Enjoy our Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe, crispy chicken bites that are perfect for kids and anyone who loves fried chicken. Make this air fried popcorn chicken at home and you will be shocked at how easy it is and can be ready in 30 minutes.
Never have my family and I enjoyed making dinner as easy as those popcorns. Everyone loves it, including kids and men, and that is one of the most significant achievements with family meals.
Serve with cucumber chips and pickled daikon radish for flavor contrast. Pairing these extra appetizers will allow you to enjoy your fried chicken more.
Why You Will Love This Appetizer Recipe
- Easy To Prepare: This air-fried chicken recipe is easy to prepare, with only a few ingredients needed. If you are craving fried chicken, you won’t have to worry about what you will have for a snack or dinner because this recipe only takes minutes to make.
- Crispy and Juicy: The air fryer produces crispy chicken bites without deep frying, giving you that crunch you crave without all the added oil.
- Perfect for Clean Eating: With the right ingredients chosen, this recipe is ideal for people like me who love clean eating.
Popcorn Chicken As A Snack
I made this recipe for the whole family to enjoy as a snack, and I served it with some homemade dipping sauces that made it more delicious and exciting.
One of the good things I like about this recipe is that you can have it as a snack or pair it with salads or baked riced cauliflower. I cannot wait to share this recipe with you because I am sure your kids and the whole family will enjoy it.
Is Making Popcorn Chicken In The Air Fryer Better Than Pan Frying?
Making popcorn chicken in the air fryer is considered by many to be better than pan frying for a few reasons which are:
- Air-frying requires less oil, making it a healthier option for any fried food you want to eat.
- The air fryer cooks the chicken evenly and gives it a crispy texture without the need for flipping or constant monitoring, like when you deep fry.
- Cleanup is easier with the air fryer because the pans have no grease.
Overall, using the air fryer for this chicken recipe produces a simple and delicious dish with less hassle and much less oil than the usual methods.
My Favorite Dipping Sauces For Popcorn Chicken
One of the best ways to enjoy these chicken popcorns is with your favorite dipping sauces. Here are some of my homemade sauces you can make at home with this recipe.
I recently made a gluten-free BBQ sauce for the first time because I wanted to try a homemade version. Using it as a dipping sauce for this best air fryer chicken recipe is insane. It paired perfectly even with my Chinese five-spice chicken recipe. It is even better than store-bought BBQ sauces. This homemade Worcestershire sauce is also great for dipping in the chicken because of its savory flavor and being gluten-free.
If you want something with a spicy kick, try our buffalo ranch sauce and this baked buffalo chicken dip. It is an all-around sauce that will also pair well with this chicken popcorn.
How To Make Healthy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Let’s start making this chicken popcorn recipe to try at home. I have prepared a video tutorial with all the details. Make sure to also check out all the exact measurements in the recipe card, but if you are making a large batch, ignore them.
Kitchen Gadgets:
- Air Fryer: Use it to fry popcorn chicken with minimal oil only. Put the chicken pieces inside, set the temperature and time, and it will do the job and make the popcorn chicken crispy.
- Mixing Bowl: Medium-sized bowls are okay since you will use them to mix the chicken’s breading.
- Long Tweezers: These tweezers are like extra-long, skinny tongs; they will help you coat the chicken pieces one by one without making a mess in the kitchen.
Ingredients For Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:
- Chicken Breasts: For this recipe, choose a high-quality, clean, skinless chicken breast. Make sure it is boneless, as we need only the chicken meat.
- Paprika Spice: This red spice is made from dried peppers. It will add flavor and color to the chicken coating. If you have a dehydrator, you can make one at home.
- Egg: One or two eggs are okay for coating the chicken before tossing them into the dry breading.
- Breadcrumbs: This will be the base of the dry coating for the popcorn chicken. You can make a homemade low carb alternative or find one at the stores in the healthy options section.
- Granulated Garlic: Granulated garlic will add a savory flavor to the chicken coating, giving your popcorn chicken the best flavor. Use garlic powder if you don’t have granulated garlic in your pantry.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Add salt and pepper for a balanced flavor aside from the other seasonings.
- Onion Powder: A little onion powder will help add a bit of onion flavor to the coating.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
FULL INSTRUCTIONS WITH STEPS FOR CRISPY AIR FRIED POPCORN CHICKEN
First Step: Prepare All The Ingredients
Prepare all the ingredients first.
Wash the chicken breasts and cut them into small pieces for a popcorn-looking result. Prepare all the seasonings and the rest of the ingredients aside for easy preparation.
Second Step: Dip in Egg
In a bowl, beat the egg and toss all the chicken pieces in. Dip the chicken cubes into the egg until they are evenly coated. This process will help the mixture of breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and make it crunchier once cooked.
Third Step: Dredge or Coat The Chicken
In a separate bowl, start making the breadcrumbs mixture by adding the breadcrumbs followed by all the seasonings, such as paprika spice, granulated garlic, salt and pepper, and onion powder. Mix until thoroughly combined.
Once the mixture is done, start breading the chicken by coating them one by one using a tweezer or tongs. That way, it will be easier to ensure they are evenly coated.
