Description
Crispy ranch-crusted chicken bites deliver a flavor explosion that elevates weeknight dinners. Crunchy exterior meets juicy chicken, creating an irresistible snack perfect for dipping and sharing with friends.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
Breading Components:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet (1 oz/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
Seasonings and Binding:
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Transform plump chicken into delectable bite-sized morsels by trimming and thoroughly blotting each piece with paper towels to ensure a crisp exterior.
- Construct three distinct seasoning zones: first, blend crunchy panko, sharp Parmesan, zesty ranch seasoning, smoky paprika, and cracked pepper in one vessel. Whisk eggs in a second container. Scatter flour in the third platform.
- Meticulously coat each chicken fragment by first dusting with flour, eliminating excess. Submerge completely in whisked eggs, then generously roll through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing to secure a robust crust.
- Activate the air fryer, calibrating the temperature to a precise 375F (190C) and allowing it to warm for optimal cooking conditions.
- Mist the air fryer basket with non-stick spray to prevent potential adhesion. Strategically arrange chicken pieces in a singular, non-overlapping layer. Delicately spritz the top of each morsel with additional cooking spray to enhance golden browning.
- Execute cooking process for 8-10 minutes, executing a mid-cycle rotation to guarantee uniform crispness and even heat distribution. Confirm doneness by verifying internal temperature reaches 165F (74C).
- Present these golden, herb-infused chicken bites immediately, accompanied by complementary dipping sauces like tangy ranch, sweet honey mustard, or smoky barbecue for an enhanced culinary experience.
Notes
- Moisture Management: Pat chicken pieces thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crispy, golden-brown exterior during air frying.
- Breading Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture gently onto chicken to create a thick, even coating that locks in flavor and provides maximum crunch.
- Spacing Matters: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket by cooking chicken bites in a single layer, which allows hot air to circulate and creates uniformly crisp results.
- Dietary Adaptations: Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac-friendly version, and use alternative ranch seasoning mix for low-sodium diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg