Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken is amazing! Let’s face it; if you have kids, this is one of the most popular recipes you either make or get take out.

Today, I will show you one of the easiest ways to make homemade Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken so that you can skip the drive-thru!

Today, I made a traditional popcorn chicken that will revival anyone, including the big chains, so if your child (or you) is a big fan of KFC, Chick-Fil-A, McDonald’s, Wendy’s, or even Burger King, you can create this in your own air fryer, saving you some cash and some calories as well.

So, within about 30 minutes, you can have a popular recipe, and it is perfect for any lunch, dinner, snack, or appetizer. Everyone loves popcorn chicken, which is why it’s found at almost every Fast-Food Restaurant in America.

If you are looking for even more Air Fryer Chicken Recipes, some of my favorites are AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE, AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS WITH BUFFALO SAUCE, AIR FRYER HONEY BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS and AIR FRYER WENDY’S SPICY CHICKEN SANDWICH

Popcorn Chicken

If you are unfamiliar with popcorn chicken, all it really is is an American way to serve typically deep-fried chicken bites.

They are usually battered and deep-fried since they usually look like popcorn after being fried. That’s how they got their name.

Popcorn chicken is typically made with diced chicken breast. KFC was the first fast-food restaurant, and it’s really their invention.

Ingredients For Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast
• Milk
• Egg
• All-Purpose Flour
• Bread Crumbs
• Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cooking Spray

How To Make Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray and set aside. Reserve ¼ cup of flour in a small bowl for later use. In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Set aside. In a medium bowl, combine the remaining flour, breadcrumbs and seasonings together until well mixed.

To begin dredging, toss a chicken bite into the bowl of plain flour to evenly coat all sides. Dip the floured chicken piece into the egg mixture, followed by dipping into the breadcrumb mixture to evenly coat. Place the coated chicken piece onto a large plate, and repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the chicken is coated.

Line a layer of dredged chicken pieces onto the bottom of your oiled basket. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken pieces with cooking spray.

Set your air fryer to 380F, air fryer setting, and cook for 10-14 minutes, tossing the chicken halfway through by shaking the basket or using tongs.  Times may vary depending on your air fryer and chicken bite size.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!

Some Pro Tips For Making Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken:

• Spray your basket with cooking spray before adding your chicken. This way, it will not stick. Or use a piece of parchment paper.
• If you want a really crispy coating, add a thin layer of cooking spray over the breading of the chicken. My recommendation is to spray the entire coating. This way, all of it crisps up. Otherwise, you may end up with white spots or dark brown spots.
• Flip halfway, so both sides get equally crispy.

Can you put raw meat in an air fryer?

Yes, the air fryer can cook all types of raw meats.

My advice to you, especially if you are new to cooking or air frying, is that you use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat.

Chicken is to be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F, per the USDA Federal Guidelines.

Do you need to flip the chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, in order to get both sides fully crispy, I recommend that you flip it about 1/2 way during the cooking process.

I find that flipping the chicken, allows it to get crispy on all sides. Use a pair of tongs to flip your chicken.

How long do you cook popcorn chicken in Air Fryer?

The exact time will depend on how big your pieces are and what air fryer you use.

I use 380 degrees F, air fryer setting, and cook for about 10-14 minutes. The key is to flip your chicken halfway so the entire chicken crisps up.

Can you air fry frozen popcorn chicken?

Yes, place the frozen popcorn chicken into the air fryer basket.

Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket several times during the cooking process.

Can you air Fry Tyson popcorn chicken?

Yes, place the frozen popcorn chicken into the air fryer basket.

Set the temperature to 400 degrees F, air fryer setting for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket several times during the cooking process.

Can You Use Chicken Thighs For This Recipe?

Yes, you can easily substitute the boneless and skinless chicken breast for boneless chicken thighs.

The same time and temperature would be used.

How Do You Store Leftover Popcorn Chicken?

If you have any leftover, let it cool to room temperature, then place it into an airtight container.

Place the container into the refrigerator. The leftover popcorn chicken will last about 3 to 4 days.

How Do You Reheat Leftover Popcorn Chicken?

If you have any leftover chicken, my advice for the best and crispiesst popcrocn chicken reheated would eb to spray the chickenw ith cooking sprya.

Place into an air fryer basket and air fry for a few minutes at 350 degrees F, air fyrer setting, until warmed through.

Serving Ideas for Popcorn Chicken

While making these for the kid crowd, I would suggest that you serve them with a large serving of Air Fryer French Fries, but there are so many ways to serve these up. Some of my favorites are:

• Salad, Make your own Homemade Crispy Chicken Salad.
• Sandwich: Nothing is better than a sub, add some marinara sauce on for a quick chicken parmesan sub
• Kebab: Add some vegetables and have a great time
• Rice: Over a bed of Instant Pot Rice, for a quick meal

Some Other Great & Easy Air Fryer Chicken Recipes-

• AIR FRYER TYSON CHICKEN WINGS
• AIR FRYER HONEY BBQ CHICKEN TENDERS
• EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS
• AIR FRYER GENERAL TSO’S CHICKEN RECIPE
• AIR FRYER CHICKEN WINGS WITH BUFFALO SAUCE