Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are a quick and easy snack or meal option delivering a crispy, golden crust infused with bold ranch flavor. Perfectly portioned bite-sized pieces of juicy chicken coated with a mixture of ranch seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, then air-fried to a crunchy perfection with minimal oil for a healthier treat loved by both kids and adults.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 to 1½ inch bite-sized pieces
Coating
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 packet (or about 1 tbsp) ranch seasoning mix
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Additional
- Olive oil spray, for coating
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breast into evenly sized bite-sized pieces, about 1 to 1½ inches, to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
- Prepare the Coating Station: In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well to evenly distribute flavors.
- Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well for a crunchy crust.
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd to allow proper air circulation and even crisping.
- Air Fry to Perfection: Spray the coated chicken lightly with olive oil spray. Air fry at 400°F (204°C) for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Carefully remove the crispy Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites and serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Notes
- Ensure chicken pieces are uniform in size to cook evenly and avoid dry or undercooked bites.
- For extra crunch, double coat by dipping into the egg and breadcrumbs twice, but keep bite sizes manageable.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; leave space between pieces for optimal crispiness.
- Preheat the air fryer before cooking to help seal in juices and produce a perfect crust.
- Use a light olive oil spray instead of heavy oils to keep bites crispy without greasiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6-7 bites)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: air fryer chicken bites, ranch chicken bites, crispy chicken snacks, easy chicken bites, gluten-free chicken bites, healthy chicken snacks