These Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites are juicy pieces of chicken coated in tasty ranch seasoning. They’re quick to cook and make a fun snack or a tasty dinner!
Who doesn’t love something crunchy that’s easy to make? I love serving these with some dipping sauce on the side. Perfect for game day or movie night with friends! 🍗🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. However, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier bite. If you’re aiming for a lower-fat option, consider ground turkey or even tofu for a plant-based version.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: While store-bought ranch is super convenient, you can make your own by mixing dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Homemade is great for controlling the flavors and seasoning level!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives these bites that extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work too. Gluten-free breading options are available if you need them.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds flavor, but if you don’t have any on hand, other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or even nutritional yeast for a vegan option work well too!
How Do I Get My Chicken Bites Extra Crispy?
Getting that crispy texture is key! The first step is to coat your chicken well. Make sure to shake off excess flour before dipping into the eggs and breadcrumbs. This ensures a nice even coating without clumps.
- Preheat the air fryer; this is crucial for a good crisp. A hot fryer helps the coating set quickly.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket! Cook in batches if necessary, as good airflow is important for crispiness.
- Finally, a light spray of cooking oil on the bites helps them achieve that beautiful golden color.
Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
- Optional: ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 8-10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. So, you’ll have delicious crispy chicken bites ready in roughly 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This helps your chicken bites cook evenly and get that crispy texture we all love. Just set it for 5 minutes to warm up!
2. Prepare the Coatings:
In a shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with the ranch seasoning mix. In another bowl, beat the two eggs until well combined. In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This three-step setup makes coating the chicken easy!
3. Coat the Chicken:
Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the seasoned flour first. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated!
4. Air Fry the Chicken Bites:
Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Try not to overcrowd them for best results. Lightly spray the chicken bites with cooking spray; this will help them become golden brown and crispy. Cook them for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
5. Final Touch and Serve:
When the chicken bites are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), take them out of the air fryer. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, and enjoy your crispy, flavorful ranch chicken bites!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
While fresh chicken is best, you can use frozen chicken. Just be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or using the cold water method before cutting and coating it.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these chicken bites gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but it’s a good idea to double-check your ranch seasoning mix.
Can I Prep These Chicken Bites in Advance?
Definitely! You can coat the chicken bites a few hours ahead of time and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to air fry. Just cover them with plastic wrap to avoid drying out!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to get that crispiness back!
