Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside – these air fried chicken lollipops deliver finger-licking goodness with every bite! Far healthier than their deep fried counterparts, this recipe uses an air fryer to achieve that coveted crunch without all the excess oil.
Marinated in a zesty blend of Asian and Tex-Mex flavors like ginger, garlic, chili powder, soy sauce, and sriracha, the chicken gets infused with a ton of spice and depth. Then a light dredge in flour before air frying creates a beautifully crisp crust.
The result? Addictively flavorful chicken lollipops bursting with texture and taste. Whether making them for game day snacks, weeknight dinners, or party appetizers, these saucy, crispy chicken bites are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Kids and adults alike will delight in the fun presentation and finger-food fabulousness.
Trust me, just one bite and you’ll be hooked! So, let’s get started with this chicken lollipop air fryer recipe!
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple: One of the biggest advantages of this lollipop chicken legs air fryer recipe is that it is quick and easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a delicious appetizer or snack ready in no time.
The marinade is easy to prepare and the air fryer cooks the chicken to perfection in just 12-14 minutes. This is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a snack or appetizer that doesn’t require a lot of preparation time.
Healthy And Delicious: By using the air fryer, you avoid the need for deep frying, which means that the chicken lollipops are lower in fat and calories compared to traditional fried chicken.
Plus, the marinade is packed with delicious spices and sauces, giving the chicken a burst of flavor that is sure to please your taste buds.
Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether you are looking for a quick and easy snack, a tasty appetizer for a party, or a delicious meal, these chicken lollipops fit the bill.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
To make the air fried chicken lollipop you will need:
- 6-8 Chicken Lollipop Cuts
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons All Purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Corn Flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 3/4 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cooking oil
👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy chicken lollipop in air fryer recipe:
Step 1
Add these ingredients to a mixing bowl: ginger garlic paste, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix well, and then add the soy sauce, tomato sauce, white vinegar, and Sriracha sauce. Mix until well combined.
Step 2
Add the chicken lollipops and mix well until they are well coated with the mixture. Place in the fridge for 20 minutes.
Step 3
Add the cornflour and all purpose flour. Mix well until the chicken is coated.
Step 4
Preheat the air fryer to 380F (190C) and spray the basket with oil. Place the chickens inside.
Step 5
Air fry for 12-14 minutes, and flip the chicken halfway through. That’s it! Let the air fryer chicken lollipops cool for at least 15 minutes, and then serve! Enjoy this chicken lollipop in airfryer recipe.
💡Tips
1. Marinate the Chicken Overnight for Maximum Flavor
Marinating the chicken lollipops overnight before cooking will allow the flavors to really penetrate the meat. This will lead to much more flavorful and juicy chicken.
Simply prepare the marinade as instructed in the recipe, add the chicken lollipops, cover and refrigerate overnight or up to 24 hours. The acidic ingredients like vinegar and Sriracha will tenderize the meat, while the aromatic ginger, garlic, soy sauce, etc will infuse it with lots of flavor.
2. Add Smoked Salt or Paprika
To give the chicken lollipops an extra flavor boost, try seasoning them with smoked salt or paprika before air frying.
Smoked salt has a wonderful smoky aroma that will make the chicken even more delicious. Simple sprinkle some over the flour coating right before air frying.
Paprika not only has a vibrant red color, but will give the chicken a sweet, peppery and slightly smoky taste. Add about 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon of paprika to the flour mixture for a flavor upgrade.
3. Use A Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your chicken lollipops are cooked to perfection, use a meat thermometer to check their internal temperature. The FDA recommends cooking chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure that it is safe to eat.
4. Serve with A Variety Of Dipping Sauces
Don’t be afraid to get creative and serve your chicken lollipops with a variety of dipping sauces. Some great options include honey mustard, buffalo sauce, teriyaki sauce, or even a homemade aioli.
You can also serve them with a side of ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing.
5. Chill Completely Before Serving
As tempting as hot, crispy chicken lollipops straight out of the air fryer may be, letting them chill completely before serving is key. Transfer the cooked chicken to a cooling rack. Do not stack them or they’ll soften.
