Description
If you are looking for the ultimate snack or a fun weeknight dinner that the whole family will love, these Pretzel Chicken Bites are the answer. By swapping traditional breadcrumbs for crushed salted pretzels, you get an incredible crunch and a savory, salty finish that pairs perfectly with a homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. These bite-sized pieces are air-fried until golden brown, resulting in a juicy interior and a perfectly crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
Ingredients
Pretzel Chicken Bites
- 2 large chicken breasts
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 cup arrowroot powder
- 3 cups salted pretzel twists
- 2 eggs
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- Cooking spray
Honey Mustard Dip
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp dijon mustard
Instructions
Step 1: Process the Pretzels
Place the pretzel twists in a food processor and pulse until they are mostly broken into fine crumbs with tiny shards. Transfer them to a shallow bowl for dredging.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Toss them in a bowl with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and arrowroot powder until every piece is white and well-coated.
Step 3: The Flavorful Egg Wash
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp yellow mustard.
Step 4: Dredge and Press
Work in small batches. Dip 5-6 pieces of chicken into the egg mixture, then move them to the pretzel bowl. Use your hands to firmly press the crumbs into the chicken to ensure a thick, sturdy crust.
Step 5: Air Fry
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the chicken in the basket in a single layer. Spray generously with cooking spray. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying again for a golden-brown finish.
Step 6: Mix the Dip
While the chicken fries, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, yellow mustard, and Dijon mustard in a small bowl until smooth.
Notes
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To restore the signature crunch, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is easily made entirely gluten-free by using certified gluten-free pretzel twists, as arrowroot powder is naturally grain-free.
Achieving the Best Crunch: Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in a single layer with space between pieces allows hot air to circulate, which is essential for a crispy pretzel coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: pretzel chicken bites, air fryer chicken nuggets, honey mustard chicken, crunchy pretzel coating, easy weeknight dinner, healthy appetizer