This Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken recipe is the perfect way to enjoy crispy, bite-sized chicken with far less oil than traditional deep-frying. Using the air fryer, you get all the crunch and flavor of popcorn chicken without the extra calories and grease. It’s quick, easy, and a healthier alternative for a family favorite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 egg

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Olive oil spray or cooking spray

Directions

1. Prepare the Chicken:

   • Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.

   • In a bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

2. Coat the Chicken:

   • Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, then dip them in the egg mixture.

   • Coat the chicken with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure they stick.

3. Preheat the Air Fryer:

   • Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

4. Cook the Chicken:

   • Spray the basket of the air fryer with olive oil spray. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not crowded.

   • Spray the top of the chicken with a little more olive oil spray.

   • Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

5. Serve:

   • Remove the chicken from the air fryer and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Estimated Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 250-300 kcal

• Protein: 25-30 g

• Carbohydrates: 15-20 g

  • Fiber: 1-2 g

  • Sugar: 1-2 g

• Fat: 10-12 g

  • Saturated Fat: 1-2 g

• Cholesterol: 75-90 mg

• Sodium: 400-500 mg

• Vitamin A: 4% of the Daily Value (from spices and seasonings)

• Iron: 8% of the Daily Value (from chicken and breadcrumbs)

This estimate is based on using olive oil spray for cooking, which helps reduce fat content compared to deep frying. The values will vary depending on the brand of breadcrumbs, the size of chicken pieces, and the exact amount of oil used.

Why Choose the Air Fryer?

The air fryer is an excellent tool for making crispy foods with a fraction of the oil used in traditional deep frying. This makes it a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise on taste. The hot air circulates around the food, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and juicy. For popcorn chicken, this method ensures you get the perfect texture without the added grease from frying. Plus, it’s faster and easier than heating up a pan of oil, and it minimizes mess, making clean-up a breeze.

Using the air fryer also reduces the calorie count significantly, making this recipe a great choice for those who want to enjoy a comfort food favorite without the guilt.

Key Ingredients and Their Role

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the perfect choice for making popcorn chicken. They’re lean and tender, offering a protein-packed base for the breading.

• Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for achieving an extra-crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs can be used as well. The breadcrumbs coat the chicken and form the crispy outer layer.

• Flour: The flour helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken and acts as a binding agent between the chicken and the breadcrumbs.

• Egg: The egg serves as the adhesive to help the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken. It also adds richness to the coating.

• Spices (Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika): These spices infuse the chicken with flavor, giving it the savory depth typical of popcorn chicken. You can adjust the seasoning to your preference for a more flavorful kick.

• Olive Oil Spray: A light spray of olive oil helps the breading crisp up in the air fryer. It adds just the right amount of fat for a golden brown finish.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Start by cutting the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. This will give you the perfect portion size for dipping.

2. Make the Egg Mixture

In a bowl, whisk together the egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will serve as the flavorful binding liquid that coats the chicken pieces before breading.

3. Coat the Chicken

Next, dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, ensuring each piece is lightly coated. Then, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure it’s well-covered. Finally, coat the chicken with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. The breadcrumbs will form a crispy outer layer when cooked in the air fryer.

4. Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures that the air fryer is hot and ready for the chicken to cook evenly.

5. Cook the Chicken

Spray the basket of the air fryer with a light coat of olive oil spray. This helps prevent sticking and ensures the breading crisps up. Place the breaded chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not overcrowded to allow for even cooking. Spray the tops of the chicken with a little more olive oil spray.

Cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through. The chicken should turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Be sure to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (74°C) to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

6. Serve

Once the popcorn chicken is cooked, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool for a minute or two. Serve the crispy chicken pieces with your favorite dipping sauces, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Tips for Perfect Popcorn Chicken

• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: To achieve crispy, evenly cooked chicken, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If necessary, cook the chicken in batches to give each piece enough space to crisp up.

• Adjust the Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you prefer a spicier version, add some cayenne pepper or chili powder to the egg mixture. For a more savory taste, you can experiment with herbs like dried oregano or thyme.

• Keep the Chicken Juicy: To ensure the chicken remains juicy, try not to overcook it. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to make sure it reaches 165°F (74°C) without drying out.

• Dipping Sauce: These popcorn chicken pieces are perfect for dipping. Serve them with your favorite sauces to add extra flavor. Honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ranch dressing are classic choices.

Conclusion: A Healthier Take on Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken offers all the flavor and crunch of the traditional fried version but with far fewer calories and less fat. By using the air fryer, you achieve crispy, golden chicken with minimal oil, making it a healthier option that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a snack, or a fun appetizer, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of popcorn chicken without the guilt!