Air Fryer Ranch Chicken

Air fryer ranch chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines juicy chicken with the tangy, herby flavor of ranch seasoning. It’s crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and ready in a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, with minimal cleanup required.
  • Crispy, golden-brown chicken without the need for deep frying.
  • Bursting with the tangy, savory flavors of ranch seasoning.
  • Great for a variety of dishes, from salads to wraps or as a main course.
  • Perfect for meal prep and reheats beautifully.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Chicken breasts or thighs (boneless and skinless)
  • Olive oil or cooking spray
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds (for a keto-friendly option)
  • Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    • Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
    • If using large chicken breasts, slice them into thinner cutlets for even cooking.
  2. Season the Chicken:
    • Rub the chicken with olive oil or spray lightly with cooking spray.
    • In a shallow dish, combine ranch seasoning, breadcrumbs (or pork rinds), Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
  3. Coat the Chicken:
    • Dredge each piece of chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
  4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
    • Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Cook the Chicken:
    • Place the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to ensure even cooking.
    • Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve:
    • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy as is or paired with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Keto-Friendly: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb option.
  • Spicy Ranch Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breading mixture for a kick of heat.
  • Garlic Ranch Chicken: Mix in garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for extra flavor.
  • Buffalo Ranch Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken in a buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
  • Baked Option: If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to maintain crispiness.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. Bone-in chicken takes longer, typically 18-22 minutes depending on size.

What kind of ranch seasoning works best?

A store-bought dry ranch mix works perfectly, but homemade ranch seasoning is a great option for controlling salt and flavor.

How do I prevent the coating from sticking to the air fryer basket?

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray before adding the chicken.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

What sides pair well with air fryer ranch chicken?

Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, mashed cauliflower, or even over a bed of rice.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking, but you can use frozen chicken if you increase the cooking time.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Cook the chicken and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.

Why isn’t my chicken crispy?

Ensure the chicken is evenly coated and not overcrowded in the basket. Preheating the air fryer and flipping the chicken halfway also helps.

Can I add extra spices to the coating?

Absolutely! Customize the seasoning with your favorite spices like paprika, garlic powder, or Italian herbs.

What type of breadcrumbs work best?

Panko breadcrumbs yield a crunchier texture, while regular breadcrumbs or crushed pork rinds work well too.

Conclusion

Air fryer ranch chicken is a simple, flavorful recipe that delivers juicy and crispy chicken every time. Whether you’re making it for dinner, meal prep, or a quick snack, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Try it with your favorite sides or customize it with different seasonings for a delicious meal tailored to your taste!

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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
  • Total Time: 20-23 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Air Fryer Ranch Chicken recipe is a quick and flavorful way to prepare juicy chicken breasts with a crispy, seasoned coating. Perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prepping, this dish combines the tangy taste of ranch seasoning with the ease of air frying.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or olive oil spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
  2. Season: Rub each chicken breast with olive oil. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over both sides of the chicken. If using Parmesan, sprinkle it on top.
  3. Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray to help crisp up the coating.
  5. Air Fry: Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving.

Notes

  • For even cooking, make sure the chicken breasts are similar in size. Pound thicker parts to an even thickness if needed.
  • This recipe also works with chicken thighs; adjust cooking time accordingly.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-5 minutes.

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