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

Popcorn chicken is a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. It is healthier than deep-fried chicken and can be made in an air fryer in under 30 minutes. In this article, we will discuss the ingredients and steps to make juicy, crunchy popcorn chicken in an air fryer.

Choosing the right chicken

Type of Chicken:

Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are the most popular choice for making chicken popcorn. They are easy to cut into bite-sized pieces and have a mild flavour that pairs well with various sauces. However, you can also use chicken thighs, which offer a slightly different taste and texture while following the same cooking and preparation process.

Chicken Quality:

Look for fresh, high-quality chicken with a natural pale pink colour. Avoid chicken with an off-putting odour or discoloured flesh. If buying packaged chicken, ensure the expiration date is well ahead.

Quantity:

Chicken popcorn is a fun snack, appetizer, or meal, and it's easy to adjust the quantity to your needs. As a guide, one pound of chicken breasts will yield about 60 bite-sized pieces, perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer.

Preparation:

Before cutting the chicken, trim any excess fat or connective tissue. Cut the chicken into uniform pieces, aiming for about 1-inch cubes or slightly smaller. This ensures even cooking and a better breading-to-chicken ratio.

Seasoning:

Don't skimp on seasoning the chicken. A simple combination of salt and pepper is a good start, but feel free to experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for added flavour.

Remember, selecting the right chicken is the first step to making mouth-watering chicken popcorn in an air fryer. With the right ingredients and preparation, you'll be well on your way to a delicious treat!

Preparing the dredging station

Firstly, you'll need three separate dishes for the flour mixture, the egg wash, and the seasoned breadcrumbs.

For the flour mixture, combine all-purpose flour with a generous amount of your chosen spices and seasonings. You can be creative with the spices, but common choices include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs like thyme, basil, oregano, or Italian seasoning. Mix everything well in a shallow dish.

Next, prepare the egg wash by whisking together eggs, milk, and any additional flavour enhancers like Dijon mustard, hot sauce, or buttermilk. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavour. Whisk until you have a smooth, uniform mixture.

Finally, it's time to make the seasoned breadcrumbs. In a separate shallow dish, combine Panko breadcrumbs with flour and your chosen seasonings. You can use a variety of spices, but a typical combination includes salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

Now that you have your three dredging stations prepared, you're ready to start coating your chicken pieces. Don't forget to cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces before beginning the dredging process!

Coating the chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Dredging Station

Start by setting up a dredging station with three separate dishes or bowls. In the first dish, combine all-purpose flour with salt. You can also add in other spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper for extra flavour. The second dish should contain beaten eggs. You can add a teaspoon of water or milk to the eggs and whisk them together. The third dish will contain the seasoned breadcrumbs. For the breadcrumbs, you can use Panko breadcrumbs, which are larger and result in a crunchier texture. Mix the breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), and black pepper. You can also toast the breadcrumbs in a little olive oil beforehand for an extra crispy coating.

Step 2: Cut and Season the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, or a combination of salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and seasoned salt. This step ensures that the chicken is well-flavoured.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Now it's time to coat the chicken pieces. Take a piece of chicken and first dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure all sides are evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat the chicken piece in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs to ensure they adhere evenly. Repeat this process for all the chicken pieces.

Step 4: Arrange on a Baking Sheet (Optional)

If you're not cooking the chicken right away, you can arrange the coated chicken pieces on a baking sheet. This step is especially useful if you're making a large batch. You can also freeze the coated chicken at this stage for future use.

Step 5: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F (around 200°C). This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly and the coating gets crispy.

Step 6: Spray the Air Fryer Basket

Before placing the chicken in the air fryer, spray the basket with olive oil or cooking spray. This prevents the chicken from sticking and helps achieve a crispy texture.

Step 7: Cook the Chicken

Place the chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray. Cook for about 8-14 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and respraying with oil. The chicken is done when it's golden brown and cooked through.

Cooking the chicken

Now that you've prepared your dredging station and cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces, it's time to cook the chicken!

First, preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. It's important to preheat your air fryer to ensure even cooking and to help the breading get crispy.

Next, you'll want to coat your chicken pieces with the flour mixture, followed by the egg mixture, and finally, the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs into the chicken to ensure an even and thick coating.

Once your air fryer is preheated, it's time to start frying! Place a batch of chicken pieces into the air fryer basket, making sure they don't touch and leaving space for airflow. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook in batches.

Lightly spray or mist the chicken with olive oil or cooking spray. This step is crucial, as it helps the chicken get crispy and ensures there are no raw flour spots. Close the lid and air fry at 390-400°F for 8-14 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through and respraying or remisting with oil.

The chicken is done when it's golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a kitchen thermometer to check.

Repeat this process until all your chicken is cooked.

Now you have perfectly crispy and juicy air fryer popcorn chicken! Serve it with your favourite sauces and enjoy!

Storing and reheating

If you're freezing the chicken, let it cool to room temperature, then lay it out on a baking sheet and place it in the freezer. Once the chicken is frozen, transfer it to a freezer bag or container. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.

To reheat your chicken popcorn, simply preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the chicken in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each piece. Reheat for about 3-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until warmed through and crispy.

Frequently asked questions