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Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites

Enjoy crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites made with tender chicken breast coated in a crunchy ranch-seasoned crust. This quick and easy recipe delivers a healthier alternative to traditional fried bites using minimal oil and the crisping power of an air fryer. Perfect for snacks, game day, or a quick meal, these bite-sized chicken pieces come out golden brown and delicious every time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1.5-inch bite-sized pieces

Coating Mixture

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Dipping

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking

  • Olive oil spray (for spraying the chicken bites)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Chicken: Cut the boneless chicken breast into bite-sized pieces approximately 1 to 1.5 inches wide to ensure even and quick cooking in the air fryer.
  2. Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined for a flavorful crust.
  3. Set up Dipping Stations: In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will be used to help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken pieces.
  4. Coat the Chicken Bites: Dip each chicken piece first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then roll thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a full coating. Place coated bites on a plate or tray.
  5. Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the bites with olive oil spray. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F).
  6. Serve Hot: Transfer the crispy chicken bites to a serving plate and enjoy immediately for the best crunch and flavor.

Notes

  • Cut chicken pieces evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Press crumbs firmly onto chicken to create a thorough crust.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if needed to maintain crispiness.
  • Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
  • Use olive oil spray lightly to help crust brown without added grease.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, chicken bites, ranch crusted, crispy chicken, appetizer, snack, healthy frying