Crispy Ranch Air Fryer Nuggets Recipe
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.
- 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
