Crispy, golden, and oh-so-addictive—Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is the ultimate bite-sized snack you’ll keep coming back for! With a crunchy, flavorful coating and juicy, tender chicken inside, this recipe delivers fast-food-style deliciousness without the grease. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll never want store-bought again!
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Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
These little crispy bites are a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll love them:
Crispy & Crunchy:
Perfectly golden and crunchy without deep-frying.
Quick & Easy:
Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Healthier Alternative:
Air-fried means less oil, but all the flavor.
Kid-Friendly:
A guaranteed hit with little (and big) eaters!
Versatile:
Great as a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish.
Ingredients in Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Here’s what makes this crispy perfection possible:
Chicken Breast or Thighs:
Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for that perfect crunch-to-juiciness ratio.
Buttermilk:
Tenderizes the chicken and helps the coating stick.
Flour & Cornstarch:
The secret to an extra crispy, light coating.
Breadcrumbs or Panko:
Adds that irresistible crunch.
Eggs:
Helps bind the coating to the chicken.
Seasonings:
A mix of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper for bold flavor.
Cooking Spray or Oil:
A light spritz helps crisp up the coating in the air fryer.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes (or up to overnight) for extra tenderness.
Prepare the Coating:
In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, breadcrumbs, and seasonings. In another bowl, beat the eggs.
Coat the Chicken:
Dip each chicken piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, then back into the flour mixture for an extra crispy coating.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for a couple of minutes.
Air Fry the Chicken:
Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crispiness.
Serve & Enjoy:
Once golden brown and crispy, remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dips!
How to Serve Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Classic Dipping Sauces:
Pair with ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.
As a Main Dish:
Serve with fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
In Wraps or Bowls:
Toss into a wrap, salad, or rice bowl for a fun twist.
Snack Time Favorite:
Perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or lunchboxes!
Additional Tips
Use Panko for Extra Crunch:
Panko breadcrumbs make the crispiest coating!
Don’t Overcrowd the Basket:
Cook in batches if needed to ensure even crisping.
Shake the Basket Halfway Through:
Helps the chicken cook evenly on all sides.
Reheat for Fresh Crispiness:
Pop leftovers back in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F to bring back the crunch.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A1: Yes! Thighs are juicier and work just as well.
Q2: How do I make this spicy?
A2: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
Q3: Can I make this without eggs?
A3: Yes! Use a bit of buttermilk or mayo to help the coating stick.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q5: Can I freeze popcorn chicken?
A5: Absolutely! Freeze after air frying and reheat in the air fryer.
Q6: What’s the best way to reheat?
A6: Air fry at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness.
Q7: Can I use gluten-free flour?
A7: Yes! Swap regular flour with a gluten-free alternative.
Q8: Can I bake this instead of air frying?
A8: Yes! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q9: What’s the secret to extra crispy chicken?
A9: Double-coating with flour and cornstarch makes a big difference!
Q10: Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?
A10: You can, but marinating makes the chicken extra tender and flavorful!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving crispy, flavorful Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, this recipe delivers every time! It’s quick, easy, and so much better than fast food. Give it a try and let me know what dipping sauce you love most!
Print
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is crispy, golden, and ready in just 10 minutes! Cooked straight from frozen, it’s the perfect quick and easy snack or appetizer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 (24-ounce) bag frozen popcorn chicken
- Neutral-flavored cooking spray (must be safe for air fryers)
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the basket: Remove the air fryer basket and lightly spray the bottom and sides with cooking spray.
- Add popcorn chicken: Spread the frozen popcorn chicken in a single, even layer in the air fryer basket. If needed, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- First cook cycle: Lightly spray the popcorn chicken with cooking spray, then return the basket to the air fryer. Cook for 4 minutes.
- Shake and continue cooking: Remove the basket, shake to toss the chicken, and return to the air fryer. Cook for 4 more minutes.
- Final crisping: Shake the basket again and continue air frying in 1-minute increments, shaking the basket each time, until the popcorn chicken is browned and crispy to your liking.
- Serve: Transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- For extra crispiness, spray the chicken lightly with oil before the final 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Serve with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo for dipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg