Introduction to Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
What is Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a healthier twist on a classic favorite, offering crispy, golden chicken pieces without the excess oil of deep frying. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a blend of garlic powder, paprika, and kosher salt for bold flavor, while the panko breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch. This quick and easy recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or a delicious snack for game day.
Why Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?
The air fryer provides a faster, healthier way to enjoy popcorn chicken with all the flavor and none of the greasy mess. By using buttermilk to tenderize the chicken and panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, you’ll get a crispy, juicy, and delicious bite every time. Perfect for serving with dipping sauces like ranch or barbecue sauce, this snack is sure to become a crowd favorite.
Basic Recipe for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Print
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Total Time: 23-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 4-6 pieces per serving) 1x
Description
These crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken bites are perfect for a quick, healthier snack or a delicious meal. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
For the Popcorn Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking oil spray (for spraying)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. - Prepare the Chicken Pieces:
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch in size, for easy and even cooking.
Prepare the Breading Station:
- Set up Three Bowls:
- In the first bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- In the third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken:
- Bread the Chicken: Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, coating it completely. Next, dip it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and then coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure an even coat. Repeat this process for all pieces of chicken.
Air Fry the Popcorn Chicken:
- Arrange in the Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer, ensuring they aren’t overcrowded. You may need to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air Fry: Air fry the popcorn chicken at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve:
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.
Notes
- For an extra crispy coating, you can double coat the chicken by dipping each piece twice in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture.
- You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts if you prefer a juicier option.
- For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 pieces
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into small, bite-sized pieces. Season with kosher salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Set up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, followed by the buttermilk mixture, and then coat it with panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Cook the Popcorn Chicken: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil spray. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Lightly spray the chicken with oil. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
- Serve: Once the popcorn chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Advanced Techniques for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Tips for Extra Crispy Popcorn Chicken
To get an extra crispy crust, add a bit more panko to the breadcrumbs. You can also toast the panko breadcrumbs in a skillet for a few minutes before using them. This will give your chicken an even more golden and crunchy exterior.
Spicing It Up
For an added flavor kick, mix in cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture. Adjust the spice level according to your preference. If you prefer a milder version, keep the seasonings as is, or swap out the paprika for a bit of Italian seasoning.
Freezing Popcorn Chicken for Later
If you’d like to prepare this dish in advance, freeze the breaded chicken pieces before cooking. Lay the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to cook, simply air fry the frozen pieces for 15-18 minutes at 375°F (190°C), no thawing needed.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Leftover Popcorn Chicken
After enjoying your popcorn chicken, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it crispy, you can reheat it in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes. This will restore the crunch without drying out the chicken.
Freezing Popcorn Chicken
Freezing the popcorn chicken after cooking is easy. Let the chicken cool completely, then place it in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, cook the frozen pieces in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes.
Cleaning the Air Fryer
After each use, clean the air fryer basket and tray to prevent any build-up of breadcrumbs or oil. Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. For deeper cleaning, use warm soapy water to wash the basket. Make sure to dry everything thoroughly before storing it.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken
To make gluten-free popcorn chicken, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You’ll still get that crispy, crunchy coating without the gluten. Make sure the buttermilk is gluten-free as well.
Low-Carb Popcorn Chicken
For a low-carb version, replace the panko breadcrumbs with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. You can also use coconut flour in place of all-purpose flour to keep the carb count down.
Dairy-Free Popcorn Chicken
If you’re dairy-free, substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative like almond milk or oat milk, and ensure the egg is replaced with a suitable egg substitute like a flax egg.
FAQs About Popcorn Chicken
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken pieces, but make sure to thaw them first. For best results, use fresh chicken breasts for even cooking and crispiness.
Can I Cook Popcorn Chicken in the Oven?
While the air fryer is ideal for this recipe, you can also bake the popcorn chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll lose some of the crispiness compared to the air fryer, but it’s still a delicious option.
Can I Double the Recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients for a larger batch. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure each piece cooks evenly and becomes crispy. You might need to cook in batches.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a quick, easy, and healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. With its crispy exterior and tender interior, this recipe is perfect for snacks, game days, or even as a fun appetizer. The panko breadcrumbs create a light, crispy coating, and the flavorful seasonings give each bite the perfect amount of flavor. Serve with a side of marinara sauce or your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a crowd-pleasing dish in minutes. Enjoy this healthier take on a classic favorite!
These Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken bites are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, offering a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken nuggets. Coated in a flavorful mix of seasoned flour, buttermilk, and panko breadcrumbs, they’re quick and easy to make in the air fryer. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main dish with your favorite dipping sauces!