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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

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!
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

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.