Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken: Frozen To Crispy In Minutes

Air fryers are a great way to make popcorn chicken that's healthier than deep-fried versions. Popcorn chicken is a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. It's also a great appetizer or part of a meal. You can use any kind of frozen popcorn chicken, store-bought or homemade. The cooking time will depend on your air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces. However, on average, it takes about 8-10 minutes to cook frozen popcorn chicken in an air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. It ensures your chicken will cook evenly and efficiently. Here's a detailed guide on preheating your air fryer for cooking frozen popcorn chicken:

Firstly, ensure your air fryer is set to the correct temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking frozen popcorn chicken is between 350°F and 400°F. Different air fryer models may have varying preheat settings, so refer to your air fryer's instructions if you're unsure. Set your air fryer to this temperature and allow it to preheat for at least 3 to 5 minutes. This step is crucial, as it ensures your air fryer reaches the desired temperature before cooking, promoting even cooking.

If your air fryer doesn't have a preheat setting, don't worry. You can manually preheat it by setting the desired temperature and letting it run for a few minutes before adding your chicken. This practice ensures that your air fryer reaches the optimal temperature for cooking.

Once your air fryer has preheated, it's time to prepare your chicken. Take your frozen popcorn chicken out of the freezer and spread the pieces evenly in the air fryer basket. It's important not to overcrowd the basket; ensure the chicken pieces are in a single layer with space between them. This arrangement allows hot air to circulate around each piece, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.

After arranging the chicken, you may want to grease the air fryer basket with cooking spray or oil. This step isn't mandatory, as frozen chicken usually contains oil, but adding a light coat of cooking spray or oil can help achieve a crispier texture.

Now that your air fryer is preheated and your chicken is prepared, you're ready to begin cooking. Simply follow the cooking instructions provided with your frozen popcorn chicken, or refer to a specific recipe for the best results. Remember to cook your chicken thoroughly, ensuring it reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F for safe consumption.

In summary, preheating your air fryer is a crucial step in cooking frozen popcorn chicken. By setting the correct temperature and allowing your air fryer to preheat for a few minutes, you create the optimal environment for even and efficient cooking. Remember to arrange your chicken in a single layer and consider using cooking spray or oil for added crispiness. With these steps, you'll be on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy frozen popcorn chicken!

Spread chicken evenly

When spreading the chicken out in the air fryer basket, it's important to ensure that the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overlapping. This is to allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure maximum crispiness. You should also leave space between each piece of chicken. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the chicken in two batches.

It's best not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. This is because trying to cook too many pieces at once will increase the air frying time. It's also worth noting that there's no need to flip or shake the chicken during cooking, as it will still get a nice colour on all sides.

If you're using a tray-style air fryer, you may need to turn the chicken pieces over halfway through the cooking time. You can do this using tongs.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for frozen popcorn chicken in an air fryer can vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the model of the air fryer. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to ensure your popcorn chicken turns out crispy and cooked through.

Firstly, it is important to preheat your air fryer. Most recipes recommend preheating to between 350-400°F (180-200°C). This will ensure that your chicken cooks evenly and gets crispy.

When arranging the chicken in the air fryer basket, make sure to leave space between each piece. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking. It is best to cook the chicken in a single layer, and you may need to do multiple batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

The cooking time will depend on the size of your chicken pieces and the model of your air fryer. For smaller pieces of chicken, 8-10 minutes at 350-400°F (180-200°C) should be sufficient. For larger pieces, you may need to increase the cooking time to 12-15 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your chicken and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Some recipes recommend shaking the air fryer basket halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. You may also need to spray the chicken with cooking spray or oil during the cooking process to ensure that it gets crispy and doesn't dry out.

It is important to note that frozen popcorn chicken is generally precooked, but it should still be heated to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before consuming. You can use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of your chicken.

When reheating leftover popcorn chicken in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) and cook for about 3 minutes, or until warmed through.

