If you’ve been craving a quick, crispy snack that’s both easy to make and fun to eat, Air Fry Popcorn Chicken is the answer. This Air Fried Popcorn Chicken recipe will make your taste buds dance without all the grease of deep-frying. Whether you’re looking to make Air Fryer Popcorn for a quick lunch, a Kid Meal, or an appetizer for your next tailgate, these Homemade Chicken Bites Air Fryer are perfect for just about any occasion.
With Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Homemade, you can make Diy Popcorn Chicken that tastes just as good (if not better) than what you’d get from the drive-thru, and you’ll love how easy it is!
Wondering How To Make Popcorn Chicken In The Air Fryer? This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe is super simple and ready in no time. So, grab your Ninja Recipes or favorite air fryer and let’s dive into making the best Popcorn Chicken you’ve ever had. Homemade Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer has never been so crispy and delicious!
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: The Crispy Snack You’ll Make Over and Over
Okay, if you’ve ever had those crispy little popcorn chicken pieces, you know they’re like the perfect bite-sized snack. They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and just so dang good. But here’s the thing—making them at home doesn’t have to be a huge hassle or full of unhealthy grease. Enter: the air fryer.
I was skeptical at first, but this air fryer popcorn chicken recipe will have you hooked. It’s quick, easy, and healthier than the deep-fried version, plus you don’t have to deal with the mess of oil everywhere. Whether you’re making these for a snack, a dinner, or just because you’re craving something crispy, this recipe has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Less Grease, More Flavor: Air frying gives the chicken that perfect crispy crunch, without soaking it in oil.
- Quick to Make: You’re looking at 25 minutes, max.
- Kid-Friendly: These little chicken bites are a hit with kids, and they’re so much fun to dip.
What You Need
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk (or use regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (this gives it a nice smoky flavor)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for that crunchy outside)
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
First things first: take your chicken and cut it into little bite-sized cubes. Put those cubes into a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the chicken soak for about 15 minutes. I know this step feels a little extra, but it makes the chicken so tender and juicy! If you don’t have time, even 5 minutes of soaking will still make a difference.
2. Set Up Your Coatings
In one bowl, mix your flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it together so it’s all combined. In another bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs. This will be your crispy coating.
3. Coat the Chicken
Now for the fun part. Take a piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and shake off the excess liquid. Then, coat it with the flour mixture. Dip it back into the buttermilk to get a little more moisture, and then roll it in the breadcrumbs. Make sure it’s fully covered so you get that crispy, golden crunch. Repeat with the rest of the chicken.
4. Air Fry the Chicken
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Once it’s heated up, spray the air fryer basket with a little cooking spray to keep the chicken from sticking. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket. Don’t overcrowd them, or they won’t get that crispy crunch. Give the chicken a quick spray of cooking oil to help it crisp up even more.
Cook the chicken for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This helps make sure they cook evenly on all sides. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, you’re done!
5. Serve & Enjoy
Pile your popcorn chicken onto a plate and get ready to devour it. You can dip them in whatever sauces you love—honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch, or even ketchup. So yummy!
Pro Tips for Perfect Popcorn Chicken
- Keep It Warm: If you’re cooking in batches, put the first batch in a warm oven (about 200°F) so they stay crispy while you cook the rest.
- Switch Up the Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or even crush up some crackers.
- Spicy Option: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some cayenne pepper in the flour mixture for a kick.
Make It a Meal
These crispy little bites are perfect as a snack, but you can easily turn them into a full meal. Serve them with a side of roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. You could even pair them with a fresh salad if you want something light. Or, if you’re in the mood for comfort food, go all out with fries and coleslaw.
I gotta say, air fryer popcorn chicken has become one of my go-to recipes. It’s so easy and always turns out delicious. Plus, it’s a great way to feed a crowd or keep everyone happy with minimal effort. Give it a try next time you’re craving something crispy and tasty—trust me, it won’t last long in your house.
FAQs: Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
1. Can I use frozen chicken for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to increase the cook time by about 5–7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. It’s best to thaw the chicken first for the crispiest results, though!
2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. There are many great gluten-free options available that will still give you that crispy texture.
3. Do I need to preheat my air fryer?
Yes, preheating your air fryer is important for even cooking and getting that crispy texture. Preheat it to 400°F for best results.
4. How do I keep the popcorn chicken crispy?
To keep your popcorn chicken crispy, try not to overcrowd the basket. Air needs to circulate around the chicken for the best crispiness. If you’re making a big batch, cook in two or more batches and keep the first batch warm in the oven at a low temperature (200°F).
5. Can I make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and coat it the night before. Store it in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. For reheating, you can put leftovers back in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to crisp them up again.
6. What dipping sauces go well with Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken?
The options are endless! Try classic ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy ketchup. You can even make your own dipping sauces like a garlic aioli or a sweet and sour sauce.
7. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can! Chicken thighs will give you a slightly juicier bite, but the cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on their size. Make sure to check the internal temperature to ensure it’s fully cooked.
8. How do I know when my popcorn chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken should be golden brown and crispy on the outside, with an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this with a meat thermometer to make sure it’s safe to eat.
9. Can I make a bigger batch for a crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. If you’re making a large batch, cook in smaller batches to ensure all the pieces get crispy.
10. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture to give the popcorn chicken a kick. You can also serve with a spicy dipping sauce like sriracha mayo.
Air Fry Popcorn Chicken is a game-changer when it comes to quick, delicious meals that the whole family will love. Whether you’re making Air Fried Popcorn Chicken for a kid-friendly lunch or prepping Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Homemade for your next tailgating party, this recipe is versatile and simple to follow.
From Chicken Popcorn Air Fryer to Homemade Chicken Bites Air Fryer, the possibilities are endless. With the right Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe, you’ll be able to make the crispiest, most flavorful Popcorn Chicken in no time.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk or use regular milk if needed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for spraying
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- Soak the chicken cubes in buttermilk for 15 minutes (or at least 5 minutes). This helps the chicken stay tender and juicy.
Prepare Coatings
- In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place panko breadcrumbs.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, then the buttermilk, and coat them in breadcrumbs. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
Air Fry the Chicken
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with cooking spray and place chicken pieces in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking oil.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
- Remove from the air fryer, serve with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy!
If you’re wondering how to make popcorn chicken in the air fryer, this easy recipe is your answer. You can enjoy Diy Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer without the fuss of deep-frying, and it’s a great option for Lunch Appetizers, Kid Meals, or any occasion when you need a quick bite.
Check out Air Fryer Chicken recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Ranch Chicken Wings
- Homemade Air Fryer Chicken Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Honey Garlic Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Cajun Chicken Wings Recipe
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Sweet Chili Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Hawaiian-Style Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
Check out for Crockpot versions below:
- Crockpot Honey Chipotle Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken Wings
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Chicken Wings Recipe
- Easy Crockpot Honey Chicken Wings
Whether you’re using your Ninja Recipes or a different air fryer, Homemade Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer will become your go-to snack.
So, next time you’re craving something crispy, remember this Popcorn Chicken Recipe Air Fryer and enjoy these golden, crunchy bites in just 25 minutes.
