Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken –This recipe is a twist on traditional fried chicken and popcorn. It’s healthier and more delicious than ever! You can’t miss this new take on an old favorite for those who like to be creative.

After trying the air fryer method, you’ll never return to baking or frying again. Prepare for finger-licking good BBQ Popcorn Chicken that won’t leave your kitchen smelling like grease!

Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken
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This recipe is for anyone who loves quick, easy, and delicious recipes. We’re going to be making some Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken. It’s so simple you’ll be surprised how it turned out!

A quick, simple dish that’s easy to whip up for the whole family. It also happens to be very healthy and tasty! This makes for an incredible appetizer, a quick lunch, or dinner! My kids love this, and since it’s cooked up so quickly in the Air Fryer, you can have this any time! A great thing since my kids tend to get hungry around 10ish!

If you are looking for some fantastic Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER CHICKEN TIKKA MASALA, AIR FRYER KUNG PAO CHICKEN, AIR FRYER CLASSIC CHICKEN TENDERS (TENDERLOINS), and LEMON PEPPER AIR FRYER CHICKEN THIGHS.

Honey BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Popcorn chicken is a favorite appetizer and main dish at many restaurants. It’s crispy, flavorful, and the perfect finger food for any party. But what if you want to make popcorn chicken at home? We’ve got you covered with this air fryer BBQ popcorn chicken recipe!

This recipe is quick and easy to make in your kitchen – all it takes is a few ingredients, and served with even more of your favorite BBQ Sauce!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken

With only a few simple ingredients, this is a great recipe to make honey BBQ popcorn chicken or even regular BBQ popcorn air-fried popcorn chicken!

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

  • Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast is cut into bite-sized pieces to make tender, juicy popcorn chicken.
  • Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a mild kick of heat and complements the BBQ seasoning.
  • All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
  • Baking Powder: Helps crisp the chicken up.
  • Buttermilk: The chicken pieces are soaked in buttermilk, which helps tenderize the meat and adds a subtle tangy flavor.
  • Tabasco Sauce: Tabasco sauce adds a spicy kick and a hint of tanginess to the BBQ sauce, enhancing its flavor.
  • Egg: The egg is used in the buttermilk marinade to help bind the breadcrumb coating to the chicken pieces, ensuring they turn out crispy.
  • Ketchup: Ketchup serves as the base for the BBQ sauce, providing a sweet and tomatoey flavor.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar contributes acidity and a subtle fruity note to balance the sweetness in the BBQ sauce.
  • Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness to the BBQ sauce, creating a delightful contrast with the smoky and spicy flavors.
  • Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika imparts a smoky and earthy flavor to the BBQ sauce, enhancing its depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic element to the BBQ sauce, enhancing its overall taste.
  • Chili Powder: Chili powder provides a mild heat and an earthy, slightly smoky flavor to the BBQ sauce, adding a hint of spiciness.

How To Make BBQ Popcorn Chicken In Air Fryer

To make BBQ Popcorn Chicken in the Air Fryer, follow these steps:

Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken (2)

Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper.  Cut your pieces into 1-inch pieces. Then, in a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and baking powder.

Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken (2)

In another mixing bowl, blend the buttermilk, tabasco sauce, and egg (combine well). Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, and shake it after you dip it in the mixture to get rid of the extra flour.

Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken (2)

Then dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, shaking off the excess. Then return the mixture to the flour mixture.

As you coat the chicken, either place it in an air fryer basket or Air Fryer tray (both should be sprayed with olive oil so the chicken doesn’t stick as it is cooking)

Once your tray is loaded, be careful not to overcrowd the basket and spray it generously with olive oil.

How To Make BBQ Popcorn Chicken In Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes, flip it, and cook for another 5 minutes. NOTE: Before flipping them, cot them again with a generous amount of olive oil spray.

To prepare the sauce, Mix the ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes in a small pan. Then add the chicken (cooked) to a large mixing bowl, pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss with tongs to evenly coat.

How To Make BBQ Popcorn Chicken In Air Fryer

Pro Tips

  • This recipe will work in any Air Fyre basket or Oven Model. I have also made these in the Ninja Foodi, Instant Pot Vortex Plus, Instant Pot Crisp Lid, and Mealthy Lid. The recipe will remain the same.
  • Use Buttermilk Marinade: Marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. It’s a crucial step for juicy and flavorful chicken.
  • Adjust the Spice Level: The cayenne pepper in the marinade provides heat. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness. You can also add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
  • Even Coating: Ensure the chicken pieces are evenly coated with flour. This will result in a uniform and crisp outer layer.
  • Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheating your Air Fryer is essential to achieve a crispy texture. It mimics the effect of preheating an oven or oil when deep frying.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Arrange the chicken pieces in a single layer in the Air Fryer basket to achieve a crispy texture. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking.
  • Flip Halfway Through: Flip the chicken pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure they cook evenly on both sides and become crispy.
  • Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked and safe to eat.
  • Choose Your BBQ Sauce: You can use your favorite store-bought BBQ sauce or make a homemade one for a personalized flavor. Experiment with different BBQ sauces to find your favorite.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy the BBQ Popcorn Chicken while it’s still hot and crispy. Serving it immediately after tossing with BBQ sauce ensures maximum flavor and crunch.