Let them chill for 15-20 minutes at room temperature. The insides will set and the crispy crust will hold better after cooling.
Once cooled, you can toss them in your favorite dipping sauce and serve! The chill also allows flavors to develop.
Variations
1. The Honey-Glazed Twist- Imagine the sweet melody of honey harmonizing with the spicy notes of the original recipe. Swap out the Sriracha sauce for an equal amount of honey, and reduce the chili powder to just a teaspoon for a tantalizing balance of sweet and spicy.
Prepare as usual, but in the final minutes of air frying, brush each lollipop with a light coating of honey for a sticky, glossy finish. Serve these golden beauties with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and watch them disappear!
2. Mediterranean Marvel– Replace the soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add a teaspoon of dried oregano. Swap the white vinegar for balsamic vinegar, giving a deep, fruity undertone.
The aroma of oregano, combined with the tanginess of lemon and balsamic, will bring a fresh and herbaceous lift to the lollipops. Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprig of fresh oregano on top.
3. Buffalo-Style Bonanza– Let’s go Buffalo! Replace the tomato and Sriracha sauces with 3 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for that iconic, fiery tang. Eliminate the soy sauce and vinegar, and add a teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce for depth.
Prepare as instructed, but once cooked, toss the lollipops in extra buffalo sauce. Serve with celery sticks and blue cheese dressing for an authentic Buffalo wing experience.
4. Teriyaki Temptation– Infuse the lollipops with the sweet and savory flavors of Japan by using 2 tablespoons of teriyaki sauce in place of the soy and Sriracha sauces. Add a teaspoon of honey for extra sweetness and a teaspoon of sesame oil for a nutty aroma.
Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped green onions. These lollipops will offer a delightful taste of the East!
5. Indian Spiced Infusion-Bring the heat and flavor of India to your kitchen. Replace the chili powder with 1 teaspoon of garam masala and add a pinch of ground turmeric and cumin. Swap the soy sauce for 1 tablespoon of tamarind paste, adding a tangy, fruity depth. Serve these aromatic lollipops with a side of mint chutney
Storage
These air fried chicken lollipops can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Make sure the chicken is completely cooled before storing.
You can also freeze the cooked chicken lollipops for longer term storage. Transfer to freezer bags or containers. Properly frozen, the chicken lollipops will keep for 2-3 months. Thaw refrigerated overnight before reheating to serve.
Side Dishes Ideas
1. Air Fryer Green Bean Fries– What better to pair with chicken than a veggie side? For a fun, tasty twist, air fryer green bean fries add crunch and freshness. The green beans get crispy and golden brown when air fried, almost mimicking the taste and texture of french fries. Yet they pack that veggie goodness. The hint of lemon brightens up the beans beautifully.
2. Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes– Rustic, chunky smashed potatoes are comfort food at its finest. Smooth and creamy on the inside with crispy, golden edges from the air fryer – this carb-loaded side soaks up all the delicious juices from the chicken lollipops. Simple, yet so satisfying.
3. Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes– For those who want a potato side but prefer something daintier, fingerling potatoes are just the thing. These cute little spuds get caramelized and crispy when air fried, developing tons of flavor. Tossed with garlic, olive oil and herbs, they make a classy and tasty pairing for chicken lollipops.
4. Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes– Want a healthier, lower carb potato substitute? Sweet potato cubes baked in the air fryer provide vitamin-packed sweetness to balance the savory chicken. With a hint of cinnamon, brown sugar and spice, these cubed sweet potatoes caramelize into an addictive side dish.
5. Air Fryer Curly Fries– Sometimes, you just need good old fashioned fries with your chicken. Curly fries are extra fun – all those nooks and crannies get ultra crispy in the air fryer while the inside stays soft and fluffy. Perfect vehicles for ketchup or any other dipping sauce. The combination of curly fries and chicken lollipops brings fun flair and finger-licking satisfaction.
