Air Fryer Ranch Chicken is a quick and delicious recipe that’s perfect for a fast weeknight meal. The chicken breasts are coated in ranch seasoning, creating a crispy, flavorful crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender. The best part? It’s all made in the air fryer, so it’s healthier and faster than traditional frying. Whether you’re in a rush or just want a simple dinner, this recipe is sure to satisfy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Air Fryer Ranch Chicken recipe combines the classic, savory flavor of ranch with the crispy texture only an air fryer can deliver. It’s an incredibly easy dish to make, with minimal prep and cook time. The ranch seasoning adds a burst of flavor that elevates the chicken, while the air fryer ensures a crispy exterior without all the excess oil. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a meal that’s both delicious and healthy!
Ingredients
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them evenly with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
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Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
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Cooking Time: 18 minutes
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Total Time: 23 minutes
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Servings: 4 servings
Variations
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Spicy ranch: For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the ranch seasoning mix.
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Herb-infused: Mix in dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or parsley to the ranch seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.
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Chicken thighs: If you prefer chicken thighs, simply swap them for the breasts. Just adjust the cooking time slightly based on thickness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
FAQs
1. Can I use skin-on chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts, but the cooking time may vary. You may need to cook them for an additional 3-5 minutes, and the skin will crisp up nicely in the air fryer.
2. Can I make this recipe without ranch seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt.
3. Can I cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer?
Yes, you can cook frozen chicken breasts in the air fryer. Increase the cooking time to 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, and check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs, drumsticks, or even chicken tenders. Just adjust the cooking time based on the size and cut of the chicken.
5. How do I make the chicken extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, you can lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray before air frying or coat the chicken in a small amount of breadcrumbs after seasoning.
6. Can I add vegetables to the air fryer with the chicken?
Yes, you can add vegetables like sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli to the air fryer with the chicken. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and size of the vegetables so they cook evenly.
7. Can I make this recipe with a different seasoning?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or Cajun spice, depending on your flavor preferences.
8. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature in the thickest part of the chicken.
9. How can I make this recipe low-carb?
This recipe is naturally low-carb since it doesn’t include any breading or starchy ingredients. To keep it low-carb, serve the chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad.
10. Can I use olive oil spray instead of rubbing oil directly on the chicken?
Yes, you can use olive oil spray instead of rubbing the oil directly onto the chicken. This can help cut down on calories while still getting a crispy result.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that delivers a crispy exterior and tender interior, all thanks to the magic of the air fryer. Coated in ranch seasoning, this chicken is packed with savory goodness and makes the perfect weeknight meal. Whether you serve it with a side of vegetables, in a sandwich, or over a salad, this dish is versatile, healthy, and delicious. Give it a try tonight for a satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
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Air Fryer Ranch Chicken
Air Fryer Ranch Chicken is a quick, easy, and flavorful dish that combines crispy chicken breasts with the savory taste of ranch seasoning. Made in the air fryer for a healthier, faster cooking method, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious meal in under 30 minutes. The crispy exterior and juicy interior will make this a family favorite!
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil and season evenly with ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
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Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
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Cook for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
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Variations: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the ranch seasoning for a spicy kick. Experiment with dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a different flavor.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
