Viral Rice Paper Chicken Bites (Healthy Chicken Nuggets)

If there's one thing my kids will almost always say yes to, it's chicken nuggets!

But rather than reaching for the frozen ones, I love finding easy homemade alternatives that are packed with goodness and just as delicious.

These Viral Rice Paper Chicken Bites are a fun twist on traditional chicken nuggets. Made with chicken mince, grated carrot and a few simple seasonings, they're wrapped in rice paper and air fried until golden and crispy.

They're surprisingly easy to make, and the best part? You can make a batch for after school snacks and save some for tomorrow's lunchbox. A little bit of meal prep that actually gets eaten... always a win in my books!

Why You'll Love These Rice Paper Chicken Bites

• Crispy on the outside and deliciously tender inside.

• Packed with chicken and hidden veggies.

• Made with simple, everyday ingredients.

• Cooked in the air fryer with minimal fuss.

• Perfect for after school snacks, easy lunches and lunchbox prep.

• Great to make ahead for busy school mornings.

Ingredients

You'll need:

• 500g chicken mince

• 1 carrot, grated

• 1 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1 tsp ground coriander

• 4 to 6 sheets rice paper

• 1 egg, beaten

How to Make Viral Rice Paper Chicken Bites

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken mince, grated carrot, soy sauce, garlic powder, fresh parsley and ground coriander.

Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice Paper

Pour the beaten egg into a shallow bowl.

Dip one sheet of rice paper into the beaten egg until softened.

Step 3: Fill and Roll

Place a line of the chicken mixture down the centre of the softened rice paper.

Fold in the sides and roll tightly to form a log, making sure the chicken mixture is enclosed.

Repeat with the remaining mixture and rice paper sheets.

Step 4: Cut Into Bites

Using a sharp knife, cut each roll into bite sized pieces.

Step 5: Air Fry Until Golden

Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket, leaving a little space between each one.

Air fry at approximately 180°C for 20 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden brown and the chicken is completely cooked through (75°C internally).

Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your bites.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once cooked, allow them to cool slightly before serving.

They're delicious served warm with your favourite dipping sauce, or allow them to cool completely before adding them to the kids' lunchboxes.

Can You Pack Chicken Bites in a Lunchbox?

Absolutely! These are a great alternative to sandwiches and traditional lunchbox snacks.

Here are a few ways to serve them:

• Add them to a bento lunchbox with fresh fruit and veggie sticks.

• Serve alongside cucumber, cherry tomatoes and crackers.

• Add a little container of dipping sauce.

• Make extra for an easy after school snack the following day.

A few lunchbox tips:

Allow the chicken bites to cool completely before packing. As they contain cooked chicken, keep them refrigerated until needed or pack with an ice pack in an insulated lunch bag to keep them chilled until lunchtime.

Storage Instructions

Have leftovers? Here's how to store them:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer until piping hot throughout.

• Lunchboxes: Pack once cooled and keep chilled until ready to eat.

More Easy Lunchbox Ideas

Looking for more easy recipes to add to your weekly rotation?

Have a browse through our Lunchbox Recipes for more family friendly ideas, quick snacks and recipes to help make lunchbox prep a little easier.

Because let's be honest, we could all use a few more easy wins in the kitchen!

Happy cooking,

Alison xx

Written by Alison