Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are crispy, flavorful, and perfectly bite-sized for snacking or serving as an appetizer. Using an air fryer makes them quick to prepare and healthier than traditional frying, ensuring a golden crust without the extra oil.

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Prepare three shallow dishes for breading: place the flour in the first dish, whisk the eggs in the second, and combine panko breadcrumbs with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in the third. Mix the third dish well.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Dredge each chicken piece first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the whisked eggs, and finally coat with the seasoned panko mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
5. Step 5: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.
7. Step 7: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
8. Step 8: Remove the chicken bites and let them rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy bites, lightly spray the coated chicken pieces with cooking spray before air frying.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
• Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken bites back in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain their crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken for even cooking and optimal texture. If using frozen chicken, thaw it completely before preparing.

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the chicken bites on a greased baking sheet in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and cooked through.

Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 62 reviews

These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are a crispy, flavorful snack or appetizer made by coating bite-sized chicken pieces in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and air frying them to golden perfection. They’re quick to make, lightly crispy with a zesty ranch twist, and perfect for a family-friendly meal or party appetizer.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Breading Stations

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking

• Cooking spray or olive oil for spraying

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a mixing bowl. Set aside.
2. Set up breading stations: Arrange three shallow dishes — one with all-purpose flour, the second with whisked eggs, and the third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Preheat the air fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to ensure it’s hot enough for cooking.
4. Coat the chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken first in the flour, shaking off excess, then dip it into the whisked eggs, and finally press it into the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture to coat thoroughly. Continue this process with all pieces.
5. Prepare the air fryer basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
6. Arrange and cook: Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if necessary.
7. Air fry the chicken: Cook for 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
8. Rest and serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

• Cutting the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces ensures even cooking.
• Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to maintain crispiness; cook in batches if needed.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Using panko breadcrumbs gives extra crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure doneness and food safety.

Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, ranch chicken, crispy chicken bites, easy appetizer, bite-sized chicken, panko chicken