Hey there, fellow air fryer enthusiasts! I’m William, and today I’m super excited to share my favorite air fryer popcorn chicken recipe that’s gonna blow your taste buds away. If you’ve been craving that satisfying crunch of popcorn chicken but don’t want all the oil and mess of deep frying, you’re in the right place
Air fryer popcorn chicken is seriously a game-changer – it’s healthier, quicker, and honestly, I think it tastes even better than the deep-fried version! I’ve perfected this recipe through countless trials in my kitchen, and now my family requests it at least once a week
Why You Should Make Popcorn Chicken in Your Air Fryer
Before we dive into the recipe, let me tell you why making popcorn chicken in the air fryer is absolutely worth it:
- Healthier Alternative: Uses minimal oil compared to traditional deep-frying
- Quick and Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes from prep to plate
- Restaurant-Quality Results: Crispy outside, juicy inside – just like takeout
- Less Mess: No oil splatters to clean up afterward
- Versatile: Easy to customize with different seasonings
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults love these bite-sized morsels
I personally love that I can satisfy my fried chicken cravings without feeling guilty afterward. Plus, my kitchen doesn’t smell like oil for days!
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Two Amazing Recipes
I’m gonna share two fantastic recipes that I’ve tested multiple times. The first one uses panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness, while the second uses a cornstarch coating for a lighter option. Both are delicious!
Recipe 1: Crispy Panko Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) boneless chicken breasts
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1½ tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt (divided)
- 2½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Your favorite dipping sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the breadcrumbs: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add panko breadcrumbs and about ½ teaspoon of salt. Toast for about 3 minutes until golden, stirring occasionally for even cooking. This step is a game-changer for extra crispiness!
- Prep the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into small cubes (approximately ¾ inch). Season them with some salt and black pepper.
- Set up your dredging station:
- Plate 1: Place the flour
- Bowl 2: Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water
- Bowl 3: Mix the toasted breadcrumbs with onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper
- Coat the chicken: Take about 10 pieces of chicken at a time and dredge in flour, then dip in egg, and finally coat well in the panko mixture. Repeat with all chicken pieces.
- Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and spray the basket with olive oil spray.
- Cook: Once heated, place chicken pieces in a single layer in the basket (you’ll likely need to cook in batches). Air fry for 5-6 minutes total, shaking the basket after 2-3 minutes for even cooking.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
Recipe 2: Lighter Seasoned Cornstarch Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground thyme
- ⅛ teaspoon dried basil
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon dried sage
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- Cooking spray
Instructions:
- Season the chicken: Place chicken in a medium bowl. In a small bowl, combine all the seasonings. Reserve 1 teaspoon of this mixture, and sprinkle the rest over the chicken. Toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare cornstarch coating: In a large ziplock bag, combine the cornstarch and the reserved 1 teaspoon of seasoning. Add the chicken, seal the bag, and shake until evenly coated.
- Remove excess: Transfer chicken to a fine mesh strainer and shake to remove excess cornstarch. Let rest for 5-10 minutes until the cornstarch begins to absorb into the chicken.
- Preheat: Set your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) and spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Cook: Arrange chicken in a single layer in the basket (no overlapping!). Mist the chicken with cooking spray. Cook for 4 minutes, then shake the basket and mist again with cooking spray. Continue cooking for another 4-5 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature.
- Serve: Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Pro Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
After making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make a difference:
- Preheat your air fryer: Just like an oven, preheating ensures even cooking and helps develop that crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Cook in batches if necessary! Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than “frying,” and you’ll lose that amazing crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer: Chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) internally. Since pieces can vary in size, this ensures everything is properly cooked.
- Toast your panko first: If using panko breadcrumbs, toasting them before coating the chicken makes a HUGE difference in crispiness.
- Shake the basket: Shaking halfway through cooking helps ensure all sides get crispy.
- Spray with oil: A light misting of oil on the coated chicken helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Marinate for extra flavor: For even more flavorful chicken, you can marinate the chicken pieces for 30 minutes before coating them.
- Add Parmesan to the coating: Mix in 2-3 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese with your breadcrumbs for an extra flavor kick.
Delicious Dipping Sauce Ideas
The perfect dipping sauce can take your air fryer popcorn chicken to the next level. Here are my favorites:
Honey Mustard
Mix equal parts honey and dijon mustard with a dash of mayo, vinegar, and salt. Sweet and tangy perfection!
Sriracha Mayo
Combine 1/4 cup mayo with 1-2 teaspoons sriracha and a splash of lime juice. Creamy with a kick!
Ranch Dressing
Either store-bought or homemade works great. For homemade, mix mayo, buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs like parsley, dill, and chives.
Sweet Chili Sauce
Store-bought sweet chili sauce is perfect for those who like a sweet heat.
BBQ Sauce
Classic and always delicious with popcorn chicken.
Tasty Variations to Try
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is! Here are some variations my family loves:
- Buffalo Popcorn Chicken: Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce and serve with blue cheese dressing.
- Lemon Pepper: Add lemon pepper seasoning to your breadcrumb mix for a zesty kick.
- Parmesan Garlic: Add extra garlic powder and grated Parmesan to the coating.
- Teriyaki: Marinate the chicken in teriyaki sauce before coating and cooking.
- BBQ Style: Add some BBQ seasoning to your breadcrumb mixture, or toss in BBQ sauce after cooking.
- Ranch: Mix some ranch seasoning into your breadcrumb mixture for ranch-flavored chicken bites.
Perfect Side Dishes to Serve with Your Popcorn Chicken
Make it a complete meal with these delicious sides:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Slice sweet potatoes into thin wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and air fry at 375°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Coleslaw: The creamy, cool crunch perfectly complements the crispy chicken.
- Mac and Cheese: A classic comfort food pairing that everyone loves.
- Baked Beans: The sweet and savory combo works surprisingly well with popcorn chicken.
- Grilled Vegetables: For a healthier option, grill some zucchini, bell peppers, and onions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?
A: Yes! While panko gives the crispiest texture, regular breadcrumbs work too. Just make sure to toast them first for best results.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them back up.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
A: Absolutely! Thighs will be even juicier, though they may need an extra minute of cooking time.
Q: My coating keeps falling off. What am I doing wrong?
A: Make sure to shake off excess flour before the egg dip, and let the excess egg drip off before the breadcrumb coating. Pressing the breadcrumbs gently onto the chicken also helps them stick better.
Q: Can I freeze these?
A: Yes! Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once frozen. Cook from frozen in the air fryer at 380°F for about 8-10 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Making popcorn chicken in the air fryer has been a total game-changer for me. It’s quicker, healthier, and honestly tastes even better than takeout. The combination of that satisfying crunch on the outside and juicy chicken inside is just perfect, and my kids absolutely love it.
The best part? It’s so versatile that you can customize it in countless ways to suit your taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner with some sides or as a fun appetizer for game day, this air fryer popcorn chicken is sure to be a hit.
Happy air frying!