Prepare to be blown away by the ultimate game-day snack or cozy movie night bite – Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites! These delectable morsels are a match made in flavor heaven, combining the bold, spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the cool, creamy tang of ranch dressing. Effortlessly crispy on the outside and juicy within, these bites will have your taste buds singing. Whether you’re hosting a crowd or treating yourself, these air-fried wonders are sure to be the star of the show.
Why You’ll Love This Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites
These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites are the perfect balance of bold and craveable flavors. The combination of juicy, tender chicken coated in a zesty buffalo sauce and paired with the cool, creamy ranch dressing is an absolute flavor explosion. The air fryer takes the hassle out of frying, delivering a crispy exterior without the mess or excess oil. Plus, they’re easy to whip up and perfect for any occasion – from game day gatherings to cozy movie nights. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can enjoy these comforting, indulgent bites anytime. Get ready to dive into a world of velvety, smoky, and bright flavors that will leave you craving more.
Ingredients
To make these delectable Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites, you’ll need a few key ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken breasts, buffalo sauce, ranch dressing, all-purpose flour, egg, and panko breadcrumbs. The chicken provides the juicy, tender base, while the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing add the irresistible flavor combination. The flour, egg, and panko create a crispy, golden exterior that seals in all the moisture and flavor.
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup – All-purpose flour
- 1 – Egg, beaten
- 1 cup – Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup – Buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup – Ranch dressing
Ingredient Substitutions
- Buffalo Sauce: Adjust the amount to suit your desired level of heat.
- Ranch Dressing: Use a plant-based ranch dressing for a dairy-free version.
How to Make Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. And in a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs. Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere.
Step 1: Prep Work
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1-inch cubes. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the egg. And in a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Working in batches if necessary, arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
In a large bowl, toss the air-fried chicken bites with the buffalo sauce until they’re evenly coated. Serve the buffalo chicken bites warm, drizzled with the cool and creamy ranch dressing.
Step 4: Finishing Touches (if needed)
For an extra pop of flavor, you can garnish the Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese.
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spicy Honey Chicken Bites: Toss the air-fried chicken in a mixture of buffalo sauce and honey for a sweet and spicy twist.
- Loaded Buffalo Chicken Nachos: Serve the buffalo chicken bites over a bed of crispy tortilla chips, topped with melted cheese, diced tomatoes, and green onions.
- Buffalo Chicken Ranch Stuffed Mushrooms: Stuff button or cremini mushrooms with the buffalo chicken mixture and bake until golden and crispy.
- Batch Cooking Tip: Be sure to work in small batches when air frying the chicken to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites are best served hot and fresh, straight from the air fryer. They make a fantastic appetizer or game-day snack, perfect for sharing with friends and family. You can also enjoy them as a main dish, pairing them with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Storage: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat: To reheat, simply place the bites back in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re hot and crispy. You can also reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the breaded chicken bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to air fry. However, for best results, it’s recommended to air fry the bites just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.
Nutrition Information
These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken bites, thanks to the air frying method. Each serving (approximately 5 bites) contains 200 calories, 9 grams of fat, 23 grams of protein, and 4 grams of carbohydrates. They’re a great source of lean protein and can be enjoyed as part of a balanced, nutritious diet.
- Serving Size: Approximately 5 bites
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 23 g
- Carbs: 4 g
- Fat: 9 g
- Sodium: 530 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these instead of air frying?
Absolutely! If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the breaded chicken pieces in the oven. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
How do I make these gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. Use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe. Simply thaw the chicken in the refrigerator before cutting it into bite-sized pieces and following the rest of the recipe instructions.
How long do these bites stay crispy?
The air fryer method helps these bites stay crispy for quite a while, especially when served immediately. However, if you have leftovers, the breading may soften over time. To help maintain the crispiness, reheat the bites in the air fryer or oven before serving.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the breaded chicken bites in advance and store them in the refrigerator until ready to air fry. However, for best results, it’s recommended to air fry the bites just before serving to ensure maximum crispiness.
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Crispy Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: 🍗 Chicken & Poultry Creations
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Buffalo Chicken Ranch Air Fryer Bites are a perfect appetizer for game day or a fun party! They’re crispy, spicy, and packed with flavor, making them a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
– 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
– 1/2 cup ranch dressing
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tsp garlic powder
– 1 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray
Instructions
1.
2. 1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. 2. In a bowl, mix the diced chicken with buffalo sauce and ranch dressing until well coated.
4. 3. In another bowl, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
5. 4. Coat each chicken piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
6. 5. Place the coated chicken bites in the air fryer basket in a single layer, spraying lightly with cooking spray.
7. 6. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
8. 7. Serve with additional ranch dressing and celery sticks if desired.
Notes
– For extra crispiness, spray the bites with a little more cooking spray halfway through cooking.
– You can adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your preferred spice level.
– These bites pair well with a variety of dipping sauces.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 bites
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Buffalo Chicken, Air Fryer, Appetizer