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Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 113 reviews
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe delivers crispy, bite-sized chicken pieces that are perfectly seasoned and cooked to golden perfection using an air fryer. Marinated in buttermilk and coated with a flavorful blend of flour and spices, these popcorn chicken bites are a healthier alternative to traditional frying while maintaining a crunchy texture and juicy interior.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Marinade

  • 1–2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • ¼ cup buttermilk

Coating Mix

  • ½ cup flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper

Egg Wash and Oil

  • 2 large eggs
  • Olive oil (for coating air fryer basket and optional spraying)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with the buttermilk. Mix well and let it sit to tenderize and infuse flavor.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate medium bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
  3. Whisk Eggs: In a small bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly to create the egg wash.
  4. Set Cornstarch: Place the cornstarch in another small bowl, ready for coating the chicken pieces.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Remove each chicken piece from the buttermilk marinade, shaking off any excess. First, roll it in the cornstarch, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.
  6. Prepare the Air Fryer: Lightly coat the air fryer basket with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  7. Cook in the Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 390°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking and crisping. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model. The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the exterior is golden and crispy.
  8. Optional Crisping: If the chicken pieces appear a bit floury or not crispy enough halfway through cooking, lightly spray them with olive oil to enhance crispiness.
  9. Serve: Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

  • If the chicken looks floury at the halfway mark during cooking, spraying a little olive oil can help achieve a crispier texture.
  • Ensure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to promote even cooking and crisping.
  • Cooking times can vary depending on the air fryer’s size and model; monitor to avoid overcooking.

Find it online: https://oliviadinner.com/air-fryer-popcorn-chicken-recipe/