Discover the irresistible flavor of Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites! These crispy, golden-brown bites are marinated in zesty ranch seasoning, making them a perfect appetizer or snack for any occasion.
Quick and easy to prepare, they’re sure to be a hit with family and friends. Enjoy a healthier twist on a classic favorite, cooked to perfection in your air fryer!
My son has celiac disease, so I am always looking for an easy lunch for him to eat, but of course, it has to be tasty, too. This recipe is perfect for the air fryer; with only 3 ingredients, you can have a tasty meal on the table in minutes! And the chicken crisps up so nicely with the air fryer.
I served these on top of a great big salad, and it’s so healthy and amazing. I love healthy meals in the air fryer. If you do not want to serve this over salad, it is great with some of my great air fryer side dishes, such as Air Fryer Sweet Potato French Fries or even an Air Fryer Baked Potato.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Flavorful and Crispy: The combination of ranch seasoning with the air fryer’s cooking method ensures each bite is packed with flavor and has a satisfyingly crispy texture.
- Quick and Convenient: The air fryer speeds up the cooking process, allowing you to have a batch of ranch chicken bites ready in just minutes.
- Easy Cleanup: Cooking with an air fryer means less mess. There’s no need to deal with splattering oil or multiple pots and pans.
- Versatile Serving Options: Ranch chicken bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces, toss them in a salad for a protein-packed meal,
- Customizable: The recipe can easily be adjusted to suit your taste preferences.
- Kid-Friendly: Children love the mild, creamy ranch flavor and the tender, bite-sized chicken pieces.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a game day snack, or a party appetizer, these air fryer ranch chicken bites fit the bill.
Ingredients Needed
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast: Lean and healthy, chicken breast is the perfect canvas for ranch seasoning, providing a tender and juicy bite after being air-fried.
- Olive Oil: Tenderizes: The Chicken
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This mix is the recipe’s star, infusing the chicken with a tangy, herby flavor that’s unmistakably ranch. It’s a blend of dried herbs and spices, including dill, parsley, garlic, and onion powder.
How To Make Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Step One: Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch pieces, then in a large bowl, toss together the chicken, olive oil, and dry ranch dressing.
Step Two: Spread the coated chicken into the air fryer basket, single layer, and set the temperature to 370 degrees F, set cook time for 12-15 minutes. Shaking the basket several times during the cooking process.
Ranch Chicken Bites Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Evenly-Sized Pieces: Cut the chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before seasoning.
- Maximize Flavor: For deeper flavor, let the seasoned chicken marinate for a bit before breading.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Place the chicken bites in a single layer with space between them.
- Flip Halfway Through: For even crispiness, flip the chicken bites halfway through the cooking time.
- Spray Lightly with Oil: A light spray of cooking oil on the breaded chicken bites before cooking can enhance crispiness.
- Check Internal Temperature: Ensure the chicken is cooked by checking its internal temperature with a meat thermometer. The safe minimum is 165°F (74°C).
- Rest Before Serving: Let the chicken bites rest for a few minutes after cooking.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Ranch chicken bites pair with various dipping sauces.
- Customize Your Coating: Experiment with adding different spices to your spice mixture, such as smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder.
Air fryer ranch chicken bites recipe faqs
Can I use frozen chicken to make ranch chicken bites? It’s best to use thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and optimal flavor absorption.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Boneless chicken thighs can be used and might even provide a juicier result due to their higher fat content.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off during cooking? Pressing the ranch seasoning mix onto the chicken can also help the coating adhere better.
Can I stack the chicken bites in the air fryer? No, for best results, arrange the chicken bites in a single layer with some space between each piece to allow for air circulation.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning? You can make a quick homemade ranch seasoning mix using dried herbs and spices such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix these with a base of buttermilk powder, if available, for that distinct ranch flavor.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover chicken bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Can I prepare these chicken bites ahead of time? Yes, you can bread the chicken bites and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before cooking.
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
More Easy Chicken Recipes
- AIR FRYER CHICKEN PARMESAN
- AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN SANDWICH
- EASY AIR FRYER FRIED CHICKEN DRUMSTICKS
- AIR FRYER BANG BANG CHICKEN
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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Description
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast, diced
- 2-3 tablespoons oil
- 1 package ranch dry seasoning mix
Instructions
- Start by cutting your chicken into 1-inch pieces, then toss together the chicken, olive oil, and dry ranch dressing in a large bowl.
- Spread the coated chicken into the air fryer basket, single layer, and set the temperature to 370 degrees F for 12 to 15 minutes. Shaking the basket several times during the cooking process.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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