Popcorn chicken is a crowd-pleasing snack that’s both flavorful and easy to make at home. It’s a lighter, healthier alternative to the traditional deep-fried version, thanks to the magic of the air fryer. This recipe allows you to enjoy crispy, juicy chicken without all the extra grease. Whether you’re serving it as a quick dinner, an appetizer, or a fun snack, this recipe is sure to satisfy your cravings!
What Is Popcorn Chicken?
Popcorn chicken is a bite-sized version of chicken pieces that are breaded and fried. These small, crispy morsels are often served as a snack or appetizer and are usually made from chicken breast, cut into small cubes. The name “popcorn” comes from the way the chicken pieces are small and easy to eat, much like popcorn!
Though traditionally deep-fried, you can make a healthier version by using an air fryer, which requires minimal oil but still gives you that crispy texture you crave. The beauty of the air fryer is that it allows you to achieve that perfect crunch without the need for excessive amounts of oil.
Why Make Popcorn Chicken in an Air Fryer?
- Healthier Option: Air frying uses significantly less oil than traditional deep-frying, which means fewer calories and less fat.
- Quick & Easy: The air fryer cooks popcorn chicken in a fraction of the time it takes in a conventional oven.
- Crispiness: The air fryer provides that delightful crispy coating without drying out the chicken, keeping it juicy on the inside.
Ingredients for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Making this dish is as simple as gathering a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For toasting the panko breadcrumbs.
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs – Panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a light and crispy exterior.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt – Helps enhance the flavor of the chicken and the breading.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts – Cut into small, bite-sized pieces.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour – For coating the chicken before dipping it in the egg mixture.
- 1 large egg – To help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder – Adds savory depth to the breading.
- 2 teaspoons onion powder – Another essential seasoning for a well-balanced flavor.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano – For a hint of herby freshness.
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional) – Adds a mild heat, adjust to your taste.
- Freshly ground black pepper – For a touch of spice and seasoning.
- Olive oil spray – To lightly coat the chicken pieces before cooking.
- Dipping sauces (optional): Ketchup, low-fat ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinara sauce.
Instructions
Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add 1 ½ cups of panko breadcrumbs and ½ teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir frequently for about 4 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.Prepare the Chicken
Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into ¾-inch cubes. Season the chicken pieces with ¼ teaspoon of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.Set Up the Dredging Station
Prepare three plates or shallow bowls for the breading process:- On the first plate, place 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- In the second bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 1 teaspoon of water until well combined.
- On the third plate, mix the toasted panko with 2 teaspoons of garlic powder, 2 teaspoons of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for spice). Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Bread the Chicken
Working in small batches (about 15 pieces at a time), dredge each chicken cube in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are coated. Then dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off. Next, coat the chicken with the seasoned panko, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs stick.Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.Cook the Popcorn Chicken
Place about 30 pieces of breaded chicken in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s enough space between each piece for even cooking. Lightly spray the top of the chicken with olive oil to ensure a crispy texture.Air Fry the Chicken
Cook the chicken at 400°F for 5 minutes. Halfway through, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. After 5 minutes, check for golden-brown, crispy chicken. If needed, cook for an additional 1-2 minutes for extra crispiness.Serve
Once cooked, remove the popcorn chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, honey mustard, or marinara.
Notes
Freezing Popcorn Chicken
Uncooked Freezing: For meal prep, you can freeze the chicken before cooking. Arrange the breaded chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze for 1-2 hours until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and cook the frozen chicken for 8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Cooked Freezing: To freeze cooked popcorn chicken, let the chicken cool completely. Arrange the pieces on a baking sheet and flash freeze for 1-2 hours. Transfer the frozen chicken to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Crispy Texture
Make sure to leave some space between the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Overcrowding can result in uneven cooking and less crispy chicken.Flavor Variations
- For extra flavor, you can mix Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the spiciness by adding more cayenne pepper or other chili powders.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed cornflakes.
Serving Suggestions
Air fryer popcorn chicken pairs perfectly with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. For a full meal, serve it alongside a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or in a wrap for a delicious lunch or dinner.Cooking Times
Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model. If you find your chicken isn’t crispy enough after the initial 5 minutes, feel free to add an extra 1-2 minutes.
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into small, bite-sized cubes. Each piece should be about the size of a small dice. Season the chicken with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavor.
Step 2: Toast the Panko Breadcrumbs
To ensure the breadcrumbs are crispy and golden, toast them lightly before breading the chicken. Here’s how:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-low heat.
- Add the panko breadcrumbs and ½ teaspoon of salt to the skillet. Stir occasionally for about 4 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Once toasted, transfer the breadcrumbs to a plate and set them aside.
