Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites

In recent years, air fryers have surged in popularity, revolutionizing the way we prepare and enjoy our favorite fried foods. These innovative kitchen appliances offer a healthier alternative to traditional frying methods, allowing home cooks to achieve that coveted crunch without the excess oil. One dish that perfectly embodies this trend is the Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites. Not only are these bites packed with flavor, but they also deliver a satisfying crunch that rivals conventional fried chicken, making them a fantastic option for family dinners, game day snacks, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Discover the perfect balance of flavor and crunch with this Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites recipe. Enjoy healthier, guilt-free bites that are simple to make and packed with delicious ranch seasoning. Marinate the chicken for extra tenderness, coat with crispy panko breadcrumbs, and air fry to golden perfection. Ideal for game day, family dinners, or meal prep, these chicken bites serve as a delightful and nutritious alternative to traditional frying. Dive into the full recipe to elevate your cooking game!

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Ingredients

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

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Marinate Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces and buttermilk. Mix well to coat all the chicken. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to tenderize the chicken and enhance flavor.

Prepare Breading Station: In three separate shallow dishes, set up your breading station:

- In the first dish, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

- In the second dish, add the beaten eggs.

- In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the ranch seasoning mix.

Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess flour, then dip it in the beaten eggs. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko and ranch breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Repeat until all chicken pieces are breaded.

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Cook the Chicken Bites: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place the breaded chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.

Air Fry: Cook the chicken bites at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).

Serve: Once cooked, remove the ranch chicken bites from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or barbecue sauce.

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4