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Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites

Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
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These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are crispy, savory, and bursting with bold ranch seasoning. Ready in under 30 minutes, they offer a healthier alternative to deep-fried snacks with a golden, crunchy crust and juicy chicken inside. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or quick meal, these bites are kid-friendly and versatile, paired wonderfully with dips, veggies, or salads.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 packet (about 1 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tbsp water
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and a perfect crunch on every bite.
  2. Set up the Breading Station: In one bowl, whisk together the egg and water. In another bowl, combine the ranch seasoning mix, panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper to create the breading mixture.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the egg wash, then press gently into the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated, creating a flavorful ranch crust.
  4. Air Fry the Bites: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. Lightly spray with olive oil. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Let the chicken bites rest for a minute or two after cooking to keep the coating crunchy and the chicken juicy before serving.

Notes

  • Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
  • Use fresh panko breadcrumbs for the best texture.
  • Light olive oil spray helps achieve a golden crust without sogginess.
  • Let cooked bites rest briefly to lock in juiciness and crispiness.
  • To make gluten-free, substitute panko with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
  • For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan or replace with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
  • If using chicken thighs instead of breasts, cook times may vary slightly.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, ranch chicken bites, crispy chicken, snack, appetizer, quick recipe, healthy fried chicken alternative, kid-friendly, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://marycorner.com/air-fryer-ranch-crusted-chicken-bites/