Air-Fryer Chicken Pops: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Chicken pops, or popcorn chicken, is a fun, snackable way to get your protein fix. This Taiwanese dish, introduced in the US by KFC in the 90s, is made by deep-frying small bites of crunchy chicken. However, you can make a healthier version in an air fryer.

Chicken prep: cutting chicken into bite-sized pieces

Chicken prep is an important step in making chicken pops in an air fryer. Here is a detailed guide on how to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces:

Start by gathering your chicken breasts. You will want to use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe, as they will be easier to work with and provide a more consistent texture. Place the chicken breasts on a clean cutting board.

Using a sharp knife, trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken breasts. You want to ensure that the meat is nice and lean. Then, use a meat mallet or the heel of your hand to gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness of about 1/2 inch. This step will help ensure that your chicken pops cook evenly in the air fryer.

Now, you are ready to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Using your knife, carefully slice the chicken breasts into strips, about 1/2 inch thick. Then, cut those strips into cubes, aiming for a dice-like shape. Each piece should be roughly the same size to ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces that are about 3/4 inch to 1 inch in size.

Once you have cut all your chicken into bite-sized pieces, it's important to season them. Sprinkle the chicken pieces with a generous amount of salt and pepper, or your desired seasoning blend. You can also add other dried herbs and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper to enhance the flavour. Make sure to toss the chicken pieces to coat them evenly with the seasonings.

At this point, your chicken is ready to be breaded or marinated, depending on your preferred recipe. If you are breading the chicken, you will typically dip the pieces in flour, then egg, and finally coat them in breadcrumbs or panko crumbs. If you are marinating the chicken, you can place the seasoned chicken pieces in a ziplock bag or bowl with your chosen marinade and let it sit for at least a couple of hours or up to overnight for maximum flavour.

By following these steps, you will have perfectly cut, bite-sized chicken pieces that are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

Breading: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs

Breading chicken is a simple three-step process: flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. First, place the chicken in a small bowl of flour and evenly coat all sides. Next, dredge the chicken in the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing down to ensure the breadcrumbs stick.

For the flour, you can use all-purpose flour, or wheat flour. If you are gluten-intolerant, you could also try gluten-free flour, or nut flours.

For the egg mixture, you can use a combination of egg, milk, and hot sauce. You can use any type of milk, including almond milk, cow's milk, or buttermilk. Add a pinch of salt and pepper for added flavour. Whisk the mixture together in a small bowl.

For the breadcrumbs, you can use plain breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, or a combination of both. You can also add in some extra spices to your breadcrumbs for a spicier flavour, such as cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes.

Air fryer settings: temperature and time

The temperature and time settings for your air fryer will depend on the model you have, the size of your chicken pieces, and the number of batches you are cooking.

Most recipes recommend preheating your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F. Cooking times vary between 8 and 14 minutes for fresh chicken and 7-9 minutes for frozen, pre-cooked chicken.

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

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Cook the chicken for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Cook the chicken for 14 minutes, flipping and re-misting with oil halfway through.
• Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Preheat your air fryer to 390°F. Cook the chicken for 10 minutes, shaking the basket and misting the chicken with cooking spray halfway through. Continue cooking for 4 to 5 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Preheat your air fryer to 380°F. Cook the chicken for 20 minutes, flip, and then cook for a further 8 minutes.

Remember to always refer to the specific instructions provided by the manufacturer of your air fryer, as well as any safety guidelines, to ensure optimal and safe use of your appliance.

Misting: the importance of misting the chicken and air fryer basket

Misting the chicken and the air fryer basket with oil is a crucial step in achieving the perfect air-fried chicken pops. Here's why:

Prevent Sticking

Misting the air fryer basket with oil helps to ensure that the chicken pops don't stick to the surface during the cooking process. This is especially important for breaded or battered chicken, as the coating can easily stick to the basket and tear off when removing the chicken. A light coat of oil creates a barrier that allows the chicken to release more easily, resulting in intact, beautifully breaded chicken pops.

Even Cooking and Browning

Applying a light mist of oil to the chicken pops ensures even browning and helps prevent dry spots. During cooking, the oil helps to conduct heat evenly across the surface of the chicken, resulting in a uniform golden colour. Without misting, you may end up with unevenly cooked chicken, with some areas overcooked and others undercooked.

Moisture Retention

A thin coat of oil on the chicken pops helps to lock in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy and tender. This is especially beneficial for leaner cuts of chicken, which can dry out more easily during the cooking process. By misting the chicken, you're creating a barrier that helps retain moisture, resulting in succulent and flavourful chicken pops.

Healthier Option

Misting with oil allows you to precisely control the amount of oil used, which is significantly less than traditional deep-frying methods. This healthier approach reduces the overall fat and calorie content of your chicken pops without compromising on taste and texture. A light mist of oil is all you need to achieve that crispy exterior while keeping the chicken moist and juicy on the inside.

Easy Clean-up

Using an oil mister also makes clean-up a breeze. The oil helps to prevent food from sticking and burning onto the air fryer basket, making it easier to wipe down or wash after cooking. This is a significant advantage over traditional frying methods, where oil can splatter and create a messy cooking environment.

Alternative Options

If you don't have an oil mister, you can use a pastry brush to lightly coat the air fryer basket and chicken pops with oil. However, it is not recommended to use aerosol non-stick cooking sprays, as these often contain additives that can damage the coating of your air fryer basket over time.

Serving suggestions: dips and sauces to serve with

Chicken pops cooked in an air fryer are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried chicken. There are a variety of dips and sauces that you can serve with your chicken pops to enhance their flavour. Here are some ideas to get you started:

BBQ Sauce

A classic option that pairs perfectly with chicken. BBQ sauce is sweet and tangy, with a hint of smokiness. It's a versatile sauce that can be used as a dip or even as a marinade for your chicken pops before cooking.

Honey Mustard

Honey mustard is another popular choice for chicken dips. It offers a sweet and tangy flavour with a hint of spice from the mustard. You can make your own by mixing yellow mustard, dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise.

Ranch Dressing

A creamy and savoury option, ranch dressing is a great choice for those who want a cooler, less spicy dip. It pairs well with the crispy and juicy texture of air-fried chicken pops.

Spicy Ketchup

For those who like a kick, spicy ketchup is a great option. You can make your own by adding ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, Sriracha, or red pepper flakes to your ketchup. It's an easy way to elevate your dipping experience.

Garlic Aioli

Garlic aioli is a delicious, creamy dip that pairs well with chicken. It can be made by mixing grated garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and optionally, some grated garlic clove for an extra garlicky punch.

Other Ideas

• Polynesian Sauce
• Buffalo Sauce
• Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Honey
• Marinara Sauce
• Low-Fat Ranch Dressing
• Hot Wing Sauce
• Gravy

So, there you have it! A variety of dips and sauces to serve with your air-fried chicken pops. Get creative, experiment with different flavours, and most importantly, enjoy your delicious, crispy treat!

Frequently asked questions