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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

iamwinfred
This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken delivers incredibly crispy, golden bites with juicy centers in under 30 minutes. Made with real ingredients and no deep fryer needed, this homemade version tastes even better than your favorite fast food spot. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or kid-friendly meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 310 kcal

Equipment

  • Air fryer Basket-style or oven-style both work, large enough to cook chicken in single layer
  • Large mixing bowls At least 2
  • Shallow dish or plate For breading
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Tongs
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Cooking spray

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast 454g, cut into ¾-inch pieces
  • 1 cup buttermilk 240ml, or regular milk with 1 tbsp vinegar
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour 120g
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Cooking spray For spraying chicken and basket
  • Dipping sauces Chick Fil A Sauce, Bang Bang Sauce, Honey Mustard, Sweet Chili, BBQ Sauce - for serving

Instructions
 

  • Cut chicken breast into ¾-inch uniform pieces. Pat dry with paper towels.
  • Place chicken pieces in bowl and cover with buttermilk. Soak for at least 10 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours refrigerated.
  • In shallow dish, combine flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until evenly distributed.
  • Remove each chicken piece from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Press firmly into breading mixture until fully coated. Place on clean plate.
  • Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Lightly spray basket with cooking spray.
  • Place breaded chicken in single layer in basket without touching. Lightly spray tops with cooking spray. Cook at 400°F for 6 minutes.
  • Flip each piece with tongs, spray again, and cook for another 5-6 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  • Transfer to serving plate and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • Buttermilk soak: Even 10 minutes makes chicken noticeably juicier. The acid helps break down proteins, keeping the chicken from drying out.
  • Pat chicken dry before soaking to help buttermilk and coating adhere better.
  • Use panko, not regular breadcrumbs - panko is coarser and lighter, creating a crispier crunch.
  • Never overcrowd the basket - overlapping pieces trap steam and create soggy spots. Cook in batches if needed.
  • Spray chicken with oil for even golden browning. Without oil, you'll get spotty coloring.
  • Flip halfway to ensure both sides get equally crispy.
  • Storage: Store cooled chicken in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes.
  • Freezing uncooked: Freeze breaded pieces on parchment-lined sheet until solid (1-2 hours), then transfer to freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook frozen at 400°F for 12-14 minutes.
  • Variations: Add cayenne for spicy, Parmesan and herbs for Italian-style, or toss in buffalo sauce after cooking.
  • Chicken thighs: Can substitute boneless skinless thighs for even juicier results.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 32gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2.5gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 620mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 8IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 6mgIron: 10mg
Keyword air fryer popcorn chicken, crispy chicken bites, homemade chicken nuggets
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