Air-Fryer Popcorn Chicken: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Popcorn chicken is a popular snack, especially for kids, and can be made healthier by using an air fryer instead of deep-frying. It is a great, fun way to get your protein fix and can be served with a variety of dips and sauces. Making popcorn chicken in an air fryer is easy and convenient, and the end result is juicy, tender, and crispy.

Air fryer popcorn chicken recipe

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts/thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1-2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4-1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs (optional)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp-1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp water
• Spices/seasonings of your choice (e.g. garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, oregano, etc.)
• Salt to taste

Optional Dipping Sauces:

• Ketchup
• Low-fat ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Honey mustard
• Marinara

Instructions

• Set up a dredging station with separate plates/bowls for flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
• Season the flour with salt and any desired spices.
• Whisk the egg with a teaspoon of water in a bowl.
• Toast the panko crumbs in a little olive oil over medium-low heat for about 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden. Transfer to a plate and mix in your desired spices and seasonings.
• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, then dip them in the egg mixture, and finally coat them evenly with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F.
• Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil and place the chicken pieces in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.
• Spray the tops of the chicken with olive oil.
• Cook for 4-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For crispier chicken, air fry at 350°F for 10 minutes, then increase the temperature to 400°F and cook for an additional 6-8 minutes.
• Serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauces.

Freezing Instructions:

For best results, freeze the popcorn chicken uncooked. Place the chicken pieces in a single layer in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper, adding a new piece of parchment between each layer. When ready to cook, heat the air fryer to 400°F and follow the cooking instructions above.

How long to cook it for

The cooking time for popcorn chicken in an air fryer will depend on the brand of the air fryer, the quantity of chicken, and the temperature at which it is cooked. However, generally, it takes around 10 minutes to cook popcorn chicken in an air fryer.

For example, one source recommends cooking the chicken at 400°F for 10 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking process. Another source suggests preheating the air fryer to 390°F and cooking the chicken for 4 minutes, shaking the basket and misting the chicken with cooking spray halfway through, and then cooking for another 4 to 5 minutes.

It is important to note that different air fryers may vary in terms of wattage, capacity, and other factors, so it is recommended to monitor the chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed. Additionally, it is advised to cook the chicken in a single layer and avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Popcorn chicken can last up to four days in the refrigerator, and it's best to discard it after this time to prevent food poisoning.

Storing Popcorn Chicken

To store your popcorn chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then place it in an airtight container and refrigerate.

Reheating Popcorn Chicken in an Air Fryer

To reheat your popcorn chicken in an air fryer, first, let it come to room temperature. Then, preheat your air fryer to 375°F. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Reheat in batches if necessary. Heat for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Check that the chicken is hot enough using a digital kitchen thermometer; it should read 165°F.

Reheating Popcorn Chicken in the Oven

To reheat your popcorn chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. You can lightly grease the sheet to make the chicken crispier. Bake for 10–13 minutes, then check the temperature with a digital kitchen thermometer.

Reheating Popcorn Chicken by Frying

To reheat your popcorn chicken by frying, first, let it come to room temperature. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, then recoat with a fresh seasoning mix to prevent burning. Heat oil in a frying pan at medium-low temperature, then fry the chicken in batches for 3–4 minutes, or until browned and crisp. Drain the excess oil on a paper towel before serving.

Reheating Popcorn Chicken in the Microwave

Although this method is not recommended, you can reheat popcorn chicken in the microwave if you are short on time. Let the chicken come to room temperature, then place it on a microwave-safe plate, ensuring the pieces are not overcrowded. Heat on high in batches, checking frequently to avoid overcooking. For example, 15 pieces will take 1.5–3 minutes. Let the chicken rest for a minute before serving to allow it to become firm and crispy.

Dipping sauces to serve with it

Yes, you can definitely put popcorn chicken in an air fryer! This cooking method is considered healthier than deep frying, and it's also less messy and easier to clean up. Now, onto the fun part: the dipping sauces! Here are some ideas to serve with your air-fried popcorn chicken:

Thai Basil Aioli

This sauce is a perfect pair for Taiwanese popcorn chicken. It's inspired by a restaurant in New York City called Double Chicken Please, which serves their popcorn chicken with this unique dip. To make it, simply blend mayonnaise, lime juice, a garlic clove, and Thai basil leaves.

BBQ Sauce

A classic BBQ sauce is always a good idea, especially when it's homemade! Try a gluten-free version to dip your chicken in, or pair it with your chicken nuggets and Chinese five-spice chicken.

Worcestershire Sauce

Another savoury, gluten-free option is Worcestershire sauce. It's the perfect dip for your popcorn chicken and will add a burst of flavour to every bite.

Buffalo Ranch Sauce

If you're looking for something with a spicy kick, buffalo ranch sauce is the way to go. It's an all-around sauce that will also pair well with baked buffalo chicken dip.

Low-Fat Ranch Dressing, BBQ Sauce, Honey Mustard, or Marinara

These are some other classic dipping sauces that will complement your popcorn chicken. You can also get creative and experiment with your own combinations!

How to make it crispy

Popcorn chicken is a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. It is traditionally deep-fried, but you can make it healthier by using an air fryer. Here are some tips to make your popcorn chicken crispy:

Marinate the Chicken

Allow the chicken pieces to marinate in a well-seasoned mixture for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for the best results. This step is essential for infusing the chicken with a rich, savory flavor. You can use a variety of seasonings, such as soy sauce, grated ginger, grated garlic, white pepper, Shaoxing wine, and an egg white.

Use High-Quality Chicken

Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs, as they are juicier and more flavorful than breast meat. Cut them into uniform, bite-sized pieces (around 2 inches) for even cooking.

Crispy Coating

Achieve an extra crispy and crunchy exterior by using coarse sweet potato flour. The combination of these starches creates the signature texture of Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken. If you can't find coarse sweet potato flour, you can substitute it with cornstarch, potato starch, or rice flour.

Double Fry

First, air fry at a lower temperature (350°F), then flip and spray the other side with oil. For the second fry, increase the temperature to 400°F to finish off the chicken. This technique ensures that your popcorn chicken is crispy and cooked through.

Seasoning

After frying, season the chicken generously with your chosen seasoning mix. Achieve the right balance of flavors to suit your taste preferences, and serve the popcorn chicken hot for the best experience.

Other Tips

• When making Air Fryer Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as avocado oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil spray.
• Be sure to place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlap. This allows for maximum crispiness.
• Be generous with the oil spray when spraying the chicken. This is necessary to achieve a crispy exterior.

Frequently asked questions