Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Bites

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Method: Air fryer
Difficulty: Easy

These crispy chicken bites are quick, juicy, and full of flavor. Chicken breast pieces are seasoned with olive oil, paprika, and Parmesan, then coated with breadcrumbs for a delicious crispy crust. Cooked in the air fryer, they become golden on the outside while staying tender inside. Perfect for a quick dinner and delicious served with roasted vegetables.

👉 Find more air fryer recipes! Type “air fryer” in the search bar.

15 Ninja Crispi Hacks for Crispy, Delicious Meals

After two months of using my Ninja Crispi with the pyrex-style fush pan and top pod, I’ve discovered tips that make every meal crispy, golden, and full of flavor. Here’s the ultimate cheat sheet:

1. Preheat the Top Pod – 3–5 min ensures even crisping.
2. Use the Fush Pan – Perfect for juicy meats or saucy dishes.
3. Avoid Overcrowding – Single-layer cooking = even results.
4. Try the Pod Rack – Circulates air under fries, nuggets, veggies.
5. Flip or Rotate Foods – Prevents soggy bottoms.
6. Light Oil Spritz – Just a little for extra golden crunch.
7. Lower Temp for Frozen Foods – Avoid over-browning outside.
8. Clean the Fush Pan – Keeps airflow and prevents smoke.
9. Don’t Lift the Lid Too Often – Retains heat and crispiness.
10. Reheat Without Sogginess – Pizza, fries, pastries stay perfect.
11. Layer Smartly – Thick foods below, small ones on the rack.
12. Watch Cooking Times – Top heat cooks fast; check early.
13. Dry Ingredients – Less moisture = crispier finish.
14. Season Before & After – Boosts flavor and presentation.
15. Get Creative – Roast, bake, broil—even try mini casseroles.

💡 Pro Tip: Small tweaks—like flipping, using the rack, and adjusting temps—make the biggest difference. The Ninja Crispi isn’t just an air fryer; it’s a kitchen game-changer.

👉 Find air fryer recipes! Type “air fryer” in the search bar.

Halvas Farsalon (Greek Caramel Cornstarch Halva)

Halvas Farsalon is a traditional sweet from Farsala, a small town in the Thessaly region of Central Greece, famous throughout the country for this distinctive caramel halva. It is often sold at local panigyria (village festivals), displayed in large trays and cut into generous pieces.

Naturally dairy-free when made with oil, it is also a beloved dessert during nistia (Greek fasting periods), which makes it both simple and meaningful. For me, this recipe is personal — Farsala is my mother’s birthplace, and this halva carries the taste of family roots and local tradition. Made with cornstarch (νισεστές) instead of semolina (see Greek Semolina Pudding -Halvas), it has a glossy, slightly elastic texture and a thin caramelized crust.

Vivian Is Cooking GREEK – Available Worldwide

My cookbook is now available in English and French, in 3 formats: Kindle, Paperback, and beautiful Hardcover and can be ordered worldwide.

If you buy my book, leaving a review in Amazon would mean the world to me!

🇬🇧 English

• Amazon France: English edition
• Amazon.com: English edition

🇫🇷 Français

• Amazon France: Français edition
• Amazon.com: Français edition

Available everywhere on Amazon — just search “Vivian Is Cooking GREEK” in your local store!

French Lemon Meringue Tart (Tarte au Citron Meringuée)

I tested this tart/pie over the weekend, and it is officially my favorite version so far.

The crust is buttery and crisp thanks to the extra egg yolks, the lemon filling is silky and perfectly tangy without being too sharp, and the classic French meringue adds just the right softness to balance everything.

Elegant, fresh, and absolutely worth repeating.

Serves: 8 Prep time: 30 minutes Chill time: 1 hour Bake time: 30–35 minutes Level: Intermediate Category: Dessert

Recovery Food & Drinks: What to Eat When You’re Sick

When you’re ill, your body needs hydration, warmth, and simple nourishment — not heavy meals. Keep food gentle, easy to digest, and comforting.

To all my friends whose children — or they themselves (or even worse, both!) — are ill right now.

My Greek Cookbook — English, French, new Formats & Shop Updates!

I’m excited to share that my Greek cooking book is now available on Amazon in English and in French, in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle editions! 📖✨

You can choose the format you love most — from a practical kitchen copy to a beautiful hardcover to offer or a digital version for cooking anywhere.

