Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are a crispy, flavorful snack or meal that comes together quickly. With a crunchy ranch seasoning coating and tender chicken inside, they’re perfect for a game day treat or weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and Parmesan cheese.
3. Step 3: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
4. Step 4: Coat the egg-dipped chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
6. Step 6: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, spray the chicken bites again halfway through cooking.
• Try swapping ranch seasoning for Cajun or Italian seasoning for a different flavor twist.
• If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used but may be less crunchy.
• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier bite if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as this can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze these chicken bites?

Yes, you can freeze cooked chicken bites in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in the air fryer from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

What dipping sauces work best with ranch-crusted chicken?

Classic ranch dressing complements these bites well, but honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy sriracha mayo are also delicious options to try.

Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 122 reviews

These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly tender, making for a delicious and easy appetizer or snack. Coated in a savory blend of ranch seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, these bite-sized pieces are cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer for a healthier twist on classic fried chicken bites.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Breading Mixture

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating

• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for crisping the chicken bites evenly.
2. Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well to distribute the seasoning evenly throughout the breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is fully coated to help the breading stick.
4. Apply the Breadcrumbs: Roll or press the egg-coated chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even and thorough coating on all sides.
5. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to allow hot air to circulate and crisp the chicken bites effectively. Lightly spray the pieces with cooking spray to enhance browning.
6. Air Fry the Chicken Bites: Cook in the preheated air fryer at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Remember to flip the chicken bites halfway through cooking to achieve an even golden-brown crust and to ensure they are cooked through.
7. Serve: Once done, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard.

Notes

• You can substitute chicken breast with chicken tenders or thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
• For extra crispiness, double coat the chicken by dipping again in egg and breadcrumbs before air frying.
• Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation.
• Use a digital meat thermometer to check for internal temperature; chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• If ranch seasoning mix is unavailable, you can use a combination of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried parsley as a homemade alternative.

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, ranch chicken, crispy chicken bites, easy appetizer, air fryer recipe, chicken snack