Step 3: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Now, you’ll set up your dredging station. This process will help coat the chicken pieces in flour, egg, and seasoned breadcrumbs, creating a crispy crust.
- On one plate, place 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and ¼ teaspoon of salt.
- In a separate bowl, crack an egg, add 1 teaspoon of water, and whisk until smooth.
- On a third plate, combine the toasted panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Working in batches, coat each chicken piece as follows:
- First, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring all sides are coated evenly.
- Next, dip the floured chicken in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Finally, press the chicken into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Repeat this process until all the chicken pieces are breaded.
Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Preheating ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy on all sides.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking and help achieve a golden, crispy texture. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow for even cooking.
- Cook time: Air fry the popcorn chicken for 5 minutes at 400°F, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even crisping.
- Serving suggestion: Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket: Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam rather than crisp, leading to less-than-ideal results.
- Use high-quality panko breadcrumbs: They give the chicken its signature crunch. If you can find Japanese-style panko, that’s even better.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to get creative with the seasoning. Add herbs like thyme or rosemary, or make it spicier with additional cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
- Freeze for later: If you want to make a batch in advance, freeze the breaded chicken pieces uncooked. When you’re ready to cook, just air fry them straight from the freezer.
How to Freeze and Reheat Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
One of the best things about Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is that it’s not only quick to make, but it also freezes really well. Freezing the chicken before cooking ensures that you can have a fresh batch anytime you want. Here’s how to freeze and reheat the chicken for maximum flavor and texture:
How to Freeze Popcorn Chicken (Uncooked)
For the best results, freeze your popcorn chicken uncooked. This way, the breading will stay crispy when cooked later, and the chicken will maintain its moisture. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare the Chicken: After breading the chicken, lay the pieces in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet or tray. Ensure they aren’t stacked on top of each other.
- Flash Freeze: Place the baking sheet with the chicken in the freezer and let it freeze for about 1-2 hours until the chicken pieces are solid.
- Storage: Transfer the frozen chicken pieces to a freezer-safe container or a zip-top bag. Label the container with the date, so you know when it was frozen. For best results, consume within 3 months.
How to Cook Frozen Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer
When you’re ready to cook the frozen popcorn chicken, here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for a few minutes.
- Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Spray the air fryer basket lightly with olive oil spray to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick.
- Add Frozen Chicken: Place about 30 pieces of frozen popcorn chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Leave enough space between each piece to allow for even cooking.
- Cook: Air fry the chicken at 400°F for about 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure all pieces cook evenly. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the size of the pieces or the air fryer model you are using.
- Serve Immediately: Once the chicken is golden and crispy, serve with your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Reheat Cooked Popcorn Chicken
If you’ve already cooked your popcorn chicken and want to reheat it, the air fryer is your best option. Here’s how:
- Reheat in Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover popcorn chicken in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between pieces.
- Reheat: Air fry for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This will warm the chicken up while keeping the breading crispy.
- Serve: Once the chicken is hot, serve it with your favorite sauces or as part of a meal.
Serving Suggestions for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
While popcorn chicken is fantastic on its own, you can take your meal to the next level by pairing it with complementary sides and dips. Here are some tasty ideas for serving:
1. Dipping Sauces
Popcorn chicken is the perfect finger food for dipping! Consider offering a variety of sauces for different flavor profiles:
- Ketchup: A classic choice, loved by both kids and adults.
- Low-fat Ranch Dressing: Creamy and tangy, this is a favorite for many.
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a smoky and slightly sweet kick.
- Honey Mustard: A great balance of sweet and tangy.
- Marinara Sauce: For an Italian twist, especially if you love that tomato-basil combo.
2. Side Dishes
Here are some side dish ideas that pair beautifully with popcorn chicken:
- Crispy French Fries: You can make your fries in the air fryer too for an extra crispy and healthier side!
- Coleslaw: The freshness of a tangy coleslaw balances the richness of the chicken perfectly.
- Vegetables: Try serving with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to add a light and healthy touch.
- Mac and Cheese: If you want something more indulgent, mac and cheese always goes well with crispy chicken.
3. Make It a Meal
For a more complete meal, serve the popcorn chicken with:
- Rice: A simple side of jasmine rice or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option can help round out the meal.
- Wraps or Sandwiches: Make a chicken wrap or sandwich by adding the popcorn chicken to a tortilla or bun, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and your choice of sauce.
Nutritional Information
Here’s the breakdown of the nutritional values for one serving (approximately 15 pieces) of Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 283 kcal |
| Protein | 30g |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.5g |
| Cholesterol | 129mg |
| Sodium | 385mg |
| Fiber | 1.5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
This recipe is high in protein and relatively low in fat compared to deep-fried versions, making it a healthier choice without compromising on flavor. It’s perfect for anyone who’s looking for a lighter alternative to fast food, without sacrificing taste.
