Air Fryer Ranch-Crusted Chicken Bites
Golden, crunchy, and loaded with ranch and Parmesan flavor, these air fryer chicken bites are a quick, kid-friendly dinner or snack option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs use gluten-free panko if needed
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix store-bought or homemade
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese freshly grated for best melt and flavor
- 2 large eggs, beaten you can swap one egg for 2 tbsp milk for a lighter wash
- Cooking spray or a light brush of oil
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, mix the panko, ranch seasoning, and Parmesan until evenly combined.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Working in batches, dunk each chicken piece into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off.
- Roll the egg-coated chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere.
- Arrange the coated bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving small gaps for air circulation.
- Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a plate and let rest for 2 minutes.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
If you prefer less dairy, reduce the Parmesan or swap it for nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. For spiciness, add 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.