Quickly Air Fry Popcorn Chicken: How Long Does It Take?

Popcorn chicken is a fun, bite-sized snack that can be made in an air fryer. It is a healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken and can be made in under 30 minutes. The cooking time will depend on the size of the chicken pieces and the type of air fryer being used. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious popcorn chicken in an air fryer. We will also offer tips and tricks to ensure your chicken is crispy and cooked through.

How to cook frozen popcorn chicken in an air fryer

Ingredients

• 1 bag of frozen popcorn chicken
• Your choice of cooking spray or olive oil
• Your choice of dipping sauce

Utensils

• Air fryer
• Air fryer basket
• Instant-read thermometer (optional)

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Place the frozen popcorn chicken into the air fryer basket. Ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer with space between them for the air to circulate.
• Cook at 350°F for 10 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through the cooking time. The popcorn chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Serve with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tips

• There is no need to use cooking spray or olive oil as the chicken will not stick to the basket.
• Always preheat your air fryer for even cooking.
• If your chicken is not crispy enough, try adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
• You can reheat any leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3 minutes.

How to reheat popcorn chicken in an air fryer

Popcorn chicken is a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. It's also a great appetizer for parties or a kid-friendly dinner. If you have any leftover popcorn chicken, you can easily reheat it in an air fryer. Here's how:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

First, preheat your air fryer to 350°F. This step is important as it helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a crispy texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover popcorn chicken out of the fridge. You can reheat frozen or chilled chicken, but for best results, it's recommended to let frozen chicken thaw before reheating.

Step 3: Place the Chicken in the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Leave some space between each piece to allow for proper air circulation.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Cook the chicken at 350°F for about 3 minutes. You don't need to spray any cooking oil as the chicken's breading already contains oil. However, if you prefer your chicken extra crispy, you can generously mist the chicken with olive oil before placing it in the air fryer.

Step 5: Serve

Your popcorn chicken is now ready to be served! Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or marinara.

Tips:

• The cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer and the size of your chicken pieces. Keep an eye on the chicken to ensure it doesn't overcook or burn.
• If you're reheating a large batch of chicken, you may need to cook it in multiple batches to ensure even cooking.
• For frozen chicken, increase the cooking time by a few minutes until the chicken is warmed through and crispy.

Enjoy your crispy, tasty popcorn chicken!

How to store leftover popcorn chicken

Popcorn chicken is a delicious snack, but what do you do when you have leftovers? Here are some tips on how to store leftover popcorn chicken to keep it fresh and tasty:

Storing in the Fridge

Leftover popcorn chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. First, let the chicken cool down to room temperature to prevent condensation from forming and making the breading soggy. Then, place the chicken in a single layer in the container to avoid crushing. You can also wrap the chicken in tin foil, ensuring it is tightly sealed.

Freezing Popcorn Chicken

If you have a large quantity of leftovers, freezing is a great option. Spread the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer the chicken to a freezer bag or container and store for up to two months. When you're ready to enjoy your frozen treat, preheat your oven to 350-375°F and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Reheating Tips

For best results, reheat your leftover popcorn chicken in the oven or air fryer. Spread the chicken in a single layer and heat at 350-375°F for 2-5 minutes, or until warmed and crisp. You can also use a microwave, but this may affect the crispiness of the breading.

Now you know how to store and reheat your leftover popcorn chicken, so you can enjoy it fresh and tasty whenever you want!

Tips for making the best popcorn chicken in the air fryer

Preparation

To make popcorn chicken in an air fryer, you'll need to cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. You can also use chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins. It's important to cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly.

You'll then need to set up a dredging station with plates or bowls containing flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. You can use all-purpose flour, or try crushed cornflakes, dried breadcrumbs, or crushed potato chips for a crunchier texture. For the breadcrumbs, you can toast panko crumbs in a little oil and mix them with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and black pepper. For the egg mixture, whisk an egg with a teaspoon of water or milk.

Cooking

Preheat your air fryer to between 360°F and 400°F. Spray the basket with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray, and place the chicken pieces inside, leaving space between each one to allow the hot air to circulate. Depending on the size of your air fryer and the number of chicken pieces, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

Cook the chicken for around 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. If the chicken isn't crispy enough, you can add another minute or two to the cooking time.

Serving

Popcorn chicken can be served with dipping sauces such as BBQ sauce, ranch, honey mustard, or marinara. It's a great snack or appetizer, and it can also be served as a fun, kid-friendly dinner.

How to make popcorn chicken from scratch

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 to 500 grams) chicken breast (boneless)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons buttermilk or yogurt (optional, skip to make dairy-free)
• 2 egg whites (or 1/2 cup buttermilk or yogurt)
• 2 cups panko crumbs (or bread crumbs)
• Oil for deep frying
• 3/4 to 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
• 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder (or 1 tbsp ginger garlic paste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (pepper powder)
• 1/2 to 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika (or cayenne pepper or red chilli powder, adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice or 2 teaspoons garam masala

Optional for serving:

2 teaspoons seasoning like wasabi or sriracha powder

Method:

• Cut the chicken into tiny bite-sized pieces. Make sure they are all roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
• In a bowl, mix the chicken with the seasoning. Optionally, add 2 tablespoons of buttermilk or yogurt and mix well. You can refrigerate this for 30 minutes to 8 hours.
• Pour in the egg white or buttermilk and mix well.
• Sprinkle cornstarch in two batches and coat the chicken well. The batter should be thick and moist at this stage.
• Add panko crumbs to a plate or bowl. Place the bowl of chicken and the plate of panko crumbs side by side.
• Pick up each piece of chicken and roll it in the bread crumbs. Press down gently on each piece with your fingers to coat the chicken with the crumbs. This gives results similar to double breading.
• Place them in a wide tray and repeat until all the chicken bites are breaded.
• Rest for 10 to 15 minutes for the bread crumbs to stick well to the chicken. You can also refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 48 hours for later use.
• Pour oil into a deep pan and heat over a medium flame until hot enough. Test by dropping in a small piece of breadcrumb – it should sizzle and come to the surface without burning.
• Gently drop the breaded popcorn chicken into the hot oil one after the other. Do not stir or disturb them for about a minute or two, as this will separate the breadcrumbs from the chicken.
• Fry the popcorn chicken in batches – do not crowd the pan. Stir after 2 minutes and fry evenly until golden and crisp. The internal temperature of the thickest piece of fried chicken should reach 165°F.
• Remove the popcorn chicken to a cooling rack placed over kitchen tissues or a tray.
• To fry the next batch, turn down the heat to low. Using a mesh skimmer, remove any breadcrumbs that have fallen off into the oil. Bring the oil back to temperature and fry the next batch.

Alternative Cooking Methods:

Baked Popcorn Chicken:

• Place the breaded chicken on a tray in a preheated oven at 375°F or 190°C.
• Bake for 14 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, turning them halfway.

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:

• Place the breaded chicken in the air fryer basket and air fry for 10 minutes at 400°F or 200°C.
• Turn them after 5 minutes. Adjust the cooking time as required – this will change depending on the size of your pieces.
• The internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C. Once done, cut down a piece of chicken to check that it is no longer pink inside.

Frequently asked questions