Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken offers all the satisfying crunch and flavor of traditional popcorn chicken with a fraction of the oil and calories. It’s quick to prepare, kid-friendly, and versatile enough for appetizers, snacks, or even as a main dish. Plus, the air fryer delivers that irresistible crispy texture in less time and with less mess.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• Buttermilk
• Hot sauce (optional)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or oil for spraying

Directions

1. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. In one bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
4. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
5. Dip each marinated chicken piece in the flour mixture, then the eggs, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs.
6. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
7. Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
8. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
9. Remove from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

• Spicy Version: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use a spicy dipping sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Asian-Inspired: Add a touch of soy sauce and ginger to the marinade and serve with sweet chili sauce.
• Parmesan Crust: Mix grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
• Herbed Coating: Add dried oregano, thyme, or Italian seasoning to the breading mixture for an herbal twist.

Storage/Reheating

Store any leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 4–5 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

What kind of chicken works best for popcorn chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well. Thighs offer more juiciness, while breasts are leaner.

Can I use frozen chicken?

It’s best to use fresh or fully thawed chicken to ensure even cooking and proper breading adherence.

Do I need to marinate the chicken?

Marinating adds flavor and tenderizes the chicken, but you can skip it if you’re short on time.

What breadcrumbs should I use?

Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs also work if that’s what you have.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can bread the chicken pieces ahead and refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Pat the chicken dry before marinating and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken during coating.

Can I freeze air fryer popcorn chicken?

Yes, freeze the cooked chicken on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag or container. Reheat in the air fryer until hot and crispy.

What dipping sauces go well with popcorn chicken?

Popular options include ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or garlic aioli.

Is this healthier than deep-fried popcorn chicken?

Yes, air frying uses significantly less oil while still producing a crispy result, making it a healthier alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket, which can result in uneven cooking.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a delicious, crispy, and healthier version of a fast-food favorite. It’s easy to make, customizable to your taste, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or prepping quick meals. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a regular in your rotation.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a crispy, tender, and healthier twist on a classic snack or appetizer. Bite-sized chicken pieces are marinated in buttermilk, coated in a flavorful breading, and air-fried to golden perfection without the need for deep frying.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Fryer
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs or regular breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray or oil for spraying

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Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with buttermilk and hot sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. In a second bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. In a third bowl, beat the eggs. In a fourth bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
4. Remove chicken from marinade. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, dip in egg, then coat with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
6. Place chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Lightly spray with cooking oil.
7. Cook for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C).
8. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor.
• Use panko for the crispiest coating, or mix with Parmesan for extra flavor.
• To avoid sogginess, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Make ahead by breading the chicken and refrigerating until ready to cook.
• Freeze cooked pieces and reheat in the air fryer for quick snacks later.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 140mg