Air-Fryer Tyson Popcorn Chicken: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a quick, easy, and versatile meal, look no further than Tyson Popcorn Chicken cooked in an air fryer. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when you need to get food on the table fast. The best part? You don't have to sacrifice taste or texture, as air-fried chicken is just as crispy and delicious as deep-fried chicken without all the oil.

Preheat the air fryer to 350-400°F

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the cooking process. While some recipes don't require it, preheating ensures that your food cooks evenly and that you get a nice crispy texture on your chicken. For this recipe, you should preheat your air fryer to between 350°F and 400°F.

Different air fryers have different preheating functions, so be sure to consult your air fryer's instructions. As a general rule, you should allow your air fryer to preheat for around 3 minutes before adding your food. This will give the air fryer enough time to reach the desired temperature.

Once your air fryer has preheated, you can add your chicken. Place the chicken bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate properly and that you get maximum crispiness.

If you're cooking a large batch of chicken, you may need to cook it in batches to ensure even cooking. You can also shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.

Preheating your air fryer is a simple but important step in ensuring that your Tyson Popcorn Chicken turns out crispy and delicious. By following this step, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a quick, tasty, and crispy treat!

Place chicken in the air fryer basket

When placing the chicken in the air fryer basket, it is important to ensure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded. They should be arranged in a single layer, with space between each nugget to allow the hot air to circulate properly and ensure even cooking. This will help to achieve the desired crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook the chicken in batches.

It is also recommended to give the bag of chicken a quick shake before placing it in the basket to remove any loose bits of batter.

For a crispier texture, you can spray the tops of the chicken pieces with olive oil or avocado oil before placing them in the air fryer. This step is optional, but it will enhance the crunch of the chicken.

Once the chicken is in the air fryer basket, you can proceed to set the temperature and timer according to your preferred level of doneness. Be sure to shake the basket at least once during cooking to prevent the chicken from sticking and to ensure even browning.

Cook for 8-12 minutes

Now it's time to cook your Tyson popcorn chicken in the air fryer! Depending on your air fryer, you'll want to set the temperature to somewhere between 340 and 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You'll also want to set the timer for somewhere between 8 and 12 minutes.

It's important to make sure that the chicken pieces are in a single layer and not overcrowded in the air fryer basket. This will ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. If you're cooking a lot of chicken, you may need to do it in batches.

Some recipes suggest spraying the chicken with cooking spray, such as avocado oil spray or olive oil spray, before cooking. This will give the chicken a crispier texture. You can also season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, and chilli powder, but be careful not to overdo it and make the chicken too salty.

Halfway through the cooking time, shake the basket to ensure even cooking. If you want your chicken to be extra crispy, you can cook it for an additional one or two minutes.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the air fryer and serve it with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Flip the chicken halfway through

Flipping the chicken halfway through is an important step in ensuring your Tyson popcorn chicken cooks evenly. This is because it allows both sides of the chicken to be exposed to the heat source, promoting even cooking and browning.

When flipping the chicken, it is best to use tongs to handle the chicken pieces, as they can be hot and difficult to grip with your hands. If you don't have tongs, you can use a spatula or a large spoon to carefully turn the chicken over.

It is also important to note that you should only flip the chicken once during the cooking process. Flipping it multiple times can disrupt the cooking process and may result in uneven cooking or over-browning.

Additionally, make sure to maintain a single layer of chicken pieces in the air fryer basket. This ensures that the hot air can circulate properly and helps achieve that desired crispiness.

By following these simple steps and flipping your chicken halfway through, you'll be on your way to perfectly cooked Tyson popcorn chicken!

Serve with your favourite sauce

When it comes to serving your Tyson popcorn chicken, the options are endless! You can serve it as an appetizer, a snack, or even a meal. It's perfect for game day, unexpected guests, or a quick bite on the go. Here are some ideas for serving your favourite sauce with Tyson popcorn chicken:

Dipping Sauces

Create a creamy zip by mixing mayonnaise and BBQ sauce. You can also try other simple dips such as barbecue sauce with ranch or mayo, honey with yellow mustard, or buffalo wing sauce with ranch. For a healthier option, serve with a side of homemade dip like buttermilk ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce made with ketchup.

Side Dishes

Tyson popcorn chicken goes well with a variety of side dishes. Try it with tater tots, air fryer cheese chips, or crispy crowns and corn ribs cooked in the air fryer. For a lighter option, serve it on a kale salad or with a side salad. You can also pair it with French fries or tots.

Meal Ideas

Make it a full meal by adding some protein and veggies. Try tossing the chicken in a spicy chile sauce, or serve it with a side of easy homemade garlic cheese bread. If you're looking for a heartier option, pair it with chicken cordon bleu, chicken pot pie, or chicken tenders cooked in the air fryer.

Customization

Feel free to get creative and customize your Tyson popcorn chicken. You can sprinkle on some garlic powder, onion powder, or chili powder, but be careful not to overdo it to avoid making it too salty. You can also experiment with different brands of frozen popcorn chicken, such as Kroger, Publix, Costco, or Aldi.

Frequently asked questions