Popcorn Chicken | Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe (2024)

Popcorn chicken is a beloved snack food that can be enjoyed by all ages. But did you know that you can make it right in your own kitchen using an air fryer? This recipe is easy, healthy, and just as delicious as the deep-fried version.

Why You'll Love Making These Homemade

• Fast. Get cripsy, juicy popcorn chicken made in your air fryer in under 30 minutes.
• Easy. Chop up some chicken, batter, spray with some oil, and let your air fryer do the rest!
• High Protein. An incredible grams of protein per serving.
• Delicious. These tiny little chicken nuggets taste just as good--if not better--than the ones you get from your favorite fast food chicken place.

This recipe is sure to please everyone in the family. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken make it a satisfying snack or meal. So, next time you’re craving some delicious popcorn chicken, skip the fast food restaurant and try making it at home with this simple recipe!

Ingredients You'll Need

At a glance, this may look like a long list of ingredients, but many of them are spice rack staples. So if you have a well stocked spice cabinet, you'll need very little to get started!

• Chicken breast or tenders
• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Baking powder
• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Oil

How To Make Popcorn Chicken In The Air Fryer

Making popcorn chicken in the air fryer is so simple you'll wonder why you've been spending all of that money on overpriced frozen stuff all of these years!

Here are the super simple steps to make your own air fryer version at home:

1. In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
2. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs with the buttermilk.
3. In a third shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated with the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
6. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
7. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.
8. Serve the popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Variations

• Make it spicy. To add some heat, add 1/4 cup of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk to give just a hint of spice to each bite.
• Add some dill. If you love a hint of dill in your fried chicken, you can either sprinkle some dill into your flour mixture or pour a little bit of pickle juice into your buttermilk for an herbacious acidic bite.
• Toss them in sauce. Everyone loves boneless wings, right? Pour some of your favorite dipping sauce in a bowl and toss the air fried chicken tenders in the sauce for an experience that rivals your local wing spot.

How To Make Frozen Popcorn Chicken In The Air Fryer

Do you love the convenience of frozen popcorn chicken but want a healthier alternative to oven baking? Look no further than your trusty air fryer!

1. Remove the frozen popcorn chicken from the packaging and place it in a single layer on a plate.
2. Let the chicken sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes to thaw slightly.
3. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.
4. Lightly spray the chicken with non-stick cooking spray to ensure even crispiness.
5. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch each other.
6. Cook the chicken in the air fryer for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy, flipping them once halfway through the cooking time.
7. Serve the popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

The air fryer is a game changer when it comes to cooking frozen foods. Not only does it produce perfectly crispy and juicy results, but it also does so with minimal oil and in a fraction of the time it would take to oven-bake.

What To Serve With It

Popcorn chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. Some of my favorite things to serve it with are:

• French fries- A classic option for a delicious and filling meal.
• Coleslaw- Adds a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to the meal.
• Baked beans- A hearty side dish that complements the salty and savory flavors of the chicken.
• Salad- A light and healthy option that provides a contrasting texture to the crispy chicken.
• Macaroni and cheese- A comfort food classic that is perfect for those who love a creamy, cheesy pairing.
• Mashed potatoes- A comforting side dish that pairs well with the savory flavors of the chicken.
• Dipping sauces- Some popular options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, and hot sauce. Experiment with different dipping sauces to find your favorite!

No matter what you choose to serve with your popcorn chicken, make sure to enjoy it hot and crispy for the ultimate family-friendly experience!

How Long Does It Last

Like most fried foods, popcorn chicken are best enjoyed when freshly cooked. If you made too much, or want to use this air fryer popcorn chicken for meal prep, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 to 4 days.

More Simple Chicken Recipes

• Keto Chicken Tenders
• Air Fryer Chicken Thighs
• Instant Pot BBQ Chicken

Pin It!

If you love this air fryer Popcorn Chicken as much as we do, make sure you share the recipe with your friends on Facebook and Instagram so they can try it too! Don't forget to Pin it so you can make it again soon.

And don't forget to check out my air fryer cookbooks! Every day easy air fryer, and Air Fryer Revolution.