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- 1 lb chicken breast - 1 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper, to taste - Cooking spray To create Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Nuggets, gather your main ingredients first. You need one pound of chicken breast. Cut it into small pieces for easy cooking. Buttermilk is key too. Use one cup for marinating the chicken. Next, let's talk about seasoning and coating. You will need half a cup of ranch dressing. This adds a lot of flavor. For the crunch, grab one cup of breadcrumbs. I recommend panko for extra crispiness. You will also need half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Don’t forget the spices! You will need garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Each spice adds depth to your nuggets. Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste. Finally, cooking spray is essential. It helps give your nuggets a nice golden finish. To start, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, mix 1 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Whisk these together until smooth. This mixture gives the chicken a nice, tangy flavor. Next, add your bite-sized chicken pieces into the bowl. Make sure each piece gets fully coated in the buttermilk and ranch mix. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper flavor, let it marinate overnight. In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Stir these ingredients well. This step ensures all the spices are mixed evenly with the breadcrumbs. To coat the chicken, take each piece out of the marinade. Let any extra liquid drip off. Then, dip the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This step helps cook the chicken evenly. Once preheated, place the coated chicken nuggets in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the basket to keep them crispy. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray for extra crunch. Cook the chicken nuggets for 10-12 minutes. Flip them halfway through to ensure they brown evenly. They should be golden brown when ready and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). To get your chicken nuggets crispy, avoid overcrowding the basket. When you pack too many nuggets in, they steam instead of fry. This can lead to soggy bites. Keep them in a single layer. Using cooking spray is another key step. It helps to create a nice golden crust. Just a light mist will do. This small step makes a big difference in texture. You can easily boost the flavor of your nuggets. Try adding extra spices like cayenne for heat or Italian herbs for a twist. Mixing in some dried dill or parsley can add freshness. Don’t forget the dipping sauces! Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but try honey mustard or barbecue sauce. These pair well with the crispy nuggets. Marinating chicken longer improves the taste. I recommend at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best. This allows the flavors to really soak in. If you don’t have buttermilk, there are great substitutes. You can mix milk with vinegar or lemon juice. This gives you a similar tangy flavor for marinating. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein for your chicken nuggets. Chicken thighs work great. They stay juicy and add a nice flavor. You can also use turkey. Turkey nuggets can be just as tasty and are a healthier choice. If you want a plant-based option, try tofu. Firm tofu absorbs flavors well and gives a nice texture. Spicing things up is easy. You can add hot sauce to the buttermilk mix. This gives your nuggets a kick. If you want something milder, try different seasoning blends. You can use taco seasoning or even Italian herbs. Each blend changes the flavor and makes the meal unique. If you need a gluten-free option, you have choices. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular ones. They can still make your nuggets crispy. For the buttermilk, you can use dairy-free milk mixed with vinegar. This will keep the taste close to the original while making it safe for those with gluten issues. To keep your chicken nuggets fresh, store them in an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. This helps keep the nuggets crispy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. For meal prep, freeze the chicken nuggets after they cool down. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. This prevents them from sticking together. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. You can keep them frozen for up to three months. To thaw, place them in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat and keep them crispy, use your air fryer again. Heat it to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes. You can also use an oven for reheating. Place the nuggets on a baking sheet and heat at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy. Enjoy your tasty leftovers! Yes, you can use frozen chicken. However, you must thaw it first. Thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight for best results. If you're short on time, use the microwave's defrost setting. Once thawed, you can follow the same marinating and cooking steps. Just remember to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety. These chicken nuggets last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If they develop an off smell or texture, it's best to discard them. Enjoy them fresh for the best flavor and crunch! You can serve these nuggets with many tasty sides. Try crispy French fries or sweet potato fries. Fresh veggies like carrot sticks or cucumber slices pair well too. For a fun twist, add a side of coleslaw or a simple salad. Don't forget some extra ranch dressing for dipping! Yes, you can make these nuggets ahead of time. Prepare and cook them as usual. Let them cool, then store in the fridge. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes. This will help keep them crispy. Meal prep makes busy days easier! This article covered making Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Nuggets. We discussed ingredients, marinating, and cooking steps for great flavor and texture. I shared tips for crispiness, flavor options, and ingredient swaps to suit your needs. Lastly, we explored storage tips to keep your leftovers fresh. With these insights, you can enjoy tasty nuggets any time. Happy cooking!

Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Nuggets

Enjoy the crunch of Crispy Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Nuggets with this easy recipe! Marinated in a flavorful buttermilk and ranch dressing, these bite-sized nuggets are coated in a delicious breadcrumb mixture for that perfect crunch. With just 30 minutes of prep and a quick cook in the air fryer, you’ll have a tasty dish ready in no time. Click through for the full recipe and elevate your family meals with this delightful treat!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces

1 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 cup breadcrumbs (use panko for extra crunch)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper, to taste

Cooking spray

Instructions
 

Marinating the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and ranch dressing, whisking until well blended. Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For an even richer flavor, marinate overnight.

    Prepare the Breading: In a separate bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumb mixture.

      Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes, ensuring it’s heated for even cooking.

        Coat the Chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Take each piece and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well.

          Arrange for Air Frying: Place the coated chicken nuggets in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket, as this can affect the crispiness. Lightly spray the nuggets with cooking spray to promote an extra crispy finish.

            Air Frying Process: Cook the chicken nuggets in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes. Make sure to flip them halfway through the cooking time for even browning. They should be golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) when done.

              Rest before Serving: Once cooked, carefully remove the nuggets from the air fryer and let them rest for about 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to settle and enhances the flavor.

                Prep Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken nuggets hot with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. For a bright, appealing presentation, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or dill, adding a lovely pop of color. Enjoy your crispy delights!