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Air Fryer Nashville Hot Ranch Chicken Bites

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These extra crispy, spicy, and tangy chicken bites are air fried for maximum crunch and flavor, blending Nashville hot heat with cool ranch seasoning. Perfect for game day, parties, or a quick weeknight snack, they’re easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce (Nashville hot style or your favorite)
  • 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning (divided, packet or homemade)
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (plus 1/2 teaspoon for hot butter)
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (plus a pinch for hot butter, adjust to taste)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Cooking spray or oil mister
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce (for hot butter)
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • Extra ranch seasoning or fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into 1-inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk, 2 tablespoons hot sauce, 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  3. Set up a breading station: In one bowl, mix panko, plain breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk eggs. In a third bowl, add flour.
  4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture. Place breaded chicken on a plate or baking sheet.
  5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes.
  6. Arrange chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Lightly mist with cooking spray or oil. Air fry for 7 minutes, flip, mist again, and cook for another 5–7 minutes, until golden and internal temp is 165°F.
  7. While chicken cooks, melt butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Stir in 2 teaspoons hot sauce, 1 teaspoon brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and a pinch of cayenne until smooth.
  8. Brush hot butter over cooked chicken bites. Sprinkle with extra ranch seasoning or parsley if desired.
  9. Serve immediately with ranch dip, celery sticks, or as desired.

Notes

For gluten-free, use almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Adjust cayenne and hot sauce for desired spice level. For best crunch, don’t overcrowd the air fryer and always preheat. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer. Try with cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian version.

Nutrition

Keywords: air fryer, Nashville hot chicken, ranch, chicken bites, appetizer, game day, spicy, crispy, easy, party food, snack

Find it online: https://norasfoods.com/air-fryer-nashville-hot-ranch-chicken-bites-recipe-extra-crispy-and-easy/