Welcome to my kitchen! I’m Nyla—a chef with a true love for creating recipes that not only taste amazing but also bring people together. This website is where I share my favorite dishes, cooking tips, and step-by-step guides to help you enjoy the process as much as the result. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned home cook, you’ll find inspiration here to make every meal special! Today, I’m thrilled to share one of my absolute favorite quick and easy recipes: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Crispy, Golden Perfection!

Craving that crispy, savory goodness of popcorn chicken but want a healthier twist? Look no further! This recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch you love, without the deep-frying guilt. Forget the drive-through, because making delicious, bite-sized air fryer popcorn chicken at home is easier than you think. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a satisfying snack. The secret? A simple yet flavorful marinade and a perfectly seasoned breading that creates a golden-brown crust. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll never go back to the fried version!

A Brief Overview of Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

This recipe is all about creating perfectly bite-sized pieces of chicken that are incredibly crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. We start by marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk and spices to tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Then, we coat the chicken in a seasoned breadcrumb mixture and air fry it to golden perfection. The air fryer ensures that the chicken is cooked evenly and stays incredibly moist, while the breading becomes wonderfully crisp and crunchy. The result? A healthier and tastier alternative to traditional deep-fried popcorn chicken that the whole family will love.

Ingredients You Will Need for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up a batch of this amazing air fryer popcorn chicken:

• Chicken: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• Buttermilk: 1/2 cup
• Hot Sauce: 1 teaspoon (optional, for a little kick)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup
• Breadcrumbs: 1 cup (Panko breadcrumbs work best for extra crispiness)
• Paprika: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon
• Dried Thyme: 1/2 teaspoon
• Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat)
• Cooking Spray: For greasing the air fryer basket

Ingredient Substitutions

Don’t have all the ingredients on hand? No problem! Here are a few substitutions you can make:

• Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly.
• Breadcrumbs: You can use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko, but the Panko breadcrumbs will give you a crispier result. You can also use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you’re not a fan of spicy food, omit the cayenne pepper. You can also add other spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.

Tips for Choosing the Best Chicken

For the best results, use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Look for chicken that is pink and firm to the touch. Avoid chicken that is slimy or has an off odor. You can also use chicken tenders, but you may need to adjust the cooking time.

Equipment Needed for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Before we start, let’s make sure you have all the necessary equipment. You’ll need:

• An Air Fryer
• Two Mixing Bowls
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• A Cutting Board
• A Sharp Knife
• Tongs

Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating the Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Ready to get cooking? Follow these simple steps to create crispy, golden-brown air fryer popcorn chicken that everyone will rave about:

Step 1: Marinating the Chicken

In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces to the bowl, making sure they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

Step 2: Preparing the Breading

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the breading. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.

Step 3: Coating the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Working in small batches, dredge the chicken pieces in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure they are fully coated. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a plate or baking sheet.

Step 4: Air Frying the Chicken

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd. You may need to cook the chicken in multiple batches. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 5: Serving the Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Remove the air fryer popcorn chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Want to take your air fryer popcorn chicken to the next level? Here are a few tips to help you achieve perfect results every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Overcrowding the air fryer basket will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and getting crispy. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and coarser than regular breadcrumbs, which helps to create a crispier coating.
• Preheat Your Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and quickly.
• Flip the Chicken Halfway Through: Flipping the chicken halfway through cooking will help it to brown evenly on all sides.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air fryer popcorn chicken is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve the air fryer popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauces as a party appetizer.
• As a Main Course: Serve the air fryer popcorn chicken with a side of fries, coleslaw, or a salad for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
• In a Wrap or Sandwich: Add the air fryer popcorn chicken to a wrap or sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce.
• On Top of a Salad: Use the air fryer popcorn chicken as a topping for a salad for a protein-packed lunch or dinner.

Recipe Card: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) | Total Time: 30 minutes | Kcal: 350 | Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
2. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Remove the chicken from the marinade and dredge in the breadcrumb mixture.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
5. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
6. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
7. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.

Thank you for being here! I’m so glad you’re here. If you enjoyed this recipe or found it helpful, feel free to share it with your friends and family—great food is meant to be shared! Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook and Instagram for more delicious recipes, kitchen tips, and daily cooking inspiration. Your support means the world to me, and I look forward to bringing you even more tasty ideas straight from my kitchen.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While air fryer popcorn chicken is best served immediately for maximum crispiness, you can prepare the breaded chicken ahead of time. Place the breaded chicken pieces on a baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to cook, air fry as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken for this recipe, but you’ll need to thaw it completely before marinating. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before marinating to remove any excess moisture. This will help the breading adhere better and ensure that the chicken gets nice and crispy in the air fryer.

What kind of air fryer is best for this recipe?

Any type of air fryer will work for this recipe, whether it’s a basket-style or an oven-style air fryer. Just make sure that the air fryer is large enough to accommodate the chicken pieces in a single layer. If you have a smaller air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in multiple batches.

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

To prevent the breading from falling off, make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken pieces. You can also try dipping the chicken in a mixture of egg and milk before coating it in the breadcrumbs. This will help the breading adhere better to the chicken.

Can I add cheese to this recipe?

Absolutely! Adding cheese to your air fryer popcorn chicken is a great way to add extra flavor and richness. Simply sprinkle some shredded cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan, over the chicken during the last few minutes of cooking. The cheese will melt and create a delicious, cheesy crust.

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