Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Indulge in the crispy and flavorful taste of Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, a healthier take on traditional fried chicken. This quick and easy recipe takes just under 30 minutes to prepare and cook. Serve it as a snack or main course and try out various dipping sauces and sides to find your perfect match!

As someone who loves trying new recipes, Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken has quickly become one of my family's favorites. Not only is it easy and quick to make, but it's also a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. I appreciate that this recipe uses less oil but still achieves a crispy and flavorful texture. The combination of spices and buttermilk adds a unique and tangy taste that sets this dish apart from other chicken recipes.

Whether we're serving it as a snack or a main course, Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is always a hit with my family. If you're looking for a healthier and tastier version of fried chicken, this recipe is a must-try!

What You'll Need to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Have you ever wondered what makes Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken so delicious? Well, it's all in the ingredients! Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect taste and texture of the dish. From the main protein to the spices used, every ingredient contributes to the dish's overall flavor. Let's dive into the ingredients that make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken so delicious! We'll explore how each one contributes to the perfect taste and texture of the dish. Get ready to unlock the secrets behind this fantastic recipe!

Chicken Breast: The main ingredient of the dish, it is low in fat and high in protein.

Flour: Creates the crispy outer coating of the chicken.

Cornstarch: Used with flour to create a lighter and crispier coating for the chicken.

Garlic Powder: Adds a delicious savory taste to the chicken.

Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken.



Paprika: Adds a mild smoky and sweet flavor and gives the chicken a nice red color.

Salt and Pepper: Enhances the flavor of the chicken and brings out the other spices.

Buttermilk: Tenderizes the chicken, adds a tangy flavor, and helps the flour and cornstarch mixture stick to the chicken.

Eggs: Create an egg wash that helps the flour and cornstarch mixture adhere to the chicken.

Olive Oil: Coats the air fryer basket to prevent sticking and give the chicken a crispy texture when cooked.

Kitchen tools you'll need to make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:

• Medium-sized bowl for marinating the chicken in buttermilk
• Separate medium-sized bowl for combining spices and flour
• Small bowl for whisking eggs
• Another small bowl for adding cornstarch
• Air fryer basket
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or a fork for removing the chicken from the buttermilk and flour mixture
• Cooking spray or a brush for lightly coating the air fryer basket with olive oil.

How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken 

Cooking Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a quick and easy process that yields crispy and flavorful results. In this section, we'll break down the steps and give you a detailed guide on making this delicious dish in your kitchen.

1. In a medium-sized bowl, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and set it aside.

2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour.

3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs.

4. In another small bowl, add the cornstarch.

5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess milk.

6. Roll the chicken in the cornstarch, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it well in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

7. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.

8. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and add the chicken into the basket.

9. Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking halfway through or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.

10. Serve the Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken immediately as a snack or a main course, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. Here are some serving suggestions for this delicious dish:

1. Dipping Sauces: Serve the chicken with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce.
2. Side Salad: Serve the chicken with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
3. Fries: Serve the chicken with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries, or these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
4. Coleslaw: Serve the chicken with creamy coleslaw, adding a refreshing crunch and balancing the flavors.
5. Sandwich: Place the chicken on a toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments to create a delicious sandwich.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with various sides and sauces. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite way to serve this tasty and healthy alternative to traditional fried chicken.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

You can achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken every time by following these tips and tricks:

1. Use chicken breast: It's important to use chicken breast as it is a leaner cut of meat, and it will cook evenly in the air fryer.
2. Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor.
3. Mix the spices and flour well: Make sure to combine the spices and flour mixture thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Shake off excess flour: Shake off the excess flour before adding the chicken to the air fryer basket, as this will help the chicken cook more evenly.
5. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with oil: Use cooking spray or brush olive oil to prevent the chicken from sticking and achieve a crispy texture.
6. Do not overcrowd the basket: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, be sure not to overcrowd the basket. Leave some space between the chicken pieces for even cooking.
7. Shake the basket halfway through cooking: Gently shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides of the chicken.
8. Use a meat thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

By following these tips and tricks, you can achieve perfectly cooked, crispy, and flavorful Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken every time.

How to Store Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

If you have any leftover Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, it's essential to store it properly to maintain its texture and flavor. Here are some tips for storing Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:

1. Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container, label it with the date, and freeze it.
3. Reheat: To reheat the chicken, place it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 400°F until it's crispy and heated. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes.

Note: Reheating the chicken in a microwave may result in a soggy texture.

So... prepare to taste the crunchiest and most flavorful Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken ever! This recipe is not only quick and easy to make, but it's also a healthier version of the classic fried chicken dish. Whether you serve it as a snack or a main course, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. So put on your chef hat and experiment with different dipping sauces and sides to create your unique spin on this delicious recipe. Then, don't forget to share the fun with your loved ones and spread the love for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken!

MORE TASTY AIR FRYER RECIPES TO TRY!

Air Fryer Hamburgers

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings

Air Fryer Cauliflower

I hope you like my recipe for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken- be sure to give it a review below!

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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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5 from 12 reviews

• Author: Jocelyn Brown

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Description

Indulge in the crispy and flavorful taste of Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, a healthier take on traditional fried chicken. This quick and easy recipe takes just 5-10 minutes to prepare and cook. Serve it as a snack or main course and try out various dipping sauces and sides to find your perfect match!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1-2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces

½ cup flour

2 tablespoons cornstarch

2 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt 

½ teaspoon pepper

¼ cup buttermilk

2 large eggs

Olive oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and set it aside.
2. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs.
4. In another small bowl, add the cornstarch.
5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess milk.
6. Roll the chicken in the cornstarch, dip it in the egg wash, and then coat it well in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
7. Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.
8. Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and add the chicken into the basket.
9. Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
10. Serve the Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken immediately, either as a snack or a main course, and enjoy!

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