Dipping Sauces
1. Sweet Chili Sauce The sweet and spicy blend of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar and brown sugar makes this Thai-inspired dipping sauce an absolute crowd favorite. The hint of heat pairs beautifully with the crispy exterior of the chicken, while the sweetness balances out the spices in the lollipop recipe. Dip away!
2. Ranch Dip Cool and creamy ranch dip is a beloved American classic for good reason. The tangy, herby and garlic-forward flavor profile serves as the ultimate foil to fried foods. Dunking those chicken lollipops into a bowl of homemade ranch creates textural contrast for the crispiest chicken experience imaginable.
3. Honey Mustard Adding a touch of sweetness, the smooth, velvety texture of honey mustard dip complements the crunch of the air fryer chicken to sheer perfection. The subtle kick from the mustard cuts through the richness beautifully. This sweet-meets-savory combination is a match made in flavor heaven.
4. Blue Cheese Dip Packed with bold, pungent blue cheese flavor, this cool and creamy dipping sauce adds a delightful funky flair to the chicken. The creaminess pairs perfectly with the crisp exterior, while the strong cheese flavor can stand up to all the dynamic seasonings in the recipe.
5. Spicy Peanut Sauce For those who like some heat, mixing crunchy peanut butter with Asian chili garlic sauce creates an irresistibly bold, spicy and nutty dipping companion for the chicken. The nuttiness matches perfectly with the chicken, while the sriracha in the recipe mirrors the chili garlic sauce for a flavor fusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of flour instead of all-purpose flour for the coating?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with other flours like rice flour or chickpea flour. These alternatives may change the texture slightly but still provide a good crust.
2. What’s the best dipping sauce for chicken lollipops?
Honey mustard, bbq sauce, ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, and sweet chili sauce are all great dipping options. You could also use the leftover marinade from this recipe as a quick dipping sauce.
3. Why do the chicken lollipops need to rest for 15 minutes after cooking?
Letting the chicken lollipops rest allows the juices to redistribute evenly throughout the meat. If you cut into them too soon, the juices will run out and the meat will be dry.
4. What are some other sauce ideas for coating the chicken?
You could try using lemon pepper, cajun seasoning, BBQ rubs, Nando’s Peri-Peri sauce, honey garlic, teriyaki, pesto, or other favorite spices in place of or in addition to the ingredients listed in this recipe.
5. What happens if I don’t marinate the chicken lollipops?
While marinating adds extra flavor and tenderizes the meat, it’s not absolutely necessary. If you’re short on time, you can skip the marinating step and simply coat the chicken in the flour mixture before air frying. However, the flavor will be less intense compared to marinated chicken.
And there you have it – juicy, crispy, crazy flavorful chicken lollipops ready in just minutes thanks to the air fryer! With a clever combo of common pantry ingredients, you can transform a weeknight dinner into a fun, restaurant-worthy meal right at home.
I hope you’ll give this chicken lollipop air fryer recipe a try soon. Be sure to visit the blog for even more quick, family-friendly meals you can make in your air fryer.
What flavors would you add to these spicy chicken lollipops? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing your ideas for ways to adapt my recipes. Happy cooking!
Air Fryer Chicken Lollipop
- 6-8 Chicken Lollipop Cuts
- 2 1/2 tablespoons Tomato Sauce
- 1 1/2 tablespoons All Purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Corn Flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoon Red Chilli Powder
- 3/4 tablespoon Ginger Garlic Paste
- 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon White Vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Sriracha Sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Cooking oil
- Add these ingredients to a mixing bowl: ginger garlic paste, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.Mix well, and then add the soy sauce, tomato sauce, white vinegar, and Sriracha sauce. Mix until well combined.
- Add the chicken lollipops and mix well until they are well coated with the mixture. Place in the fridge for about 20 minutes.
- Add the cornflour and all purpose flour. Mix well until the chicken is coated.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380F (190C) and spray the basket with oil to avoid sticking. Place the chickens inside.
- Ar fry for 12-14 minutes, and flip the chicken halfway through to cook them evenly.
