Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

There’s something undeniably delightful about crispy bites of chicken, and that’s exactly what the Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken delivers. Over the years, I’ve hosted countless movie nights, and I can tell you, nothing beats the crunch and flavor of homemade popcorn chicken. I remember my first attempt at making this dish; the anticipation was palpable as I watched the air fryer work its magic. The aroma wafted through the air, igniting my excitement. This dish quickly became a family favorite, bringing people together over steaming plates of perfectly crispy bites.

What Goes Into Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken revolves around a few key ingredients that work harmoniously. The star of the show is, of course, chicken, which serves as the canvas for all the delicious flavors. The combination of panko breadcrumbs and spices adds that irresistible crunch and zest, while the egg and flour provide a lovely coating for the chicken pieces.

• Olive oil: Just a tablespoon creates a crispy exterior and adds richness.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs provide the ultra-crisp texture we crave.
• Kosher salt: Essential for enhancing the flavors of the chicken without overpowering.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The ideal meat for this dish, tender and easy to cut into bite-sized pieces.
• All-purpose flour: A light dusting helps the egg and breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.
• Egg: Acts as a binding agent, ensuring the breadcrumbs adhere well.
• Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with savory flavor.
• Onion powder: Adds depth and complexity to the seasoning.
• Dried oregano: A sprinkle adds an aromatic touch.
• Cayenne pepper: For those who enjoy a little heat, this spice brings the kick.
• Freshly ground black pepper: A must for seasoning!
• Olive oil spray: Helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
• Ketchup, Low Fat Ranch Dressing, BBQ Sauce, Honey Mustard, Marinara: Optional sauces for dipping.

The Method for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Making Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a straightforward process that yields fantastic results. Follow this guide to create your own delightful bites. Trust me, the outcome is worth every second.

1. Start by heating your skillet over medium-low heat. Add the olive oil and let it warm up. Then, introduce the panko breadcrumbs along with ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Toast the breadcrumbs, stirring often, until they turn a lovely golden color. This usually takes about four minutes. The smell is divine—make sure to keep an eye on them!
2. Once toasted, transfer the panko to a plate and set it aside to cool. While it cools, take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into ¾-inch cubes. You should aim for about sixty pieces. Season the chicken with ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt and some freshly ground black pepper. This step enhances the flavor right from the start.
3. Now, let’s set up your dredging station. On a large plate, spread out the all-purpose flour and mix in another ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt. In a bowl, crack a large egg, add a teaspoon of water, and beat until it’s well combined.
4. Take the cooled panko breadcrumbs and mix in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if you’re using it). This will create a lovely, flavorful coating for the chicken.
5. Now it’s time to dredge the chicken. Work with about fifteen pieces at a time. First, drop them into the flour, making sure to coat all sides lightly. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
6. Finally, place the chicken pieces in the panko mixture and press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick well. Repeat this process until all the chicken is coated beautifully in the crunchy panko.
7. Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. While it’s heating up, spray the basket with a light coat of olive oil spray.
8. Carefully add about thirty pieces of chicken to the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd them. Leave some space between the pieces to ensure they crisp up nicely. Give the tops a light spray with olive oil as well.
9. Cook the chicken for five minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time. This helps the pieces brown evenly.
10. Once the time is up, serve immediately! You’ll want to savor that crispy goodness as soon as it’s out of the fryer.

Making Adjustments

When it comes to making the perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, a few adjustments can make all the difference. Whether you’re looking to cater to dietary preferences or simply want to add a twist, here are some practical tips.

• Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked popcorn chicken. Just layer the pieces in a freezer-safe container with parchment paper in between. When you’re ready to cook, simply add them directly to the air fryer without thawing.
• Variations: Feel free to swap out the spices for your favorites. A hint of cajun seasoning or adding Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture can elevate the flavors!
• Serving Suggestions: Pair your popcorn chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or a crisp salad for a balanced meal. It also goes wonderfully with homemade fries!
• Healthier Options: You can substitute the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or even almond flour for a gluten-free version without sacrificing too much crunch.

What Complements This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

When serving the delicious Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, it’s all about creating a well-rounded meal that satisfies everyone at the table. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Fresh Salads: A light, crisp salad pairs beautifully with the crunchiness of the chicken. Consider a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a zesty vinaigrette.
• Vegetable Sides: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or carrots can add color and nutrition to your plate.
• Dipping Stations: Create a fun dipping station with a variety of sauces such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing. It’s interactive and adds to the meal’s enjoyment!
• Casual Gatherings: This dish is perfect for casual gatherings, whether it’s a game night, a picnic, or a holiday. The bite-sized pieces allow for easy sharing and snacking!
• Seasonal Pairing: In the warmer months, consider serving the chicken with refreshing fruit salsas or cold pasta salads for a delightful contrast.
• Meal Prep: This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Freeze uncooked chicken pieces, so you can always have a quick meal on hand during busy weekdays.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the fun of finger food with the health benefits of air frying. It’s easy to make, delicious, and can be adapted to satisfy any craving. I encourage you to try this recipe; it may just become a staple in your household!

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

The ultimate comfort food, Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken offers a delicious twist on a classic favorite. Crunchy, flavorful, and perfectly golden bites of chicken are a hit at any gathering. Perfect for a quick dinner or satisfying snack, you'll want to make this recipe tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1.5 cups Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt divided
• 1 pound Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
• 1 large Egg
• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1/8 teaspoon Cayenne pepper optional
• 1 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
• Olive oil spray
• Ketchup Optional, for dipping
• Low Fat Ranch Dressing Optional, for dipping
• BBQ Sauce Optional, for dipping
• Honey Mustard Optional, for dipping
• Marinara Optional, for dipping

Equipment

• Air Fryer

Method

 

1. Add olive oil to a medium skillet over medium low heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Toast the panko for about 4 minutes or until just golden, stirring every 30 seconds to evenly brown. Transfer crumbs to a plate.
2. Cut chicken into ¾-inch cubes (about the size of a small dice), season with ¼ teaspoon kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, then set up your dredging station. You should have about 60 cubes.
3. Place flour and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt on a large plate. Place egg in a bowl, add 1 teaspoon water and beat until uniform.
4. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and cayenne (if using) and black pepper, to taste, to the toasted panko and place the plate on the other side of the egg bowl.
5. Working with about 15 pieces at a time, dredge in flour, lightly coating all sides. Then, egg, allowing excess to drip off (I like to use tongs and wipe the excess off on the side of the bowl). Next, add the pieces to the panko mixture and coat all sides evenly, pressing crumbs to make sure they adhere evenly. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
6. Preheat air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with olive oil.
7. Add about 30 pieces to the air fryer basket, making sure to leave space between each piece so they get crispy. Spray the top with oil.
8. Cook for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Tip 1: 1/4 cup breadcrumbs get thrown out.
• Tip 2: For best results, freeze Popcorn Chicken UNCOOKED.
• Tip 3: Place chicken pieces in an even layer (not stacked on top of each other) in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment, adding a new piece of parchment to each layer.
• Tip 4: When ready to cook, heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with oil then add 30 pieces, in an even layer. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cook time.

Previous PostCheesy Chicken Pasta and Vegetables

Next Post Baked Coconut Chicken Strips

Meet Molly Brooks

I love mixing nostalgic flavors with fun, fresh twists. My goal is to make cooking the best part of your day. I loved making this recipe, and I hope it becomes a new favorite in your home!