Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites made with tender chicken breast pieces coated in a crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a healthier, quick, and delicious appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Finishing
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) to ensure an even cooking temperature for perfectly crispy chicken bites.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Coat Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken bite first into the beaten eggs to help the coating adhere, then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat all sides well.
- Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap for even cooking. Lightly spray the pieces with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Air Fry: Cook the chicken bites in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure both sides become golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko if needed, but panko provides a lighter, crispier texture.
- If ranch seasoning is unavailable, you can use a blend of dried herbs like parsley, dill, garlic powder, and onion powder combined with salt and pepper.
- Ensure chicken pieces are cut into uniform sizes to promote even cooking.
- Use cooking spray lightly to avoid sogginess and promote crispiness.
- Check internal temperature of chicken to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
