Introduction

Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Nuggets are a quick and flavorful snack or meal that’s perfect for busy days. These bite-sized chicken pieces are coated in a savory ranch and Parmesan breadcrumb mixture, delivering a crunchy, cheesy bite every time.

The image shows a single layer of golden-brown chicken pieces inside a black air fryer basket with a metal grid base. The chicken pieces are cut into bite-sized chunks, each coated evenly with a mix of spices that give them a slightly rough texture with visible herbs and bits of seasoning. The chicken has a slightly shiny, cooked surface with some darker toasted spots, indicating they are well cooked with a crisp outside. The air fryer basket frame is also visible around the edges of the image, with a white marbled texture faintly visible beneath the basket. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 large eggs, beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, coating well.
Step 4: Coat the egg-dipped chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking spray.
Step 6: Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 7: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double dip the chicken by repeating the egg and breadcrumb coating before air frying.
Try substituting Italian seasoning for ranch mix to change up the flavor profile.
Use boneless thighs instead of breast for juicier nuggets.

Storage

Store leftover nuggets in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness.

How to Serve

A stack of five round, golden-brown crispy patties is placed in the center of a white plate, one patty in the middle is bitten to show a soft, white filling inside. The patties have a coarse crumb coating with small green bits visible. To the left of the patties on the plate, there are five small white bowls arranged in a row, each filled with different powdered and crumb textures in light tan, orange, and beige colors. In the background, slightly blurred, there is a raw whole chicken leg on a gray cloth and some baked goods. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken cut into pieces to ensure even cooking. If using frozen, thaw completely before breading and air frying.

What dipping sauces go well with these nuggets?

Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a spicy buffalo sauce all complement the flavors nicely.

Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Nuggets Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 150 reviews

Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Nuggets are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring bite-sized chicken pieces coated in a crunchy panko and Parmesan breadcrumb mixture seasoned with ranch seasoning. Cooked to golden perfection in an air fryer, these nuggets offer a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken bites while maintaining a deliciously crispy texture.

Author: Lila
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

Breading

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating

2 large eggs, beaten
Cooking spray

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat to ensure even cooking and crispy results.
Prepare the Breading Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, and grated Parmesan cheese. This flavorful blend will give the nuggets a savory and cheesy crust.
Coat the Chicken Pieces: Dip each bite-sized piece of chicken breast into the beaten eggs, making sure each piece is fully coated to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere properly.
Apply the Breadcrumb Mixture: Roll or press the egg-coated chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even, thorough coating on all sides for maximum crunchiness.
Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer inside the air fryer basket to allow for proper air circulation. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray to aid in crisping and browning.
Air Fry the Nuggets: Cook the chicken nuggets in the preheated air fryer for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to achieve an even golden brown and to ensure the chicken is fully cooked through.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the nuggets from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Notes

For extra crispiness, you can double coat the chicken by dipping it again in the eggs and breadcrumbs before air frying.
If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can substitute with a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried parsley.
Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow proper air circulation and even cooking.
Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken pieces reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.

Keywords: crispy, chicken nuggets, air fryer, ranch seasoning, panko, Parmesan, appetizer, snack