Description
These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack, with a savory coating and juicy chicken inside.
Ingredients
Chicken Preparation
- 1 to 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating Ingredients
- 1 packet ranch seasoning (or about 2 to 3 tablespoons)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for maximum crunch)
- 1/3 cup fine breadcrumbs (optional) (helps fill gaps and coat evenly)
- 2 large eggs (beaten well)
- 1/3 cup flour (helps everything stick (can swap for almond flour))
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan (optional) (adds flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (for color and warmth)
- salt and pepper (to taste; go light if ranch mix is salty)
- light mist oil spray (avocado or olive oil) (not required but helps crisp)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 400 F for about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Cut chicken into even pieces, roughly 1 inch chunks.
Coating Setup
- In a bowl, mix flour with a pinch of pepper and a little ranch seasoning.
- In a second bowl, beat the eggs well.
- In a third bowl, combine panko, fine breadcrumbs (optional), remaining ranch seasoning, Parmesan, paprika, and garlic powder.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip chicken into the flour, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
Cooking
- Place coated bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer and spray lightly with oil.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping at halfway point, until the coating is deep golden and the chicken is cooked through.
Serving
- Let the chicken bites rest for 2 minutes before serving to help the crust set.
Notes
For extra crispy chicken bites: avoid overcrowding, use panko breadcrumbs, apply oil spray, flip halfway, and ensure chicken pieces are similar in size.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Snack
- Cuisine: American