In a bowl, place the bite-sized chicken pieces and pour the buttermilk over them. Ensure all the chicken pieces are well-coated in the buttermilk. This not only adds flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.

In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred level of spiciness), salt, black pepper, and baking powder. Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly.

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.

Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Roll each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Place the coated chicken pieces on a plate or tray.

Lightly mist the air fryer basket with cooking spray or use an oil mister to coat it with a thin layer of olive oil.

Arrange the coated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches if your air fryer has a smaller capacity.

Once the popcorn chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the air fryer and let it cool slightly. Serve your homemade popcorn chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauces.