Air-Fryer Chicken Poppers: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Chicken poppers are bite-sized pieces of chicken that are cooked in an air fryer. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken and can be served as a snack, appetizer, or main course. The cooking time for chicken poppers in an air fryer varies depending on the specific recipe and the size of the chicken pieces. On average, it takes around 15 minutes to cook chicken poppers in an air fryer, but some recipes may require slightly more or less time.

Chicken prep and seasoning

To make chicken poppers in the air fryer, you'll need to cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken tenderloins. It's important to pat the chicken dry before cutting to remove any excess moisture, as this will help create a better coating.

Once you've cut the chicken, it's time to season. One option is to add the chicken pieces to a ziplock bag with flour, powdered sugar, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Close the bag and shake until the chicken is fully coated. You can also add cornstarch to the mixture to help the coating adhere better.

Another option is to set up a dredging station with flour, egg, and seasoned panko. First, dredge the chicken in the flour, lightly coating all sides. Then, dip it in the egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken evenly with the panko mixture, pressing the crumbs to make sure they adhere.

After the chicken is seasoned and coated, it's ready to be cooked in the air fryer!

Air fryer temperature and duration

The temperature and duration for air-frying chicken poppers depend on the type of chicken poppers you are making. For instance, if you are making air fryer popcorn chicken, you should preheat your air fryer to 400°F. However, if you are making chicken poppers with a creamy filling, such as Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken, a lower temperature of 375°F is recommended.

For Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken, it is recommended to cook the chicken for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If you are cooking from frozen, increase the cooking time to 8 minutes. You may also need to cook the chicken in two batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

For Air Fryer Jalapeno Popper Stuffed Chicken, the chicken should be cooked for a total of 25 minutes at 375°F, flipping the chicken halfway through the cooking time.

It is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked thoroughly before serving. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre of the chicken should read at least 165°F (74°C).

Chicken coating

When it comes to coating the chicken for air fryer chicken poppers, there are a few different methods and ingredients you can use. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for achieving a delicious and crispy chicken coating:

Flour and Cornstarch Coating:

This method involves dredging the chicken pieces in a flour mixture before air frying. Here are the steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• Prepare a flour mixture by combining all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, and any other desired seasonings in a large ziplock bag. You can also add powdered sugar to the flour mixture, as it helps in browning and adds a touch of sweetness. Shake the bag to mix the ingredients well.
• Add the chicken pieces to the ziplock bag, seal it, and shake until each piece is evenly coated with the flour mixture.
• Remove the chicken pieces from the bag, shaking off any excess flour.
• Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray to help with browning and crisping.
• Air fry at 380-400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking and crisping.
• The chicken is done when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Egg and Breadcrumb Coating:

This method involves dipping the chicken in a flour mixture, then egg, and finally coating it with breadcrumbs before air frying. Here are the steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
• Set up a dredging station with three separate bowls or plates.
• In the first bowl, place all-purpose flour, salt, and any other desired seasonings.
• In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a teaspoon of water.
• In the third bowl, combine seasoned breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (optional), and black pepper. You can also toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet with a small amount of olive oil before mixing with the seasonings.
• Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, coating all sides evenly.
• Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
• Finally, coat the chicken with the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs to ensure they adhere evenly.
• Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray.
• Air fry at 400°F for 5-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through the cooking time.
• The chicken is done when it is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Cornstarch and Spice Coating:

This method involves coating the chicken with a mixture of cornstarch and spices before air frying. Here are the steps:

• Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a medium bowl.
• In a small bowl, combine salt, paprika, black pepper, mustard powder, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, sage, and any other desired seasonings.
• Sprinkle most of the seasoning mixture over the chicken, reserving about a teaspoon. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly.
• In a large resealable plastic bag, combine cornstarch with the reserved seasoning mixture. Shake to mix well.
• Add the chicken pieces to the bag, seal it, and shake until each piece is evenly coated.
• Remove the chicken from the bag and place it in a fine-mesh strainer. Shake off any excess cornstarch and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the cornstarch to absorb moisture.
• Place the coated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap.
• Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray.
• Air fry at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket and respraying the chicken halfway through the cooking time.
• The chicken is done when it is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear, with an internal temperature of 165°F.

Chicken sauce

Chicken poppers are best served with a variety of sauces for dipping. Suggested sauces include ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, ranch dressing, and sweet chilli sauce.

If you're looking for something a little more special, you could try a honey BBQ sauce. To make this, simply warm your favourite BBQ sauce with some honey and ketchup over the stove. This sauce is sticky and its flavour sinks into the crispy chicken coating.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could try a honey-brown sugar hot sauce glaze. To make this sauce, combine sugar, brown sugar, honey, and hot sauce. This sauce is sweet, sticky, and spicy!

Chicken serving suggestions

Chicken poppers are a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. They are bite-sized pieces of chicken that can be cooked in an air fryer, oven, or stove-top. They can be served with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. Here are some serving suggestions for chicken poppers:

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air fryer popcorn chicken is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken poppers. To make this dish, cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with a mixture of spices, including salt, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, and sage. Dip the chicken pieces in a flour and egg mixture, then coat them with seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Serve with your favourite dipping sauces.

Buffalo Chicken Poppers

Buffalo chicken poppers are perfect for game day or as an appetizer. To make this dish, slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder. Dip the chicken pieces in flour and egg, then fry them in oil until golden brown and crispy. In a separate pan, cook butter and hot sauce until bubbly. Toss the chicken in the sauce until evenly glazed.

Jalapeno Popper Chicken

Jalapeno popper chicken is a spicy and creamy dish that can be made on the grill or in the air fryer. To make this dish, butterfly a boneless, skinless chicken breast and stuff it with a whole jalapeno pepper filled with a cream cheese mixture. Wrap the chicken with bacon and cook on the grill or in the air fryer until the bacon is crispy. Baste the chicken with BBQ sauce towards the end of cooking for a subtle touch of smokiness and sweetness.

Chicken Popper Appetizers

Chicken popper appetizers are cute and tasty bites that can be served at parties or gatherings. To make this dish, flatten boneless, skinless chicken breasts to a 1/4-inch thickness and cut into 1-1/2-inch strips. Spread each strip with ground cooked ham and place a cube of cheddar cheese on the end. Roll up the chicken strips and wrap them with half a slice of bacon, securing with a toothpick. Cook the chicken roll-ups in a skillet until the bacon is crispy, then serve warm with your favourite dipping sauce.

Frequently asked questions