Additional Tips for Success
- Chicken Quality: Always use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the best results. If you’re using frozen chicken, make sure it’s fully thawed before breading.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize the seasoning blend to your taste. Add Parmesan cheese to the panko breadcrumbs, or use different herbs and spices to create your own unique flavor.
- Crispiness: For even more crunch, you can double coat the chicken (once in flour, then in egg, then in panko) for a thicker, extra-crispy breading.
Variations on the Classic Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
While the base recipe for Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is delicious on its own, you can easily switch things up to match your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for variations you can try:
1. Gluten-Free Popcorn Chicken
If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute for panko. For extra crunch, you can try using crushed cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs for a more traditional texture.
2. Spicy Popcorn Chicken
Love spice? Add a kick to your popcorn chicken by increasing the amount of cayenne pepper or adding chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. You could also dip your chicken in a spicy hot sauce before breading it for an added punch.
3. Buffalo Popcorn Chicken
For those who love the bold flavors of buffalo sauce, you can make buffalo popcorn chicken by tossing the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce after it’s done air frying. Serve it with blue cheese or ranch for an extra tangy finish.
4. Herb-Infused Popcorn Chicken
Elevate the flavor by adding fresh herbs to the breadcrumb coating. Try mixing in chopped rosemary, thyme, or parsley for a fresh, herbal twist. A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese can also be added to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy, savory flavor.
5. Parmesan Crusted Popcorn Chicken
For a richer, more decadent version, you can mix some Parmesan cheese into the panko breading. The cheese crisps up nicely in the air fryer and gives the chicken a golden, cheesy crust.
Why Use the Air Fryer for Popcorn Chicken?
The air fryer is the perfect kitchen tool for making popcorn chicken for several reasons:
- Healthier Cooking: Air frying uses less oil than traditional frying methods, making your popcorn chicken much lower in fat. It’s a great alternative for those who want to enjoy fried food without the extra calories.
- Faster Cooking: The air fryer cooks the chicken quickly, in just 8 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a snack.
- Less Mess: No more splattering oil everywhere! The air fryer keeps the mess to a minimum while still producing a crispy and delicious result.
Final Thoughts on Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a game-changer. It’s a healthier, faster, and cleaner alternative to deep-fried chicken, and it’s just as satisfying. The crispy breading, juicy chicken, and endless flavor possibilities make it a perfect snack, appetizer, or meal. Whether you’re preparing it for a movie night, a quick lunch, or a party, you can be sure it will be a hit with family and friends.
Don’t forget, you can freeze and store the chicken, so you always have a quick meal on hand. With endless variations, this recipe can be customized to fit anyone’s taste preferences, making it a staple in any kitchen.
By using simple ingredients and following these easy steps, you can enjoy popcorn chicken that’s both delicious and nutritious. Plus, the air fryer does all the hard work, ensuring you get perfect results every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How long do you cook popcorn chicken in the air fryer?
The cooking time for popcorn chicken in the air fryer is typically 5 to 6 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This is enough time to cook the chicken through and get a crispy, golden exterior. It’s important to shake the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks evenly on all sides. If you’re cooking frozen popcorn chicken, the time may be slightly longer (about 8 minutes).
2. Can popcorn be popped in an air fryer?
Yes, you can pop popcorn in an air fryer! To do so, place a small amount of popcorn kernels (around 1/4 cup) in an air fryer basket, and set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to ensure even popping. The key is to use a perforated parchment paper liner or a specially designed popcorn basket to prevent the kernels from flying out.
3. Why is air fryer chicken so juicy?
Air fryer chicken can be exceptionally juicy due to the way the air fryer circulates hot air. Unlike traditional frying, which can dry out the chicken, the air fryer uses rapid hot air to cook the food, locking in moisture while creating a crispy outer layer. Additionally, marinating or using a light coating of oil can further help retain moisture and enhance flavor.
4. Can I use frozen chicken for air fryer popcorn chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken to make popcorn chicken in the air fryer! However, be sure to thaw the chicken before breading and cooking for the best results. If you do cook it from frozen, you’ll need to cook it for a bit longer (around 8 minutes at 400°F) and ensure you shake the basket halfway through for even cooking. You might also need to spray the chicken with oil before cooking for a crispy finish.
5. What can I serve with air fryer popcorn chicken?
Air fryer popcorn chicken pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with a fresh green salad, fries, coleslaw, or even vegetable sticks for a light yet satisfying meal. For a more indulgent option, consider serving it with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. It also makes for a great snack or appetizer for parties!