After coating them, place the breaded chicken onto a chopping board covered with a kitchen paper towel and set before air frying.
Fourth Step: Air-Fry, The Chicken
Once all is coated and ready to cook, it is time for air frying. Place chicken pieces into the air fryer basket and ensure the chicken pops are placed perfectly in a single layer with spaces between them so they will cook evenly.
Spray the top with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken if needed, and repeat with the remaining chicken pops.
Fifth Step: Serve and Enjoy
Once they are done, remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces or asian cucumber salad.
TRICKS AND TIPS:
- Long tweezers: Using a tweezer to coat each piece of chicken helps a lot since I do not need to use my hands, making things easier and even less messy.
- Season the chicken: By adding all the seasoning into the dry breading, you do not need to marinate the chicken since all the flavor is there.
- Refrain from crowding the chicken: For the chicken popcorn to cook quickly, do not crowd them into the air fryer baskets because it allows the hot air to circulate evenly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Chicken Thighs as a Substitute?
If you want to make this recipe using chicken thighs or any other chicken parts, feel free to do so. Follow the exact steps and enjoy the result.
Do I Need To Marinate The Chicken For This Air Fryer Recipe?
No. Marinating is unnecessary for this recipe since all the seasonings and flavors are in the dry mixture for coating. But if you want to marinate the chicken for added flavor, you can do so before coating it with egg and breadcrumbs. Just be sure to pat the chicken dry before coating it.
How Do I Store This Easy Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?
You can store it in an airtight glass container; however, cool it completely. After that, you can place it in the refrigerator and consume it within 2-3 days for the best taste and quality.
Yes, you can freeze it for extended storage time. Freeze it for up to two months or more. When ready to consume, reheat them in the air fryer or oven until warmed through before serving.
How To Reheat The Chicken Popcorn?
An easy way to reheat the chicken popcorn is by preheating your air fryer or oven to around 350°F (175°C) and then placing the popcorn chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet or the air fryer trays. Heat it for about 5-7 minutes or until warm and crisp.
More Chicken Recipes
If you love air-fried popcorn chicken, I am sure you’ll enjoy trying these other delicious chicken recipes. Make a flavorful curry chicken full of spices, or try a creamy and comforting crack chicken casserole. For a crunchy snack, dehydrated chicken is a great option.
Chicken roll ups are fun and easy to make, and chicken stir fry is perfect for a quick and healthy meal. Don’t forget to try chicken enchiladas for a tasty twist on a classic dish. Since we are by air fryers, those air fryer chicken meatballs will be for sure included in your meal plan.
These recipes are sure to keep your meals exciting and delicious.
Pin For Later
Need Support or have Questions? Join our Free Facebook Group.
Follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Flipboard, or YouTube.
For weekly New Recipes and a FREE E-Book get into our NEWSLETTER.
Full Recipe With a Printable Version
I would be grateful if you could give us a 5-star rating.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Tweezers
Ingredients
- 2 Pieces Chicken Breasts
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika Spice
- 1 Egg
- 1/2 Cup Breadcrumbs
- 1 Tablespoon Granulated Garlic
- 2 Teaspoons Salt
- 2 Teaspoons Black Pepper
- 1 Tablespoon Onion Powder
Instructions
- Prepare all the ingredients first. Wash the chicken breasts and cut them into small pieces for a popcorn-looking result. Prepare all the seasonings and the rest of the ingredients aside for easy preparation.
- In a bowl, beat the egg and toss all the chicken pieces in. Dip the chicken cubes into the egg until they are evenly coated. This process will help the mixture of breadcrumbs stick to the chicken and make it crunchier once cooked.
- In a separate bowl, start making the breadcrumbs mixture by adding the breadcrumbs followed by all the seasonings, such as paprika spice, granulated garlic, salt and pepper, and onion powder. Mix until thoroughly combined. Once the mixture is done, start breading the chicken by coating them one by one using a tweezer or tongs. That way, it will be easier to ensure they are evenly coated. After coating them, place the breaded chicken onto a chopping board covered with a kitchen paper towel and set before air frying.
- Once all is coated and ready to cook, it is time for air frying. Place chicken pieces into the air fryer basket and ensure the chicken pops are placed perfectly in a single layer with spaces between them so they will cook evenly. Spray the top with olive oil and cook in the air fryer at 200 degrees Celsius or 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Flip the chicken if needed, and repeat with the remaining chicken pops.
- Once they are done, remove the cooked chicken from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.
Video
Notes
- Long tweezers: Using a tweezer to coat each piece of chicken helps a lot since I do not need to use my hands, making things easier and even less messy.
- Season the chicken: By adding all the seasoning into the dry breading, you do not need to marinate the chicken since all the flavor is there.
- Refrain from crowding the chicken: For the chicken popcorn to cook quickly, do not crowd them into the air fryer baskets because it allows the hot air to circulate evenly.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
More Snacks
As we are in the alley of snacks or appetizers, I have a few great recipes to try as well. Pick your favorite and enjoy.
