Today, I will show you how to make the most delicious and crispy air fryer popcorn chicken. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner or as a snack to enjoy with your friends and family.
The air fryer is a fantastic kitchen appliance that allows you to cook your favorite foods quickly and without the need for excess oil.
With this recipe, you can easily make popcorn chicken that is just as crispy and flavorful as the deep-fried version, but so much healthier.
In this post, I will provide you with a detailed step-by-step guide on how to make air fryer popcorn chicken, including the necessary ingredients, tips and tricks, best dipping sauces, variations, and side dishes ideas.
So, what are you waiting for? try my popcorn chicken in air fryer recipe and enjoy!
Why You Should Try This Recipe
Healthier Alternative: The air fryer popcorn chicken is a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken. It is cooked using minimal oil and is much lighter on the stomach.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is very easy to follow, and the air fryer makes the cooking process quick and hassle-free.
Restaurant-Quality: This recipe gives you restaurant-quality popcorn chicken that you can make in the comfort of your own home. It’s a great way to satisfy your cravings without leaving the house.
👨🍳 Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken Ingredients
To make this delicious air fried popcorn chicken you will need these ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) Chicken Breasts (boneless)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 1 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt (divided)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
🌟 Popcorn Chicken Air Fryer Recipe
Easily make the best popcorn chicken in the air fryer! Follow this simple recipe:
Step 1
We will start by preparing the panko breadcrumbs. Add oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and about 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Toast the breadcrumbs for about 3 minutes until golden. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly cooked.
Step 2
Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes (about 3/4 inches). Season them with salt and black pepper.
Step 3
And now we will make the dredging station.
- Place the flour on a large plate.
- Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water in another bowl.
- Place the toasted breadcrumbs in another bowl and add the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
Step 4
Take about 10 pieces of the chicken and dredge in the flour (make sure they are well coated). Then, dip in the egg, and cover in the panko mixture. Repeat with all the meat pieces.
Step 5
Preheat your air fryer to 400F (200C) and spray the basket with cooking oil (I like to use olive oil, it’s also much healthier than other oils)
Step 6
Once the air fryer is hot, add the meat pieces (in one single layer. Cook in batches if needed) and air fry for 5-6 minutes. Shake the basket after 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
That’s it! Serve the air fryer popcorn chicken with your favorite dipping sauce and side dishes, and enjoy!
🟢 More Air Fryer Recipes
If you liked my popcorn chicken in air fryer recipe, make sure to check out these great dishes as well:
- Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
- Air Fryer Tandoori Chicken
- Air Fryer Vanilla Cake
- Air Fryer Apple Turnovers
💡 Tips
Here are my tips for this popcorn chicken air fryer recipe:
1. Preheat The Air Fryer And Shake The Basket
Preheating the air fryer is important to ensure even cooking. This allows the chicken to cook properly and develop a crispy exterior without overcooking the inside.
Also, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process will ensure that all sides of the chicken pieces are evenly cooked.
2. Use A Meat Thermometer
To make sure that the chicken is cooked through, I recommend using a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
The chicken should reach a temperature of 165°F (74°C) before it is safe to eat. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken pieces to get an accurate reading.
3. Marinate The Chicken For Extra Flavor
For an extra boost of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade before coating it in the flour and panko mixture.
This will add moisture and flavor to the chicken, making it even more delicious. Some great marinade options include lemon and herb, buttermilk, and teriyaki.
4. Add Parmesan Cheese To The Panko Mixture
To add some extra flavor and depth to the panko mixture, try adding grated Parmesan cheese.
This will give the chicken a slightly cheesy flavor (it tastes so good!) Just mix the Parmesan cheese in with the toasted panko breadcrumbs and other seasonings.
5. Use Different Spices And Herbs
This popcorn chicken air fryer recipe is so versatile, and you can experiment with different herbs and spices to customize it to your liking.
Some of my favorite options include paprika, cumin, chili powder, and thyme. Try different combinations to find your perfect one!
6. Don’t Overcrowd The Air Fryer Basket
It’s very important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy texture.
To ensure that the chicken cooks evenly, arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving some space between each piece.
It is better to cook it in batches to avoid overcrowding. This will result in crispy and evenly cooked chicken every time.
👍 Best Dipping Sauces
Here are some of the best dipping sauces to pair with your air fried popcorn chicken:
Honey Mustard Sauce: A classic dipping sauce, honey mustard adds a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess to the air fryer popcorn chicken.
To make the sauce, combine equal parts honey and dijon mustard, and add a dash of mayonnaise, vinegar, and salt to taste. Mix well and serve alongside the chicken.
Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a versatile dipping sauce that pairs well with almost anything, including popcorn chicken in air fryer.
It’s creamy, tangy, and has a subtle herbal flavor that complements the chicken nicely.
