why make this recipe
This Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites cook fast and taste great. They come out crisp outside and juicy inside. You can serve them as a snack, lunch, or dinner. They use simple pantry items and the air fryer so you save oil and time. If you like other air fryer chicken recipes, try this air fryer buffalo chicken wings for a spicy change.
introduction
This recipe makes small chicken pieces coated in ranch-flavored crumbs. The bites cook quickly in the air fryer and get a golden crust. Kids and adults both like them. They pair well with many dipping sauces. For another mild, golden chicken idea, see this air fryer blackened chicken breast.
how to make Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Follow the simple steps below to make the bites.
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
Directions :
Preheat the air fryer to 375°F., In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and Parmesan cheese., Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated., Coat the egg-dipped chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating., Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray., Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through., Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
how to serve Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Serve warm with ranch, bbq sauce, honey mustard, or ketchup. They work well with fries, a salad, or veggie sticks. For a meal, place them on a bed of greens and add tomatoes and cucumbers.
how to store Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Cool the chicken bites to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot and crisp.
tips to make Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
- Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook the same.
- Press crumbs gently on the chicken so the coating sticks.
- Do not crowd the air fryer basket. Cook in a single layer for best crisp.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray to help browning.
- Flip halfway through cooking for even color.
variation (if any)
- Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
- Use plain breadcrumbs and add 1 tsp garlic powder if you do not have ranch mix.
- Try bite-sized turkey or tofu cubes for a change.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Use thawed chicken. Frozen pieces cook unevenly and may stay raw inside.
Q: Can I bake these instead of air frying?
A: Yes. Bake at 400°F on a baking sheet for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
Q: How do I make them crispier?
A: Use panko crumbs, do not crowd the basket, and add a light spray of oil before cooking.
Q: Are these spicy?
A: No. The ranch mix gives a mild, herby flavor. Add cayenne for heat.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, but cook in batches in the air fryer so bites stay crisp.
Conclusion
If you want a similar ranch-crusted nugget idea, this Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Nuggets Recipe gives another good method and flavor tip. For a serving idea that turns these bites into a full salad meal, see Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites On A Cobb Salad – Sarah Halstead.
Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and Parmesan cheese.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Coat the egg-dipped chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a good coating.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or ketchup.
