Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites

Name: Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 1 lb of chicken thighs (, boneless and skinless, trimmed and cubed into 1-inch pieces); 2 tbsp of avocado oil; 1 tbsp of white vinegar; 1 ½ tsp of dry ranch dressing mix (e.g. (, Hidden Valley Ranch®)); 1 tsp of garlic powder; ½ tsp of salt; ½ tsp of freshly ground black pepper; 3 tbsp of shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp of fresh parsley (, chopped)

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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites

Are you looking for a quick and delicious appetizer that will have your guests coming back for more? Look no further than these Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites. They are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. In this article, we will explore the art of making these delectable bites and share some FAQs to help you along the way.

Why Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites?

Air fryers have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. They allow you to enjoy the crispy texture of fried food without all the excess oil. Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken bites, as they are cooked with minimal oil. Plus, the addition of ranch seasoning adds a burst of flavor that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

The Secret to Perfect Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites

The key to achieving the perfect Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites lies in the coating. To ensure a crispy and flavorful bite, start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and ranch seasoning. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with delicious ranch flavor. Then, coat the chicken in a mixture of breadcrumbs and additional ranch seasoning before air frying. The result? Crispy, golden-brown chicken bites that are both juicy and packed with flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

As an appetizer with your favorite dipping sauce.
In a wrap or sandwich for a quick and tasty lunch.
On top of a salad for a satisfying and protein-packed meal.

No matter how you choose to serve them, these chicken bites are sure to be a hit!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different seasoning instead of ranch?

Yes, absolutely! While ranch seasoning adds a delicious flavor to these chicken bites, you can experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Try using Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or even taco seasoning for a different twist.

2. Can I make these chicken bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken bites ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Simply follow the recipe instructions until the coating step, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to cook, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs and air fry as directed.

3. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! These Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat in the air fryer until heated through and crispy.

4. Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can certainly use boneless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast. Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which can add an extra dimension to these chicken bites.

5. Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer. There are many gluten-free breadcrumb options available in stores or you can make your own by grinding gluten-free bread into fine crumbs.

6. How long do I need to marinate the chicken?

We recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. However, if you’re short on time, you can marinate for as little as 10 minutes and still achieve great flavor.

7. Can I use an oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, if you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make these chicken bites in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and crispy.

8. Can I use pre-packaged ranch seasoning?

Yes, you can use pre-packaged ranch seasoning for convenience. However, if you prefer a homemade version, you can easily make your own ranch seasoning by combining dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper.

In Conclusion

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken bites. With their crispy coating and burst of ranch flavor, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or incorporating them into a meal, these chicken bites are bound to impress. So, fire up your air fryer and give this recipe a try!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Bites

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 50

Course Appetizers

Cuisine American

Servings

Ingredients

1 lb of chicken thighs , boneless and skinless, trimmed and cubed into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp of avocado oil
1 tbsp of white vinegar
1 ½ tsp of dry ranch dressing mix (e.g. , Hidden Valley Ranch®)
1 tsp of garlic powder
½ tsp of salt
½ tsp of freshly ground black pepper
3 tbsp of shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp of fresh parsley , chopped

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine chicken, avocado oil, white vinegar, ranch powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the chicken is coated.
Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator to marinate for 30 to 60 minutes. Avoid marinating for too long, as it may result in a mushy texture.
Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F (190 degrees C).
Arrange the chicken cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching.
Air fry the chicken for 8 to 11 minutes, flipping once when the edges start to brown. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center and the juices run clear.
Check the internal temperature of the chicken by inserting an instant-read thermometer near the bone. It should read 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
Depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.
Once the chicken is cooked, sprinkle it with Cheddar cheese.
Return the chicken to the air fryer for about 30 seconds or until the cheese melts.
Serve the chicken warm and garnish with chopped parsley.
If you don't have avocado oil, you can substitute it with vegetable or canola oil.