Craving crispy, juicy chicken without the guilt? Our Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites are the answer! Ready in minutes, these little bites are packed with flavor and surprisingly healthy. Imagine crispy, golden ranch flavors in every bite—perfect for a quick lunch, a satisfying snack, or even a fun family dinner. As a mom, I'm always looking for ways to make mealtime easier without sacrificing taste or nutrition, and these chicken bites have become a lifesaver!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My grandma used to make the best fried chicken – a true labor of love that took hours! While I adore that memory, let's be honest, I rarely have that kind of time. These Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites bring back that sense of comfort and deliciousness but in a fraction of the time and with way less mess. They're perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. Plus, the kids love helping me with the easy breading process, making it a fun family activity!
Ingredients
- Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Ranch Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch dressing mix
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.
- Make the Ranch Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch dressing mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken cube into the egg wash, then dredge in the ranch coating mixture, ensuring it's fully coated and pressing gently so it sticks.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
- Cook: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.
Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes. Pat dry with paper towels.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch dressing mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix well.1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 ounce ranch dressing mix, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.1 large egg, 2 tablespoons milk
- Dip each chicken cube into the egg wash, then dredge in the ranch coating mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated and pressing gently so it sticks.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding. You may need to cook in batches.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard.