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:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve the chicken with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or hot sauce.
- Side Salad: Serve the chicken with a side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, dressed with a simple vinaigrette.
- Fries: Serve the chicken with crispy french fries or sweet potato fries, or these Air Fryer Sweet Potato Wedges.
- Coleslaw: Serve the chicken with creamy coleslaw, adding a refreshing crunch and balancing the flavors.
- 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:
- 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.
- Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk: Marinating the chicken in the buttermilk helps tenderize the meat and add a tangy flavor.
- Mix the spices and flour well: Make sure to combine the spices and flour mixture thoroughly so the chicken is evenly coated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Shake the basket halfway through cooking: Gently shake the basket halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on all sides of the chicken.
- 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:
- Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- 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.
- 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
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!
Ingredients
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
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, marinate the chicken in buttermilk and set it aside.
- In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and flour.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs.
- In another small bowl, add the cornstarch.
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and shake off any excess milk.
- 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.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil.
- Preheat the air fryer to 390°F and add the chicken into the basket.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside.
- Serve the Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken immediately, either as a snack or a main course, and enjoy!
Emily Lynkyte says
Thank you for this amazing recipe! I really like popcorn chicken!
Elise Ho says
We are such air fryer converts. I was not too keen on them when they first became popular but now I use it every day.
laura says
I have to try this recipe, It sounds so good. thanks for sharing this with us.
Ntensibe Edgar says
Nnniiicccceeeee...is it okay to prepare this chicken any day, without any occasion in mind? It looks so nice from here to wait on days like Christmas to make it and enjoy. Thanks for the recipe.
Chelsea says
That air fryer popcorn chicken looks so delicious and yummy!
Lois says
This looks delicious. You have such good recipes.
Jennifer L Prince says
Recipes like this make me want to get an air fryer! Things look so easy, and this would be such a tasty meal.
Zab Zaria says
My air fryer is my favorite tool for trying new recipes!
Melissa Cushing says
I pinned this recipe ad they look like they are traditionally tied versus an air fryer! I so cannot wait to make these for my family!
Richelle Milar says
My kids are surely going to love this! This looks absolutely delicious!
Beautiful Touches says
These air fryer popcorn chicken bits look delicious and fluffy!
Rose A says
I saw it on Instagram and it reminded me I need to get an air fryer. I'm a little behind on this one. Seems like everyone has one but me.
Nicole Bertrand says
What a great recipe and kid friendly! Have you ever tried it with almond flour? Wondering if I could substitute it or if it would change the texture?
Rosey says
I got my daughter and her husband an air fryer for Christmas. They love it so much that now I want one too. This recipe would be great for my grandbabes.
Monidipa says
Your air fryer popcorn chicken recipe is a game-changer! The chicken turned out perfectly crispy and full of flavor. I love that it's a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken. Can't wait to try more of your recipes!
Beth says
Wow, This easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is kid-friendly, lighter, and healthier than your typical fast-food version
Stephanie says
I've made buttermilk chicken before, but not as poppers. My boys love nuggets/poppers so this will be great to make for them this coming summer for lunch while they are home.
LisaLisa says
I always forget to look up recipes for my air fryer! These look delicious!
Christy G says
I love popcorn chicken. I’ll have to make us some in the air fryer. I love my air fryer to make easy meals like this one.
Kathy says
This looks so good. I definitely need to try making these soon. I love air fried popcorn chicken. I've never made it from scratch though.
Claudia Krusch says
It looks amazing! I love making everything on the air fryer. Can't wait to try your recipe!
Debbie says
Great and easy-to-follow instructions on how to make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken. My husband love popcorn chicken - I'm making this for him soon! I know he'll love it!
Kimberley says
My kids love popcorn chicken, but we always get them from Publix. So now I will have to make them at home. Can't wait to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Bryan Carey says
I have made popcorn chicken in my air fryer, but I took the easy way out and used a bag of pre-made breaded chicken from the freezer! Your method takes more effort, but I'm sure is multiple times tastier.