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.
- Author: Sarah
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free breadcrumbs are used)
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
Cooking
- Olive oil spray (for spraying the chicken bites)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6-7 bites)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: air fryer, chicken bites, ranch crusted, crispy chicken, appetizer, snack, healthy frying