Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are a crispy, flavorful, and healthier alternative to fried chicken bites. They’re coated in a crunchy ranch-seasoned crust and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. Here’s how to make them:
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk + 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for at least 15-20 minutes (or up to 1 hour in the fridge for extra tenderness).
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
- Coat the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess. Dip each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks evenly.
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken Bites:
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or olive oil spray.
- Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them for air circulation (you may need to cook in batches).
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken bites with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve:
- Let the chicken bites cool slightly, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Tips for Success:
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mixture.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk mixed with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Nutritional Values (Per Serving, assuming 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~250-300 kcal |
| Total Fat | ~8-10 g |
| – Saturated Fat | ~3-4 g |
| Cholesterol | ~75-85 mg |
| Sodium | ~600-700 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~15-18 g |
| – Dietary Fiber | ~1 g |
| – Sugars | ~2 g |
| Protein | ~25-30 g |
Why You’ll Love These:
- They’re crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- The ranch seasoning adds a tangy, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken.
- They’re a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken bites, thanks to the air fryer.
Enjoy these Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites as a snack, appetizer, or main dish! 🍗✨