No need to flip

How Long to Put Frozen Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer: No Need to Flip

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and delicious snack, appetizer, or protein-filled meal, frozen popcorn chicken cooked in an air fryer is the way to go. The best part? There's no need to defrost the chicken or flip it while cooking!

Preheating the Air Fryer

Before you get started, it's important to note that while some recipes recommend preheating your air fryer, others suggest that it's not necessary. If you're looking for the very best results, preheating is a good idea. Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

Cooking the Popcorn Chicken

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to cook your frozen popcorn chicken. Spread the chicken out evenly in the air fryer basket, ensuring that the pieces aren't overcrowded and are in a single layer. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and gives you that crispy texture similar to deep-frying. Depending on the brand and model of your air fryer, you'll want to cook your popcorn chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 12 minutes. No need to flip or shake the basket during cooking—the chicken will still get a nice colour on all sides!

Adjusting Cook Time

Keep in mind that cook time can vary depending on the size of your air fryer and the size of the chicken pieces. Always check to make sure your chicken is cooked through before serving. If it's not quite done, simply add a little more time.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers, let the chicken cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the breading soggy. Then, store the popcorn chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

Final Thoughts

Cooking frozen popcorn chicken in an air fryer is a convenient and tasty way to enjoy this snack or meal. By following these simple steps, you can have crispy and golden chicken without the mess and grease of deep frying. Enjoy your popcorn chicken with your favourite dipping sauces!

Store leftovers in the refrigerator

Storing leftover popcorn chicken in the refrigerator is a great way to preserve its freshness and ensure it stays edible for a few more days. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive guidelines on how to store leftovers in the refrigerator:

Use Airtight Containers

Airtight containers are one of the most effective ways to maintain the freshness of your leftover popcorn chicken. They create a sealed environment, preventing air and moisture from spoiling the food. Choose a container that is suitable for the portion of chicken you have, ensuring there is a tight-fitting lid. This will help keep the chicken fresh by blocking out humidity. Label the container with the date of storage so you can keep track of its freshness. Popcorn chicken can typically be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Opt for Resealable Bags

If you don't have airtight containers, resealable bags are a good alternative. Transfer the leftover popcorn chicken into the bag and ensure it is tightly sealed. Squeeze out as much air as possible to create a vacuum-like environment, preserving the chicken's crispness. You can also double-bag the chicken for added protection against air and moisture. Like airtight containers, store the resealable bag in the refrigerator and consume the chicken within 4 days.

Try Mason Jars

Mason jars are a practical and visually appealing option for storing leftover popcorn chicken. They not only keep the chicken fresh but also add a rustic charm to your refrigerator or kitchen counter. Clean the jar thoroughly before transferring the chicken and seal it tightly. You can also add a moisture-absorbing packet or a small piece of parchment paper to the jar to help maintain the crispness of the chicken. Remember to label the jar with the date of storage and consume the chicken within the recommended time frame.

Use Ziploc Bags

Ziploc bags are easily accessible and designed to keep food fresh. They create a tight seal that prevents air and moisture from entering. Choose a thicker, freezer-grade Ziploc bag for better protection. When storing the chicken, leave some space at the top of the bag for proper sealing, and press out any excess air. Seal the bag tightly and, if desired, place it inside another Ziploc bag for added protection. Label the bag with the date of storage and store it in the refrigerator. Consume the chicken within 4 days for optimal freshness.

Tin Foil as a Temporary Option

If you don't have access to any of the above storage options, you can use tin foil as a temporary solution. Wrap the leftover popcorn chicken tightly in tin foil, ensuring all sides are sealed. This helps maintain freshness and prevents the chicken from absorbing any refrigerator odors. Label the tin foil with the date of storage and place it in the refrigerator, away from strong-smelling foods. Consume the chicken within 2 to 3 days for the best quality.

Remember, when storing leftover popcorn chicken, always keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid placing it near appliances or in areas with high humidity, as these conditions can impact its quality. Proper storage will ensure your leftover popcorn chicken remains tasty and safe to consume!

Frequently asked questions