You can use store-bought ranch dressing or make your own by mixing mayonnaise, buttermilk, sour cream, and herbs like parsley, dill, and chives.
Barbecue Sauce: Another classic sauce that works well with airfryer popcorn chicken is barbecue sauce.
It’s sweet, smoky, and adds a nice depth of flavor to the chicken. You can use store-bought barbecue sauce or make your own by mixing ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and different spices like paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Sweet Chili Sauce: For those who like a bit of heat and sweetness, sweet chili sauce is a great option.
Sriracha Mayo: Sriracha mayo is a creamy and spicy dipping sauce that’s perfect for those who like a bit of heat.
It’s made from a blend of mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and a splash of lime juice for a tangy kick.
✔️ Variations
Air Fryer Buffalo Popcorn Chicken – If you like spicy food, you’ll love buffalo popcorn chicken.
Simply toss the cooked chicken pieces in buffalo sauce and serve with a side of blue cheese or ranch dressing.
Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Popcorn Chicken– To give your popcorn chicken a bright and zesty flavor, add lemon pepper seasoning to the panko mixture.
Air Fryer Parmesan Popcorn Chicken– For a cheesy twist on this classic recipe, add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko mixture.
The cheese will melt and form a crispy crust around the chicken pieces, creating a mouth-watering meal.
Air Fryer Teriyaki Popcorn Chicken –Marinate the chicken pieces in teriyaki sauce before dredging them in flour and panko breadcrumbs.
BBQ Popcorn Chicken– To give your popcorn chicken a smoky flavor, coat the chicken pieces in BBQ sauce before dredging them in the panko mixture.
Garlic Parmesan Popcorn Chicken– If you’re a garlic lover, this variation is definitely for you.
Simply add garlic powder to the panko mixture and top with grated Parmesan cheese. The result is a savory and delicious meal that’s bursting with flavor.
Ranch Popcorn Chicken– For a classic twist, add ranch seasoning to the panko mixture.
✨ Side Dishes Ideas
Here are some great side dishes that pair well with air fryer popcorn chicken:
Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries are a great side dish for popcorn chicken as they add a nice sweetness to the meal.
Simply slice sweet potatoes into thin wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and cook in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
Coleslaw: You can make your own coleslaw by shredding cabbage, carrots, and red onion, and mixing them with a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, vinegar, sugar, and salt.
Mac and Cheese: Who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It’s a comfort food that pairs well with almost anything, including popcorn chicken in the air fryer.
You can make your own mac and cheese or use a store-bought mix. Simply cook the mac and cheese according to the package directions and serve alongside the chicken.
Baked Beans: You can use canned baked beans or make your own by mixing cooked navy beans with ketchup, brown sugar, mustard, and bacon. Bake in the oven for about 30-40 minutes until bubbly and hot.
Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables are a healthy and flavorful side dish that pairs well with air fryer popcorn chicken.
You can use any vegetables you like, such as zucchini, bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill in the air fryer or on a stovetop grill pan until tender and charred.
👪 FAQ
Can I use different types of breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use different types of breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs work best for this recipe as they give the chicken a crispy texture.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
You can marinate the chicken in your favorite marinade before coating it in the flour and panko mixture, or add different spices and herbs to the panko mixture.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
Answer: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, which should reach 165°F (74°C) before it is safe to eat.
I hope you liked my popcorn chicken air fryer recipe. This dish is so flavorful and crunchy, it’s sure to become a favorite in your house!
The air fryer is the perfect way to prepare this dish quickly. With just a few minutes of prep time, you can have delicious popcorn chicken ready for dinner or snacks.
If you have any questions about this popcorn chicken airfryer recipe- feel free to comment below. Also, don’t forget to check out other great air fryer recipes on my website.
Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken
- 1 pound Chicken Breasts (boneless) (450g)
- 1 Egg (large)
- 1 1/2 cup Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt (divided)
- 2 1/2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
- We will start by preparing the panko breadcrumbs. Add oil to a skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and about 1/2 teaspoon of salt.Toast the breadcrumbs for 3 minutes until they are golden. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to make sure the breadcrumbs are evenly cooked.
- Cut the chicken breasts into small cubes (about 3/4 inches). Season them with salt and black pepper.
- And now we will make the dredging station.* Place the flour on a large plate*Beat the egg with 1 teaspoon of water in another bowl.*Place the toasted breadcrumbs in another bowl and add the onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Take about 10 pieces of the chicken and dredge in the flour (make sure they are well coated). Then, dip in the egg, and cover in the panko mixture. Repeat with all the meat pieces.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400F (200C) and spray the basket with oil (I use olive oil, it’s also much healthier than other oils)
- Once the air fryer is hot, add the meat pieces (in one single layer. Cook in batches if needed) and air fry for 5-6 minutes. Shake the basket after 2-3 minutes to ensure even cooking.
