Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is a family favorite that’s easy to make and delivers crispy, tender bites that are better than takeout. Whether served as a snack, appetizer, or dinner, these flavorful morsels are a hit with kids and adults alike, deliciously crispy on the outside and tender inside.
Got a craving for something crispy, tasty, and super easy to make? Air fryer popcorn chicken could be exactly what you need! With a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a crunchy snack ready in no time.
Perfect for parties, family hangouts, or even a cozy night in with a movie, this recipe is a great starter if you’re new to air frying. And the best part? You’ll be munching on these tasty bites in just about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast & Easy: You’ll have popcorn chicken ready in minutes—perfect for busy days or quick snack breaks.
- Crispy Goodness: Thanks to the air fryer, you get that satisfying crunch without a lot of oil.
- Bursting with Flavor: Each bite is packed with seasoning, so you’ll get flavor in every nibble.
- Healthier Choice: Less oil means a lighter snack that’s still super delicious.
- Customizable: Add a bit more spice or switch up the dips to make it exactly how you like it.
- Party-Perfect: These bite-sized pieces are easy to grab and great for sharing.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces—they’re the star of the show!
- All-Purpose Flour: Coats the chicken for a crispy crust.
- Potato Starch: Adds an extra layer of crunch.
- Baking Powder: Makes the coating light and crisp.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out all the flavors.
- Paprika, Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These add a savory warmth and a hint of spice.
- Eggs & Buttermilk: Helps the coating stick and adds a slight tang.
How to Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Follow along to learn how to make air fryer popcorn chicken – a family fave!
- Step One: Grease the air fryer basket with an oil sprayer. Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Step Two: Add flour, potato starch, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small shallow bowl and whisk to combine.
- Step Three: In another shallow bowl, add the eggs and buttermilk. Whisk together.
- Step Four: Pat the chicken breast pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Step Five: Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture again. Place the pieces on a clean plate.
- Step Six: Place the chicken in the air fryer and spritz each piece with an oil sprayer.
- Step Seven: Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes. Turn halfway through and spritz with more oil sprayer.
- Step Eight: Serve hot with your favorite sauces.
What to Serve With It
- French Fries: Can’t go wrong with the classic combo! Try Air Fryer Frozen French Fries.
- Coleslaw: A cool, crunchy balance to the crispy chicken. Try Chipotle Coleslaw.
- Mac and Cheese: For a comfort-food twist, add a little extra creaminess. Try Crockpot Mac and Cheese.
- Veggies: Try carrot sticks or broccoli for a fresh, lighter side.
Variations & Swaps
Want to add some heat? A dash of cayenne or hot sauce in the flour mix will do the trick! If you’re out of potato starch, swap in a bit more flour. You’ll still get a crispy, delicious coating.
No Air Fryer? No Problem!
Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet. You’ll get nearly the same crispy goodness with minimal oil—perfect if you’re oven-only!
Storing Leftovers
- In the Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Use parchment between layers to keep them crispy.
- In the Freezer: Flash-freeze on a baking sheet, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheating Tips: Pop them back in the air fryer or oven to keep that crispy coating intact.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: This step is key to even cooking.
- Uniform Pieces: Cut the chicken into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Shake Off Excess: No clumps! Shaking off the extra flour keeps your coating even.
- Check for Doneness: Use a thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F.
Dip Ideas to Try
- Honey Mustard: Sweet, tangy, and classic.
- BBQ Sauce: Smoky and rich for a deeper flavor.
- Ranch: Creamy and herby—always a favorite.
- Buffalo Sauce: For the spice lovers! Pair it with ranch or blue cheese for a perfect balance.
- Queso: Rich and cheesy deliciousness!
Air Fryer Recipes
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup potato starch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 4 large eggs whisked
- ½ cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Grease the air fryer basket with an oil sprayer. Preheat the air fryer to 400℉.
- Add flour, potato starch, baking powder, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder and onion powder to a small shallow bowl and whisk to combine.
- In another shallow bowl, add the eggs and buttermilk. Whisk together.
- Pat the chicken breast pieces dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture and then back into the flour mixture again. Place the pieces on a clean plate.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer and spritz each piece with an oil sprayer.
- Air fry for 8 to 12 minutes. Turn halfway through and spritz with more oil sprayer.
- Serve hot with your favorite sauces.
Notes
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Did you make this recipe?
We would love to see it! Share it on your favorite social channel and tag us @busydaydinners