My Etsy shop is also growing, with more digital products inspired by my recipes and Mediterranean cooking:

• Printable Greek recipe cards and bundles
• Digital recipe downloads
• Cooking-inspired Mediterranean art prints

These are designed to make cooking simple, beautiful, and authentic, whether for everyday meals or special occasions.

If you’d like to support my work, you can share the news, try a recipe, or leave a review on Amazon or Etsy — it truly helps!

And a little preview… I’m already working on my next book:
“Vivian is Cooking Baking Stunning Cakes!” 🎂

Thank you for being part of this journey — from blog to Etsy to Amazon.

Kali orexi!
Vivian (Paraskevi)

Save Time in the Kitchen: Smart Cooking Tips

Some days, cooking feels like it takes more time than we actually have. Over the years, I’ve learned that a few simple habits and tools can make everyday cooking much faster and easier — without sacrificing healthy, homemade meals. Here are some of my favorite time-saving kitchen tips.

Healthy Kitchen Essentials: Cook Safe!

Cooking healthy isn’t just about ingredients — it’s also about what you cook with! Scratched non-stick pans, old plastic containers, and worn utensils can release chemicals into your food.

Quick essentials for a safe kitchen:

• Cookware: Stainless steel, cast iron, glass, ceramic

• Utensils: Wood, bamboo, stainless steel, food-grade silicone

• Storage: Glass, stainless steel, silicone bags

To make it easy and practical, I designed the Healthy Kitchen Essentials Printable Poster. This A4 guide has clear checklists for cookware, utensils, and storage, plus tips on when to replace worn items. Print it, frame it, and enjoy a safer, more organized kitchen every day!

✨ Instant download on Etsy

Cook safe. Cook simple. Cook happy!

💡 Want more tips like this? Check my Tips page of the blog — small ideas that make everyday cooking easier and faster.

Lahanodolmades – Greek Cabbage Rolls

Soft, tender cabbage leaves wrapped around a flavorful mix of meat and rice, bathed in creamy egg-lemon sauce — lahanodolmades are one of Greece’s most beloved dishes. Often served as a starter at Christmas, these cabbage rolls are comfort food at its finest: festive, hearty, and sure to impress family and guests alike. Choose the classic light avgolemono sauce or treat yourself to a richer, thicker version — either way, each bite is pure Greek tradition on a plate.

Note: Softening the cabbage leaves is the trickiest and longest part of this recipe. Freezing the whole cabbage could be an easy alternative, if you try it, let me know in the comments how it worked! More tips at the end.

✅ Freezing works perfectly! I tried freezing the prepared lahano before cooking, and it came out just as delicious. A convenient tip for meal prep!

Love this recipe? Get a printable version in my Etsy shop, explore other Greek recipes, or enjoy the full recipe book on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover)!

Spanakotyropitakia Kourou (Cheese & Spinach Mini Pies)

These kourou-style spanakotyropitakia are soft, buttery little pies filled with spinach, feta, (fresh) onions, and dill. The tender kourou dough makes them rich and delicate — perfect for snacks, appetizers, or a light lunch.

Love this recipe? Get a printable version in my Etsy shop, explore other Greek recipes, or enjoy the full recipe book on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover)!

My Author Copy Has Arrived!

Yesterday was a very special day — I finally received my author proof copy of my Amazon book, and I’m beyond excited! Holding it in my hands feels surreal after all the work, testing, and love poured into it.

A huge thank you from the bottom of my heart to the very first readers who already bought it. Your support truly means the world to me and gives this project its real purpose.

I can’t wait to share more, cook more, and keep this journey going with you. 💛
More soon…

Greek Kadaifi (Traditional Syrup Dessert)

Kadaifi is a classic Greek syrup dessert made with shredded phyllo, a fragrant nut filling, and warm citrus syrup. Crispy outside, juicy inside, and delicately spiced, it’s a timeless sweet that pairs beautifully with coffee.

(If you want an easier version, check my old recipe Kadaif, oriental pastry)

Love this recipe? Get a printable version in my Etsy shop, explore other Greek recipes, or enjoy the full recipe book on Amazon (Kindle, paperback, or hardcover)!