinners

• Pepperoni and Pesto Chicken Melt: Layer pieces of pesto chicken and pepperoni between two pieces of bread, add mozzarella cheese, and grill until the cheese is melted.
• Pesto Chicken with Mozzarella: Top with melted mozzarella cheese for a simple main course to serve with pasta or vegetables.
• Pesto Chicken Pizza: Use pesto as the sauce on your pizza crust, then add chicken, mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings before baking.
• Pesto Chicken Sandwich: Make a pesto chicken sandwich with your choice of bread, lettuce, tomato, and any other toppings.
• Pesto Chicken Salad: Cube or shred pesto chicken and toss it with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a balsamic vinaigrette that’s high in protein.
• Pesto Chicken Pasta: Stir cooked pesto chicken into your favorite pasta dish for added protein and flavor.
• Pesto Chicken Wraps: Wrap pesto chicken, Italian cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes in a tortilla for a portable lunch option.

❄️Storage Instructions

Storing: Store leftover pesto chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Let the chicken cool completely before sealing.

Freezing: Place the cooked and cooled chicken bites on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 2 months.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken bites in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. For smaller portions, microwave on a microwave-safe plate for 1–2 minutes, flipping halfway.

❓FAQ