Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This popcorn chicken is incredibly easy to make, and the air fryer does all the hard work. You get juicy chicken inside and a crispy coating on the outside — with little to no oil required. It’s also highly customizable: change up the seasonings, use different dipping sauces, or serve it in wraps and bowls. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Buttermilk or milk
- All-purpose flour
- Bread crumbs or panko
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooking spray or a small amount of oil for misting
Directions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them marinate for 15–30 minutes for extra tenderness.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the breadcrumbs or panko.
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes
Variations
- Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade or seasoning for heat.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Parmesan Popcorn Chicken: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumb coating.
- Asian-Inspired: Use soy sauce and ginger in the marinade, and serve with sweet chili sauce.
- Kid-Friendly: Skip strong spices and pair with ketchup or ranch for mild flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, air fry at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to bring back crispiness.
You can also reheat in the oven or microwave, but they may lose some crunch.
For longer storage, freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well for popcorn chicken.
Do I have to marinate the chicken in buttermilk?
While optional, marinating in buttermilk makes the chicken extra tender and flavorful.
What’s the best breadcrumb to use?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs also work.
Can I make this without flour?
Yes, you can skip the flour and go straight from the marinade to the breadcrumbs, though the coating may be slightly less thick.
How do I know the chicken is cooked through?
Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or cut into a piece to make sure it’s no longer pink.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, you can prep and bread the chicken ahead of time, then cook when ready.
Can I make this in the oven?
Yes, bake at 400°F on a lined baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What dipping sauces go well with popcorn chicken?
Ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, buffalo, or garlic aioli are all great choices.
Why is my coating not crispy?
Make sure to preheat the air fryer, don’t overcrowd the basket, and lightly mist the chicken with oil.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer, which can cause sogginess.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a fast, crispy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for snacks, dinners, or entertaining. With simple ingredients and a quick cooking time, it’s a healthier version of a classic favorite you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you serve it with dipping sauces or in a wrap, these golden bites are sure to be a hit.
PrintAir Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a crispy, bite-sized version of a fast-food favorite made healthier by air frying instead of deep frying. Tender, juicy chicken pieces are coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked until golden brown—perfect for snacks, dinners, or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil for misting
Instructions
- Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl with buttermilk. Marinate for 15–30 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Place breadcrumbs or panko in a third bowl.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, then coat with breadcrumbs.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Place chicken in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if needed).
- Lightly mist the tops of the chicken with oil.
- Air fry for 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
- Serve warm with dipping sauces of choice.
Notes
- Use panko for extra crunchiness.
- Spice it up with cayenne or hot sauce in the marinade.
- To ensure crispness, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Freeze extras for easy reheating later.
- Marinating improves tenderness but can be skipped in a rush.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