Recipe Variations:

This is such an easy popcorn chicken air fryer recipe! I am going to share some of my favorite variations of a recipe. With all of the food allergies, I wanted to give you a few options:

The key is not to be afraid to experiment with ingredients and spices.

  • Buttermilk: If you do not have buttermilk, you can easily change it for almond milk, milk, heavy cream, or even oat milk.
  • Eggs: Allergic to eggs. Just use more milk in your mixture.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Switch out to gluten-free or even KETO-friendly (low-carb option)
  • BBQ Sauce: In a rush, use a bottled BBQ sauce and coat the chicken after cooking.

Faq’s

Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe? You can use boneless chicken pieces like chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces may cook faster.

What can I serve with BBQ popcorn chicken? BBQ popcorn chicken pairs well with side dishes such as coleslaw, potato salad, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.

Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk? While marinating the chicken in buttermilk is recommended for better flavor and tenderness, you can skip this step if you’re short on time. However, marinating does enhance the overall quality of the chicken.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients, including the BBQ sauce, are gluten-free.

How do I reheat leftover BBQ popcorn chicken? Reheat leftover BBQ popcorn chicken in the Air Fryer for a few minutes to restore its crispiness. Alternatively, you can use an oven or toaster oven.

Can I use an oil spray instead of brushing with oil? You can use an oil spray to coat the chicken pieces lightly. This method reduces the oil used and still helps achieve a crispy texture.

What if I don’t have a meat thermometer? If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can cut a small piece of chicken to check its doneness. Ensure no pinkness is in the center and the juices run clear.

How long can I store leftover BBQ popcorn chicken? Leftover BBQ popcorn chicken can be refrigerated for 2-3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, use an Air Fryer, oven, or toaster oven for the best results.

Equipment Used:

Instant Pot Vortex Plus: Instant Vortex Plus 7-in-1 Air Fryer Oven with built-in Smart Cooking Programs, Digital Touchscreen, Easy to Clean Basket, 10 Quart Capacity, and a Stainless Finish

Silicone Tongs: MJIYA Silicone Kitchen Tongs (9 inches), High Heat Resistant to 480°F, Stainless Steel with Non-Stick Silicone Tips (9 inches, Red)

More Air Fryer Recipes

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Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken

5 from 15 votes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
20 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings

Description

Air Fryer BBQ Popcorn Chicken –This recipe is a twist on traditional fried chicken and popcorn. It's healthier and more delicious than ever! You can't miss this new take on an old favorite for those who like to be creative. You'll never go back to baking or frying again once you've tried the air fryer method. Get ready for finger-licking good BBQ Popcorn Chicken that won't leave your kitchen smelling like grease!

Ingredients 

Popcorn Chicken:

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 tablespoon Tabasco sauce, 1
  • 1 large egg

BBQ Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground garlic, garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • Start by seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper.  Cut your pieces into 1-inch pieces.
  • Then in a medium-sized bowl, mix the flour and baking powder.
  • In another mixing bowl, blend the buttermilk, tabasco sauce, and egg (combine well) 
  • Dip the chicken into the flour mixture, shake the chicken after you dip it in the flour mixture to get rid of all of the extra flour.
  • Then dip the chicken into the buttermilk mixture, shaking off the excess.
  • Then return the mixture to the flour mixture.
  • As you coat the chicken, either place it in an air fryer basket or Air Fryer tray (both should be sprayed with olive oil, so the chicken doesn't stick, as it is cooking)
  • Once your tray is loaded, being careful not to overcrowd the basket, spray it generously with olive oil spray.
  • Set your air fryer to 400 degrees for 5 minutes, flip them, and cook for another 5 minutes. NOTE: Before you flip them, coat them again with a generous amount of olive oil spray.
  • To prepare the sauce: Mix the ingredients and simmer for about 10 minutes in a small pan.
  • Then add the chicken (cooked) to a large mixing bowl, pour the BBQ sauce over the chicken and toss with tongs to evenly coat.
  • Plate, serve and enjoy!

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 395kcalCarbohydrates: 51gProtein: 31gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 1728mgPotassium: 711mgFiber: 1gSugar: 23gVitamin A: 680IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 286mgIron: 3mg

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