Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are a quick and easy snack or appetizer that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Perfectly seasoned with ranch and Parmesan, they offer a flavorful twist on classic chicken bites. Ready in just over 10 minutes, they’re great for a crowd or a simple family meal.

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 with cooking spray before and halfway through cooking.
• Use homemade ranch seasoning or your preferred brand to customize the flavor.
• Try substituting panko with crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary preferences.
• Serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch dressing for added flavor.

Storage

Store leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving to keep the coating crunchy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken breast cut into pieces. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before coating and air frying to ensure even cooking.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake the chicken bites at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through, though the texture may be slightly less crispy than air frying.

Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 62 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are a perfect appetizer or snack. Tender chicken breast pieces are coated in a zesty ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs before being air fried to golden perfection. Enjoy these juicy bites with your favorite dipping sauce for an easy, guilt-free treat.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

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

Coating

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

Egg Wash

• 2 large eggs, beaten

Other

• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for crisping the chicken bites perfectly.
2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will give your chicken a flavorful and crunchy crust.
3. Dip Chicken in Egg: Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, coating them thoroughly. This helps the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
4. Coat with Breadcrumbs: Immediately coat each egg-dipped chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well and forms a crispy crust.
5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Lightly spray them with cooking spray to promote browning and crispiness.
6. Air Fry Chicken: Air fry the chicken bites at 375°F for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to cook evenly until they are golden brown and fully cooked inside.
7. Serve: Once cooked, serve the ranch-crusted chicken bites hot with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Ensure chicken pieces are cut uniformly for even cooking.
• Lightly spraying cooking spray helps achieve a crispy crust without deep frying.
• You can substitute ranch seasoning with your favorite dry herb mix for different flavors.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated in the air fryer for crispiness.

Keywords: Air Fryer Chicken Bites, Ranch Chicken Bites, Crispy Chicken Appetizer, Panko Crusted Chicken, Easy Air Fryer Recipes