Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken (Air Fryer Recipe)
Introduction:
This Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken is everything you love about comfort food—juicy chicken breasts coated in a buttery ranch-seasoned crust, made extra crispy in the air fryer without the need for deep frying. The ranch flavor is rich and tangy, and the buttery coating helps the breadcrumbs crisp up beautifully. Perfect for weeknights, and great served with mashed potatoes, veggies, or even on a sandwich bun!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half for thinner portions)
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for extra crisp)
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating:
½ cup plain or seasoned breadcrumbs (Panko preferred for crispiness)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but delicious!)
1 additional tablespoon ranch seasoning
Optional Dipping Sauce:
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo
Cooking Time & Temperature:
Air Fryer Temp: 375°F (190°C)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes total (flip halfway at 5–6 minutes)
Instructions:
Prep the Chicken:
Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and 1 tbsp ranch seasoning.
Make the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), and the extra ranch seasoning.
Butter Coating:
Mix melted butter and olive oil (if using) in a separate bowl.
Dip each chicken piece into the butter mixture, coating well.
Press into the breadcrumb mixture on both sides until fully coated.
Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes for even cooking.
Air Fry the Chicken:
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil or use parchment paper with holes.
Place chicken in a single layer in the basket (do not overcrowd).
Air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping at the halfway point.
Check doneness with a meat thermometer: internal temp should be 165°F (74°C).
Serve:
Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and sides like roasted veggies, salad, or mashed potatoes.
Tips & Variations:
Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne to the breadcrumb mix.
Buttermilk Soak: For extra juicy chicken, marinate in buttermilk for 2 hours before coating.
Use Chicken Thighs: Boneless thighs work well and stay moist.