Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious

Popcorn chicken is a beloved snack food that can be made right at home in an air fryer. It's easy, healthy, and just as delicious as the deep-fried version. The air fryer is a game-changer when it comes to cooking frozen foods, as it produces perfectly crispy and juicy results with minimal oil and in a fraction of the time it would take to oven-bake. This recipe is sure to please everyone in the family, as the crispy exterior and juicy interior of the chicken make it a satisfying snack or meal.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking temperature for popcorn chicken in an air fryer varies across sources, with some recommending 400°F, others 390°F, and another 200°C. However, the cooking time appears to be more consistent, with most sources suggesting a cooking time of 5 minutes for fresh chicken and 8-10 minutes for frozen.

For fresh chicken, it is recommended to preheat the air fryer and cook the chicken for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Some sources suggest misting the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil before cooking to ensure even crispiness.

For frozen chicken, there is no need to thaw it first. Simply add the frozen chicken to the air fryer basket in a single layer, spray with oil, and cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and model of your air fryer, so it is always a good idea to check the chicken after 4 minutes and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Additionally, if you are reheating cooked chicken, you can place it in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes until heated through. If reheating from frozen, spray the chicken with oil and cook for about 6 minutes.

Overall, cooking popcorn chicken in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to enjoy this snack, with most recipes taking 30 minutes or less, including preparation and cooking time.

How to freeze and reheat

To freeze your popcorn chicken, place the uncooked chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container, ensuring they are in an even layer and not stacked on top of each other. Line the container with parchment paper, adding a new piece to each layer. When you are ready to cook, heat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Spray the basket with oil, then add 30 pieces in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Let the chicken cool completely, then flash-freeze on a baking tray. Once frozen, transfer the chicken to a freezer bag or container and store for up to 3 months.

To reheat, you can use the air fryer, oven, or microwave. Place the frozen popcorn chicken on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also cook frozen popcorn chicken directly in the air fryer at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket gently halfway through.

Chicken preparation

Popcorn chicken is a beloved snack food that can be enjoyed by all ages. It is a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. Making popcorn chicken in an air fryer is easy and healthy. Here is a simple recipe to make your own air fryer popcorn chicken at home:

• Cut 1 lb chicken thigh or chicken breast into similar-sized 2" pieces.
• Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, to taste.
• Marinate the chicken pieces for at least 30 minutes covered in the fridge. You can marinate the chicken for up to overnight, but not more than 24 hours.
• In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder.
• In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs with the buttermilk or milk.
• In a third shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
• Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is well coated with the breadcrumbs.
• For best results, toast the panko crumbs in a little oil before breading the chicken. This adds about five minutes to your prep time but eliminates the need to spritz oil on each piece before air frying.

Now your chicken is ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Battering and breading

To begin the battering and breading process, you'll need three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine dry ingredients such as flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and baking powder. The specific measurements of each ingredient may vary depending on your personal preference and the desired intensity of flavours. Mix these ingredients thoroughly to create a uniform mixture.

The second dish will contain the egg wash. Beat one or more eggs, depending on the quantity of chicken, with a liquid such as buttermilk or water. The addition of liquid helps to thin out the egg and ensures a more even coating on the chicken pieces. You can also add a small amount of the seasoning mixture to the egg wash for extra flavour.

The third and final dish will hold the breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for popcorn chicken as they create a particularly crispy texture. Spread out the breadcrumbs evenly in the dish. You can also add seasonings to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. Try garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, or black pepper for a savoury kick.

Once your dredging station is set up, it's time to start coating the chicken. Cut the chicken into small, bite-sized pieces, about 3/4-inch cubes. Then, dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, making sure it's well coated. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken thoroughly with the seasoned breadcrumbs. Repeat this process for each piece of chicken until they are all evenly battered and breaded.

After dredging, it's important to let the chicken pieces rest. This allows the coating to set and helps the breading adhere better during cooking. You can also use this time to preheat your air fryer to temperatures between 350-400°F (177-200°C).

Dipping sauces

Popcorn chicken cooked in an air fryer is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and dipping sauces. You can serve it with French fries, coleslaw, baked beans, or a salad.

Some popular dipping sauce options include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch, and hot sauce. You can also experiment with different sauces to find your favorite. For example, you can try a homemade gluten-free BBQ sauce, Worcestershire sauce, or buffalo ranch sauce for a spicy kick.

If you want to get creative, you can make your own homemade dipping sauces to serve with the popcorn chicken. This adds excitement and deliciousness to the dish.

Frequently asked questions