Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Popcorn chicken is a fun, bite-sized snack that can be made in an air fryer in a matter of minutes. This article will explore how long it takes to cook popcorn chicken in an air fryer, the benefits of using an air fryer, and the steps to follow for the perfect batch of popcorn chicken.

How long popcorn chicken air fryer

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your popcorn chicken cooks evenly and achieves the desired crispiness. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for preheating your air fryer:

Temperature Settings:

Firstly, you'll want to set your air fryer to the right temperature. For popcorn chicken, the ideal temperature is between 350°F and 400°F. Different air fryer models may have slightly different temperature settings, so adjust accordingly. If you're cooking frozen popcorn chicken, there's no need to thaw it first. Keep it frozen until you're ready to cook.

Preheat Time:

The preheating time for your air fryer will depend on the model and its features. Some modern air fryers have a built-in preheat functionality, which automatically preheats the appliance before starting the cooking timer. If your air fryer doesn't have this feature, manually preheat it for around 5 minutes before adding your chicken.

Oil or No Oil:

When it comes to using oil, there are differing opinions. Some recipes suggest spraying the air fryer basket with olive oil or avocado oil spray before adding the chicken. This can help with browning and crisping. However, other sources claim that oil is unnecessary, as the breading on the chicken already contains oil, which will prevent sticking.

Basket Arrangement:

Before preheating, arrange your popcorn chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. Place them in a single layer, ensuring there is space between each piece for the air to circulate. This arrangement will promote even cooking and maximize crispiness. Don't overcrowd the basket, as this can lead to uneven cooking and sogginess.

Safety Considerations:

Always exercise caution when handling raw chicken. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after handling raw poultry, and ensure all utensils and surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken are cleaned and sanitised. Additionally, avoid spraying oil into a preheated air fryer, as this can cause splattering and potential burns.

Oil the basket

Oiling the basket of your air fryer is a crucial step in preparing popcorn chicken. While some sources suggest that it is not necessary, others recommend using a cooking spray such as olive oil or avocado oil spray. This helps to ensure that the chicken pieces do not stick to the basket and promotes even cooking.

When oiling the basket, it is important to use just enough oil to create a thin layer. You should also ensure that the oil is distributed evenly across the surface of the basket. This can be achieved by using a spray or by using a brush to apply the oil.

In addition to preventing sticking, oiling the basket can also enhance the flavour and texture of your popcorn chicken. The oil can help to create a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy. It is worth noting that the amount of oil required may vary depending on the type and brand of air fryer you have.

For best results, it is recommended to follow the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer. These instructions can usually be found in the user manual or on the company's website. By oiling the basket appropriately, you can help ensure that your popcorn chicken turns out perfectly crispy and delicious.

Arrange chicken in a single layer

When arranging chicken in the air fryer, it's important to place the pieces in a single layer to ensure even cooking and crispiness. This is crucial because stacking the chicken pieces can lead to uneven cooking, with the top layer blocking the hot air from circulating around the lower layer. By arranging them in a single layer, you allow the hot air to reach all surfaces of the chicken evenly, promoting uniform cooking and browning.

• Start by preparing your chicken pieces. Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes, or slightly smaller if you prefer. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, or any other spices of your choice.
• Set up your dredging station. This involves having separate plates or bowls for flour, beaten eggs, and seasoned breadcrumbs. You can season the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in flour, coating all sides lightly. Then, dip them into the beaten egg, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken evenly with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere.
• Place the coated chicken pieces into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not stacked on top of each other. Leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.
• Lightly spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray, such as avocado oil spray or olive oil spray. This step is optional, but it can help enhance the crispiness of the chicken.
• Set the air fryer to the desired temperature and cooking time. Most recipes suggest cooking popcorn chicken at around 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process.
• Once the cooking time is complete, use an instant-read thermometer to check if the chicken is done. It should reach an internal temperature of at least 165°F. If it hasn't reached the desired temperature, continue cooking in one-minute increments until done.
• Serve the chicken immediately with your favorite dipping sauces, such as BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, or honey mustard.

Remember, arranging the chicken in a single layer ensures even cooking and crispiness, making your popcorn chicken delicious and enjoyable!

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for popcorn chicken in an air fryer depend on the desired level of crispiness and whether the chicken is frozen or not. For frozen chicken, the air fryer should be preheated to 400°F and the chicken should be cooked for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If the chicken is not frozen, the air fryer should be preheated to 390-400°F and the chicken should be cooked for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. For a crispier chicken, the temperature can be lowered to 350°F and cooked for 3 minutes.

When cooking frozen popcorn chicken in an air fryer, it is important to ensure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the basket and are placed in a single layer to ensure even cooking. The air fryer basket should also be shaken or the chicken pieces turned over halfway through the cooking process.

For uncooked popcorn chicken, the chicken should be cut into bite-sized pieces and seasoned with salt and pepper before being dredged in flour, egg, and seasoned panko breadcrumbs. The air fryer should be preheated to 400°F and the chicken pieces should be placed in the basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. The chicken should be cooked for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

It is also possible to freeze uncooked popcorn chicken and cook it later. To do this, place the chicken pieces in a freezer-safe container lined with parchment paper, ensuring that the pieces are not stacked on top of each other. When ready to cook, preheat the air fryer to 400°F and place the frozen chicken pieces in the basket in a single layer. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Reheating and storing

If you have any leftover popcorn chicken, it's best to let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the breading soggy. When stored correctly, your popcorn chicken will stay fresh for up to four days.

When you're ready to reheat your chicken, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between each piece. Spray the basket with oil and reheat for 5-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. You can also reheat the chicken in the microwave or in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

If you want to freeze your popcorn chicken, it's best to do so before cooking. Place the uncooked chicken pieces in a single layer in a freezer-safe container, adding a new piece of parchment paper for each layer. When you're ready to cook, heat your air fryer to 400°F, spray the basket with oil, and add 30 pieces of chicken. Cook for 8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

Tips for Storing and Reheating

• To ensure your popcorn chicken stays crispy, store it in an airtight container and consume it within four days.
• When reheating, always preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket when reheating. Leave space between each piece of chicken to allow hot air to circulate.
• If you're freezing your popcorn chicken, it's best to do so before cooking and in a single layer to ensure even cooking when you're ready to fry.

Frequently asked questions