These crispy air fryer ranch chicken bites are a tasty treat! Coated with ranch seasoning, they come out perfectly crunchy and golden. Yum!
Honestly, they’re a hit with everyone. I love popping them in the air fryer when friends are over—easy and always gone in minutes! Perfect for game day snacking!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for their juiciness, but chicken breast works just fine too. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using firm tofu cut into bite-sized pieces for a vegetarian spin.
Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This substitution works just as well in adding moisture!
Ranch Seasoning: Store-bought ranch seasoning is convenient, but you can also create your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and onion powder mixed with salt. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko adds a delightful crunch, but if you don’t have any, regular breadcrumbs can work too. Just keep in mind they might not give the same airy texture.
How Do You Ensure Perfectly Crispy Chicken Bites in the Air Fryer?
The key to achieving that crispy exterior lies in a few important steps. First, let your chicken marinate in buttermilk. This tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick better. The longer you allow it to soak, the better!
- After coating in the flour and breadcrumb mix, give it a gentle press to make sure everything sticks.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket—give each piece space to breathe. This helps air circulate and promote even crisping.
- Don’t skip the spray! A light spray of cooking oil right before cooking helps the crust turn golden brown.
- Flip the bites halfway through cooking with a gentle shake. This ensures they brown evenly.
Following these tips will help you get perfectly crispy, delicious ranch chicken bites every time!
Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Bites:
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil spray
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, plus at least 15 minutes for marinating the chicken. The cooking time in the air fryer is around 8-10 minutes. Overall, you can have these delicious chicken bites ready in about 40 minutes, making them perfect for a quick snack or meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken:
Start by placing the bite-sized chicken pieces in a mixing bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken and stir in half of the ranch seasoning mix. This will give the chicken a lovely flavor and keep it moist. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for even better flavor.
2. Preparing the Coating:
While the chicken marinates, get your coating ready! In a separate shallow dish, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, the other half of the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mix is where the crispiness comes from!
3. Coating the Chicken:
Once the chicken has marinated, take it out and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour and breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press them lightly to help the coating stick well. This step is what makes the bites so delicious and crunchy!
4. Preheating the Air Fryer:
Next, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This ensures the chicken starts cooking immediately when placed in the fryer, helping them become crispy.
5. Cooking the Chicken Bites:
Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important they don’t touch or overlap—this helps them cook evenly. Give them a light spray with cooking oil to enhance the crispiness.
6. Air Frying:
Air fry the chicken bites for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure they brown evenly. You’re looking for a lovely golden color and an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
7. Resting:
Once cooked, carefully remove the chicken bites from the air fryer and allow them to rest for about 2 minutes. This helps keep them juicy!
8. Serving:
Now it’s time to enjoy your crispy ranch chicken bites! Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or honey mustard, for dipping. They’re sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful air fryer ranch chicken bites!
FAQ for Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it completely first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Make sure to pat it dry before marinating for the best results!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these ranch chicken bites gluten-free, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Most ranch seasoning mixes are gluten-free, but check the label to be sure!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to regain their crispiness.
Can I Make These Chicken Bites in the Oven?
Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through. Enjoy the crunchy goodness!
